Harley & Co at the National Dog Breeding Conference!

The Science of the Human-Dog Relationship

At this year’s Australian Dog Breeders Conference, Dr Pauleen Bennett from La Trobe University shared fascinating insights into what Australians truly want in their four-legged family members.

What Australians Value in a Dog

According to research spanning 2009–2024, Australian families overwhelmingly prefer dogs that are:

• Sociable, affectionate and friendly

• Safe with children (95%)

• Physically healthy and long-lived (95%)

• Calm, compliant and easy to manage

• Fully housetrained and reliable (93%)

• Enjoy being hugged, petted and part of everyday life (93%)

Simply put, we love dogs who love us back and fit harmoniously into family life.

Why Dogs Matter So Much

Dr Bennett’s decades of research in anthrozoology show that dogs are more than pets — they’re companions who boost our wellbeing, lower stress and bring comfort and joy. Her Monash Dog–Owner Relationship Scale measures the emotional closeness between people and their dogs, proving just how deeply bonded we’ve become.

Dogs aren’t just good for our hearts — they’re good for our minds.

The Role of Ethical Breeders

Dr Bennett emphasised that good breeders perform a critical public-health service. They raise the dogs that keep Australians mentally well, reduce shelter intakes and bring happiness to thousands of homes.

Her message was clear.

Why Cavoodles Are Australia’s Perfect Match

It’s easy to see why the Cavoodle continues to shine as one of Australia’s most loved breeds. They tick every box that Dr Bennett’s research identified:

• Affectionate and family-friendly: Cavoodles thrive on human connection and adore children.

• Intelligent and compliant: Their Poodle heritage makes training easy and rewarding.

• Gentle and calm: They bring comfort and emotional support to homes of all kinds.

• Adaptable and sociable: Happy in apartments or backyards, they suit Australia’s modern lifestyle.

• Healthy and long-lived: Responsible breeders focus on genetic health and sound temperaments.

A Word from Harley & Co Cavoodles

At Harley & Co, we couldn’t agree more with Dr Bennett’s conclusion:

“Good breeders deserve the highest regard for the care, expertise and love they invest in every puppy.”

Every Cavoodle we raise is bred with this philosophy in mind — combining science, ethics and affection to nurture confident, happy, healthy family companions who truly embody the ideal Australian dog.