When it came to names, the most popular were all human names, rather than dog names such as Spot or Patches.
Max was top of the table and Bella was second.
Meanwhile, Labrador retrievers are the most commonly registered dog with the New Zealand Kennel Club.
In 2014, 671 Labrador retrievers were registered with the club, up from 688 in 2013.
Club director Peter Dunne said the dogs' placid nature ensured their continued popularity.
"They're good natured and child-friendly so they make good family pets," he said.
German shepherds with stock coats were the second most popular breed. In 2014, 545 were registered and, in 2013, 617 were registered.
"A lot of people like the idea of having a bit of security around their home, which German shepherds are pretty good for," Mr Dunne said.
"They're also pretty friendly dogs so they make good family pets as well."
Staffordshire bull terriers, bulldogs and border collies also featured in the club's top five most common breeds.
Mr Dunne said even dogs that weren't typically as placid as Labrador retrievers could make good pets.
"There's no such thing as a bad dog, there's only bad owners."
