You’ll find various available breeds if you’re considering adding an Australian dog to your family.
While some breeds are more popular, the most well-known ones have earned this recognition through their unique personalities and outstanding abilities.
Here are the 11 most popular and well-known Australian dog breeds.
This list includes information about their personality traits and average life spans to help you choose a suitable dog.
1. Koolie
The Koolie is medium to large and one of the most popular Australian dog breeds. They are a versatile breed that can be used for herding, working, and as a family pet. Koolies are known for their high energy levels and loyalty to their family.
The history of the Koolie goes back to the 1800s when they were bred by cross-breeding local dogs with English Collies. Although they have been around for quite some time, they are still relatively unknown outside Australia.
2. Australian Cobberdog
The Australian Cobberdog is a new breed developed in the early 21st century. The breed was created by crossing the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, the Standard Poodle, and the Curly-Coated Retriever.
The resulting breed is a loyal, friendly, intelligent dog that makes a great family pet. Cobberdogs are active dogs that need plenty of exercise, so they are best suited for families with an active lifestyle. These dogs should not be left unattended outside or let out on their own.
Cobberdogs are very people-oriented and can make excellent therapy dogs because of their gentle nature. They require moderate grooming to keep their coats looking healthy and prevent matting from occurring.
Cobbers tend to have a lifespan of 10-14 years but will not reach full maturity until about two years old. They require regular trips to the veterinarian for health care checks and dental cleanings every six months or as needed.
3. Australian Staghound
The Staghound is a popular Australian dog breed because of its hunting skills. This breed is part of the Hound group and was originally bred to hunt deer and other game. The Staghound can stand up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 100 pounds.
This breed is muscular and has a short, dense coat, typically black, tan, or brindle in color. The Staghound is an active breed that needs plenty of exercise and running space.
This breed is also known for being independent, loyal, and affectionate with its family. Training this breed requires patience because they are stubborn and can be dominant.
4. Miniature Fox Terrier
The Miniature Fox Terrier is a small, active, intelligent dog breed. This Australian dog breed was originally used for hunting; the Miniature Fox Terrier is now a popular companion dog. The breed is also known as the Toy Fox Terrier in some countries.
They are good with children and make excellent watchdogs. The Miniature Fox Terrier is a small, active, intelligent dog breed. Bred originally in Australia as a hunting dog, the Miniature Fox Terrier is now a popular companion dog.
They are good with children and make excellent watchdogs. The average life expectancy of a Miniature Fox Terrier is 12-14 years.
5. Bull Arab
The Bull Arab is a cross between an English Bull Terrier and an Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. They were originally bred for hunting, but they make great family pets today. They are loyal, protective, and gentle with children.
Bull Arabs need plenty of exercise and do their best in a home with a large yard. While the breed can live outdoors, it prefers to be inside the house with its family. These dogs can vary in coloration, so there is sure to be one that matches your preference.
6. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a popular breed Down Under. These pups are known for their short tails and their herding abilities.
They are among the most versatile dog breeds, as they can be trained for various tasks. The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a great option if you’re looking for an Australian dog breed.
In addition to being easy to train, these dogs have lots of energy and love being outside with their owners.
7. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is another popular Australian dog breed. Originally bred as a working dog on farms, this energetic and intelligent animal thrives on physical activity. They also make great companions thanks to their strong work ethic and tendency to bond closely with their owners.
Like many Australian dog breeds, these animals are known for their loyalty and love of physical activity. If you want a dog that is fond of spending time outdoors, consider adopting an Australian Cattle Dog.
8. Australian Kangaroo Dog
The Australian Kangaroo Dog is a medium-sized, short-haired Australian dog breed developed to hunt kangaroos. The breed is the Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, or Queensland Heeler.
They are intelligent, hardworking, and loyal dogs that make great family pets. Australian Kangaroo Dogs are active and need plenty of exercise, so they are not well suited for apartment living.
9. Tenterfield Terrier
The Tenterfield Terrier is a small to medium-sized Australian dog breed originally bred for hunting. This breed is known for being very intelligent, affectionate, and loyal, and they make great family pets and are good with children.
Tenterfield Terriers are generally healthy dogs aged 12-15 and require moderate exercise and grooming. Some common health problems include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and elbow dysplasia.
10. Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a versatile and energetic herding dog often used on sheep and cattle farms. They are also excellent working dogs in many other settings, such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and assistance dogs.
They are highly intelligent and trainable but can be willful and stubborn if not given enough structure and leadership. The Australian Kelpie sheds little to no hair, making them an ideal breed for allergy sufferers.
11. Australian Silky Terrier
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small, elegant Australian dog breed. They are friendly, outgoing dogs that make great companion animals. Silky Terriers are also known for being very intelligent and easily trained.
Silky Terriers’ most popular activities include agility, obedience, and tracking. These bright-eyed terriers love to learn new tricks and excel at competitions like these.
The Silky Terrier can be quite territorial when guarding their family, but they rarely attack humans. These energetic little dogs need plenty of exercise, so it’s important to provide them with daily walks or trips to the park.
It may be difficult to housebreak a Silky Terrier because they are so stubborn; that’s why it is usually avoided.
It’s not uncommon for owners to have multiple training sessions per day with these strong-willed pups to teach them appropriate behavior. Silky Terriers require moderate grooming, including brushing their long coats every other day or as needed.
