10 Australian Dog Breeds You Should Know
Australia is a country known for its beauty and friendly people. When you think of Australia, you might think of kangaroos and koalas. But Australia has also given us amazing dog breeds.
You might know some of these dog breeds from Australia. But there might be a few you’ve never heard of. You might be surprised not to find the Australian Shepherd on the list. This is because the Australian Shepherd doesn’t come from Australia but was developed in the United States.
The 10 Australian Dog Breeds
1. Australian Cattle Dog
| Size: | Medium |
| Weight: | 33–49 pounds |
| Coat: | Short double coat |
| Colors: | Blue, blue mottled, blue speckled, red mottled, red speckled |
| Temperament: | Loyal & affectionate to its owners; cautious around strangers |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
The Australian Cattle Dog is a herding breed made to move cattle long distances. It’s medium-sized, with a short, double coat. This breed is smart, energetic, and likes to do things on its own.
This breed is often called a Cattle Dog. It’s strong and loves to learn. A Cattle Dog gets attached to its family and protects them.
This dog needs lots of exercise and mental challenges to stay happy. If you have a big space and can keep up with an active dog, this might be the right breed for you.
2. Australian Kelpie
Image Credit: Pixabay
| Size: | Medium |
| Weight: | 29–42 pounds |
| Coat: | Short double coat |
| Colors: | Black, black and tan, chocolate, chocolate and tan, blue, blue and tan, fawn, fawn and tan |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, easy to train, loyal to their family |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
The Australian Kelpie or Kelpie is a medium-sized sheepdog. It’s been exported worldwide for herding. The Kelpie is smart, energetic, and can herd without much help.
The Kelpie loves to work. If you’re thinking of getting one, remember they get bored easily. But they’re easy to train with positive reinforcement.
3. Australian Silky Terrier
Image Credit: Pixabay
| Size: | Small |
| Weight: | 8–10 pounds |
| Coat: | Straight, long, and glossy |
| Colors: | Blue and tan, black and tan, gray and tan, silver and tan, silver, black and tan |
| Temperament: | Friendly, inquisitive, alert, joyful, quick |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small, lively dog. It has a big personality and loves people. This breed is tough and confident.
Underneath its feisty exterior, the Silky is a loving and loyal dog. It does well in apartments if it gets enough exercise. But, it does bark a lot, so apartment dwellers should be aware.
The Silky has a beautiful, silky coat that looks like human hair. It’s elegant but bold, defending its space from intruders. This dog is a true terrier, loving to chase and bark.
It’s important to keep the Silky on a leash in open areas. It might chase after cats, squirrels, or other dogs. This breed is quick and can easily disappear if it sees something small.
4. Bull Arab
| Size: | Medium to large |
| Weight: | 60–95 pounds |
| Coat: | Short double coat |
| Colors: | White with black, liver, tan, or brindle patches |
| Temperament: | Calm, highly intelligent, loyal, easily trainable |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
The Bull Arab is a dog bred for hunting pigs. It’s a calm, intelligent dog that’s easy to train. This breed is great for hunting, guarding, and farm work.
It’s an independent dog that’s even-tempered and kind. Originally bred to hunt wild pigs, it’s also known as the Australian Pig Dog or Aussie Pig Dog.
The Bull Arab is strong, fast, and can go for a long time without getting tired. It’s mainly found in Australia, where it works as a working dog for hunting wild pigs and other animals.
This breed is loyal, kind, and even-tempered. It makes a great guard dog and companion. However, it needs lots of exercise every day to stay happy and well-behaved.
5. Koolie
Image Credit: Pixabay
| Size: | Medium |
| Weight: | 33–49 pounds |
| Coat: | Short double coat |
| Colors: | Black, red, chocolate, black and white, red and white, tri-colored red or black with white markings and brown points |
| Temperament: | Sweet-natured, devoted, active |
| Lifespan: | 12–18 years |
The Australian Koolie, or Koolie, is a working dog known for herding sheep and cattle. It’s sweet-natured and devoted to its owners, making it a great family pet.
