Australia is a country with a rich dog culture.
There are many different types of Australian dog breeds, and each one has its own unique set of characteristics.
This blog post will introduce 15 of the most popular Australian dog breeds. Whether you’re an outback enthusiast or just looking for some interesting information about Australian dogs, you’ll find what you’re looking for here!
15. Bull Arabs
Due to the name, most people believe that Bull Arabs are native to the Middle East.
Bull Arabs originate from Australia and were bred as hunting dogs. They are a cross between the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and the Australian Bull Terrier. The name “Bull Arab” is a combination of the two breeds that were used to create this new breed.
The Bull Arab is a large, athletic dog with a short coat that comes in a variety of colors. They have a strong, muscular build and are known for being intelligent, obedient, and loyal.
Bull Arabs make great family pets and are also used as working dogs in many different fields.
14. Australian Cobberdog (Labradoodle)
The Australian Cobberdog is a unique Australian breed of dog that is a cross between an Australian Cattle Dog and a Labrador Retriever. The breed was developed in the early 2000s by an Australian dog breeder, Denise Cornejo.
The Cobberdog is a medium sized dog with a compact body and short coat. They can be any color, but are most commonly black or chocolate brown.
Cobberdogs are active dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. They are intelligent and trainable, but can also be stubborn and headstrong. Like their parents, they are loyal and protective of their family and home.
13. Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is another native breed with massive success around the world. It is considered by many owners especially in the livestock rearing industry as one of the best herding breeds there is.
This has a lot to do with the alert, confident, and firm nature of the breed. This makes them good with both large animals like cattle and smaller options like sheep and goats. They are also very resilient and will remain on the lookout as long as the herd is roaming.
12. Australian Dingo
The Australian Dingo is actually a wild dog that is very rarely kept as a companion pet. This is due to their predisposition to violent behavior especially if they are not used to or comfortable with human company.
The few that are domesticated tend to be very independent and outdoorsy and are difficult to bond with on a pet-owner level.
Furthermore, special permits may be required to keep them as pets in different parts of Australia and the world.
11. Australian Silky Terrier
As the name suggests, this breed is known for its beautiful, glossy coat. In addition to aesthetics, this coat stands out as being hypoallergenic which has done wonders for the dog’s popularity in Australia and beyond.
They are also popular for their sweet personalities. The social dog get along with pretty much anyone who will treat them kindly. They just need some attention and regular exercise and they will be happy little troopers.
10. Australian Staghound
While other hunting dogs around the world suffer due to reduced demand, the Australian Staghound is thriving especially in their home country. This is mainly due to their high intelligence, adaptability, and subsequent versatility.
Today, they are often kept as companion pets where their laid-back personality and loyalty come in very handy. They are also quite athletic making them awesome for hunting as well as dog sports. Finally, they can be trained for use as guard dogs as they are very brave and naturally wary of strangers.
9. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
This breed is very closely related to the Australian Cattle Dog. The stumpy tail variety is often referred to as a heeler breed due to the herding technique shared with the famous Australian cattle dog breed.
The stumpy tail variety is naturally tailless or may have a very short, bobby tail. In addition to this main difference, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is more compact and proportional and lacks blue coat markings present in its close relative.
8. Australian Kangaroo Dog
No, this is not a mixed breed with a kangaroo. They get their name from their historic use as sighthounds used to hunt Kangaroos.
It takes a very brave, agile, and strong dog to take on the powerful kangaroos and this breed is more than up to the task. However, they are rarely used as hunting dogs today and are instead commonly kept for dog races and as companions.
7. Halls Heeler
It is common even among experts to get the Halls Heeler confused with the Australian Cattle Dog. Some people even discount their legitimacy as two separate breeds believing them to be variations of the same dog.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. It all boils down to the history of the breeds.
The Halls Heeler was developed by mixing local herding breeds with tamed dingoes. The Halls Heeler breed was then refined by both mixed and selective breeding to give the stumpy tail and standard cattle dog varieties.
6. Koolie
This is a cool-looking dog and yes, that pun was very much intended.
Their aesthetic is nothing short of mesmerizing with the merle and the tricolor varieties.
However, it is not this but the physical capabilities that make it such a popular breed in Australia. The dogs are known for their agility and endurance. This comes in handy not only in herding work but also in dog shows where they are regular contenders.
5. Tenterfield Terrier
Technically speaking, the Tenterfield Terrier is not actually from Australia originally. They were actually brought to the continent by explorers from South England. In spite of their foreign origin, they have become such a huge part of Australian dog culture that they are considered Australian dogs.
The breed today is more often than not kept as a companion for its friendliness, adaptability to apartment spaces, and generally low maintenance nature.
4. Miniature Fox Terrier
Though very similar in appearance, function, and even temperament to the Tenterfield Terrier, the Mini Fox Terrier is a completely different dog breed.
There are also a few differences in terms of their personality with the miniature fox terrier being considered a more companionable option. They are very social, loyal, and affectionate with young children.
However, they do not get along with smaller pets due to their vermin hunting history.
3. Cavoodle
The Cavoodle is easily one of Australia’s most popular dog breeds despite being a mixed pooch. They are adored for their high intelligence, social nature, and heart-melting levels of cuteness.
As with any other mixed breed dog, it is quite difficult to describe the aesthetics of a cavoodle. However, whether it has curly poodle fur or a straight cavalier coat, they are undeniably beautiful.
They are also healthier and generally easier to maintain than their parent breeds making them the best of both worlds and then some.
2. Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier may have been developed in Australia but it has close relatives including the Skye Terrier in Scotland and the Irish Terrier from Ireland.
These little pups pack quite a punch in terms of their feisty personality. They are also quite brave and have been known to pick fights even with bigger breeds and adult humans when they feel threatened or in a bid to protect their human companions.
1. Australian Cattle Dog
This breed is often mistaken for the Australian Shepherd which is not only a completely different dog but also ironically not from Australia.
The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the most popular breeds not only in the country but also from the country in other parts of the world. The confident breed is known for its unique herding technique where it would gently nibble at the heels of wayward livestock to get them back to the flock.
Related Questions
What Is Australia’s Top Breed Of Dog?
The Cavoodle is Australia’s top breed of dog in 2020 according to different surveys. It is popular mainly for its cute aesthetic and its lapdog personality which makes it awesome for families especially those with children. The small and adaptable dogs also do really well in apartment settings further increasing their popularity.
What Is The Most Expensive Dog In Australia?
The Tibetan Mastiff is the most expensive dog in Australia. Puppies in the country cost between $2,000 and $8,000 depending on the breeder and the supply trends for the very rare breed. In addition to the high purchase cost, maintenance, in general, is quite expensive for these dogs due to their size and related health issues.
What Is The Cheapest Dog Breed In Australia?
The Weimaraner is one of the cheapest dog breeds in Australia. It is also one of the most popular due to its friendliness and low maintenance needs. A puppy will cost an average of $700 but could go up to $1,500 with some breeders. Their popularity in the country also means that getting rescues for free or lower cost adoption is also an option.
