If you’re considering adding an Australian dog to your family, you’ll find a wide variety of available breeds.
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 15 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 Australian dog breeds 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 exercises, 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 breeds 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 exercises 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. Originally, this Australian dog breed was 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 today they make great family pets. 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. Dingo
The Dingo is a medium-sized wild Australian dog breeds. The Dingo’s coat is usually red or tan and has a bushy tail. Dingoes are intelligent, can be trained to perform tricks, and are good hunters.
7. 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 also one of 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.
8. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is another popular Australian dog breeds. 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 fond of spending time outdoors, consider adopting an Australian Cattle Dog.
9. 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 exercises, so they are not well suited for apartment living.
10. Tenterfield Terrier
The Tenterfield Terrier is a small to medium-sized Australian dog breeds that were 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 require moderate exercise and grooming and are generally healthy dogs aged 12-15 years. Some common health problems include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and elbow dysplasia.
11. Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a versatile and energetic herding dog that is most 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 also 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.
12. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog originally bred in England in the 1800s. They were originally bred as hunting dogs and still retain those instincts today. Jack Russells are intelligent, active, and playful dogs that need a lot of exercise and stimulation.
They can be stubborn and willful, but they are also loving and affectionate with their families. These dogs do best in homes with older children and adults who can provide them with physical and mental stimulation.
In homes with younger children or infants, it’s recommended that another dog be brought into the home.
13. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a popular Australian dog breed. These dogs are known for their intelligence and loyalty and make great family pets.
Border Collies are medium-sized dogs with long coats that can be either black and white or brown and white.
Active dogs need plenty of exercises and excel at sports such as flyball, agility, and obedience. They were first bred in the border country between England and Scotland, and the Border Collie has become one of the best-known Australian dog breeds.
They are characterized by their intelligence, friendliness, and high energy levels. This dog has been used to herd sheep since the 19th century.
The Australian population of this breed has developed distinctive markings which come in two variations: blue merle or red merle.
Border Collies have evolved into all-purpose farm animal working dogs capable of handling livestock tasks. They can herd livestock out of pens, sort animals by sex, and bring newborns to mother animals during birthing periods.
14. Maltese
The Maltese are small, pure white dogs with long, silky hair. They are gentle and loving and make great lap dogs. Maltese are also known for being very intelligent and easy to train.
They are among the most popular Australian dog breeds and make great family pets. Maltese need to be regularly groomed because they have fur that mats easily. Not being groomed regularly can lead to skin problems such as hot spots or yeast infections.
Maltese do well living in any home environment as long as it’s not too big or active. They do best with older children and enjoy being around people, so they should be included in family activities whenever possible.
15. 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 will rarely attack humans. These energetic little dogs need plenty of exercises, 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 Silky Terriers are 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.
Conclusion
Any of these 15 Australian Dog Breeds will make an excellent and cherished family member. They are well-known for their friendly dispositions and love of adventure, and they’re sure to turn heads when you take them for a walk!