This breed is less than 200 years old. It was created by crossing a blue merle Collie with a black and tan Collie. The name comes from German immigrants who called the dogs “coolies.”
Koolies may seem shy at first but are actually patient, loyal, and dedicated. They love their work and their owners.
Koolies are full of energy and love to walk, run, and play. They’re perfect for running partners and enjoy activities like hiking and swimming.
If you have space and time for activities, a Koolie could be a great pet for you.
6. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
| Size: | Medium |
| Weight: | 32–45 pounds |
| Coat: | Medium length to short |
| Colors: | Red or blue speckled |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, loyal, obedient, devoted, alert, courageous |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, or Stumpy, has a naturally docked tail. It’s also known as the Stumpy Tailed Heeler.
The Stumpy is intelligent and alert, with prickled ears and long legs. It’s responsive to its owner and reserved with strangers. It needs lots of physical activity.
The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog excels in dog agility, obedience, and herding events. It requires consistent training and activity. It’s a great family dog for active families.
This breed isn’t for apartment living. It needs space to run free. If you have lots of space, the Stumpy could be a great companion.
7. Tenterfield Terrier
| Size: | Small |
| Weight: | 7–10 pounds |
| Coat: | Short |
| Colors: | Tri-color, black and white |
| Temperament: | Eager, confident, loyal, bold, fearless, alert |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
The Tenterfield Terrier breed came from Miniature Fox Terriers that went to Australia in the 19th century. This breed is small and loves to run, jump, and play. It’s perfect for families.
The Tenterfield Terrier is friendly, smart, and bold, despite its size. It needs a big yard to play in. Training can be tough but positive reinforcement works well.
It’s best for active owners who enjoy outdoor activities. The Tenterfield Terrier doesn’t do well in apartments, even though it’s small.
8. Miniature Fox Terrier
| Size: | Small |
| Weight: | 7–10 pounds |
| Coat: | Short |
| Colors: | Black, white, brown and tan |
| Temperament: | Loyal, friendly, courageous, inquisitive, bold |
| Lifespan: | 12–18 years |
In Australia, the Miniature Fox Terrier is known as the Mini Foxie. It’s a small, working terrier bred for hunting and controlling vermin.
Mini Foxies are the smaller cousins of the Fox Terrier. They’re faster and have a stronger hunting instinct.
These dogs love adventure and are brave and full of energy. They need training to prevent them from hunting for fun. They also enjoy playing and exploring new things.
The Mini Foxie wants to be outside as much as possible. It loves to run, play, and explore. This breed is great for active families with kids.
9. Australian Labradoodle
| Size: | Medium |
| Weight: | 15–25 pounds |
| Coat: | Medium-length soft fleece, wool, or hair |
| Colors: | Chalk, cream, apricot, gold, red, black, blue, silver |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, social, comical, gentle, playful |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
The Australian Labradoodle was created in the 1980s. It was made to be a service dog that’s allergy and asthma-friendly.
This breed combines a Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, and Labrador Retriever. It’s very smart and friendly, perfect for families. It loves to please and gets lots of attention.
Australian Labradoodles are great therapy dogs because they’re smart and gentle. With training and socialization, they get along well with everyone.
This dog loves to play and cuddle with its owners. It’s sweet and has a coat that’s good for people with allergies. It does well in apartments or homes if it gets enough exercise.
10. Australian Terrier
| Size: | Small |
| Weight: | 14–16 pounds |
| Coat: | Medium harsh textured |
| Colors: | Blue and tan, red, sand |
| Temperament: | Loyal, even-tempered, alert, spirited, courageous |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
The Australian Terrier, or Aussie, is a small, confident terrier. It’s great at watching over its family. It loves the outdoors and chasing small animals.
The Aussie comes from many terrier breeds. It was made to fight snakes and rodents.
This dog doesn’t like to be left out and wants to be part of the family. It’s loyal and even-tempered, making it a great family pet. It loves to play and go on adventures.
Its small size and low-shedding coat make it perfect for apartment living. If you’re looking for a loyal watchdog, the Australian Terrier is a great choice