AUSSIE dog breeds are out of favour as sometimes freaky foreign canines dominate as must-have mutts.
Kelpies, cattle dogs and even clever and cute Australian silky terriers are no longer the canines of choice, the Herald Sun reports.
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Instead, German fitz, shiba inu, Finnish lapphund, Chinese crested, Hungarian viszlas and Siberian huskies are among those becoming favourites.
Australian National Kennel Council animal registration figures over more than two decades show dogs suffer from fads like any other fashion accessory, and all breeds fall in and out of favour.
"Fashion has been a major decider in the choice of dogs, even dating back to the '60s and early '70s when Afghan hounds were all the rage for the Flower Power generation," said Lyndall Black, chair of DOGS Victoria marketing committee and an all-breeds judge.
Smaller yards and apartment lifestyles, relaxed import regulations and easily accessed detailed data on characteristics specific to canine breeds also influence the type of dogs Australians are now selecting.
"Even movies play a role, with 101 Dalmatians, The Shaggy Dog (bearded collie) and Turner & Hooch (dogue de Bordeaux) creating short-term popularity among some breeds," Ms Black said.
"Many families don't wish to deprive their children of the joy of having a dog so select smaller varieties as more economical, like dachshunds, Jack Russells and cocker spaniels.
"Healthy lifestyles need healthy companions and many of the athletic breeds, such as Hungarian viszlas and Siberian huskies, are seen running with their owners around Melbourne's parklands."
Jordan Morley, 20, chose Chinese crested Misty, 2, over other breeds because the dog is "unusual and different".
"They are cute, obviously, but they have a different personality to any other dog, "Ms Morley said.
"They are the clowns of the canine world and Misty loves me unconditionally."
Read more on the Herald Sun.
