The Fascinating World of Australian Dogs: 9 Breeds from Down Under

Australian Cattle Dog

Often called blue heelers, these dogs are known for their work drive and signature heel-nipping of cattle. The first cattle dogs brought to Australia came from England but couldn't handle the extreme climate and vast, arid land. They were bred with other breeds, including wild dingoes, to become tough, tenacious, and intelligent cattle dogs.

This breed isn't for novice owners or those with a sedentary lifestyle. They're driven, athletic, and energetic dogs. They are best suited for being outside much of the day, given a job to do, or participating in dog sports. They excel at agility and flyball.

Their incredible intelligence, loyalty, and eagerness to please make them readily responsive to positive training methods. Because of their herding nature, you may need to work on curbing inappropriate chasing and herding behaviors.

Australian cattle dogs were bred with Australian shepherds to create a hybrid called the Texas Heeler.

Australian Terrier

Like the blue heeler, the Aussie terrier descended from working vermin hunters from Britain. Those terriers struggled with Australia's extreme weather and landscapes, resulting in a hardy Aussie terrier full of fearlessness and self-determination in a more rugged little package with an easy-to-maintain coat.

They were the first native breed officially recognized in Australia and remain popular today for their people-oriented nature and spunky personality. They're high-energy terriers that are affectionate and smart. Aussie terriers are strong-willed with a high prey drive and have a passion for digging but don't always get along with other dogs.

Silky Terrier

It's easy to mistake the silky terrier for the more well-known and smaller Yorkshire terrier. They're closely related: the Yorkie was one of the main breeds used to develop the silky in Australia in the early 20th century. This breed is smaller and less rugged than the Aussie terrier and has a fine, long coat similar to a Yorkie's.

Silkies are people-oriented but shouldn't be mistaken for lapdogs. They're active, independent, and very bright. True to their terrier lineage, they will require training and an outlet for their desire to dig.

They have a strong prey drive, a propensity to be vocal, and a tendency to act reserved around strangers. Their coat will need more grooming than the rough-coated Aussie terrier.

Australian Kelpie

The kelpie, another Australian dog breed, has many desirable traits. This is a sheep-driving breed developed similarly to the Australian cattle dog. They descend from Scottish border collies and were crossbred with dingoes to produce a hardy working dog.

Although they share many traits with the Australian cattle dog, the smaller kelpie is more mild-mannered, less intense, and not as whip-smart. They're not suited to sedentary households. They have a strong desire to herd and work, are incredibly active, and possess great stamina.

Tenterfield Terrier

Like the silky and the Aussie terrier, the Tenterfield terrier descended from vermin-killing terriers brought to Australia by British settlers to Australia. This breed closely resembles the Jack Russell or the toy fox terrier and is rare to see outside Australia.

These terriers were extensively bred in and around Tenterfield, a town in New South Wales. They're closely related to the miniature fox terrier, another Aussie native; the two breeds are easily confused.

They are friendly, adaptable, bold, loyal, and playful. These canines often have a high prey drive, an independent streak, and can be feisty. The Australian National Kennel Council recognizes the breed but not the AKC.

Dingo

Dingoes are one of the world's oldest dog breeds and a well-known Australian breed. Their fossils date back more than 3,000 years. Modern-day dingoes are similar to their ancestors in shape and wild temperament; they haven't undergone selective breeding.

There is still much controversy around dingo taming and domestication, the potential impact on the wild population, and their suitability as pets. They are illegal to own in parts of Australia.

If kept as pets, it is best to have raised them from a puppy. These independent, intelligent dogs need plenty of space, exercise, and stimulation. They rarely bark but can roam and form strong bonds with their pack. They're easily distressed if separated from their pack or if their routine changes.

Koolie

The Koolie is a working or herding dog that has existed in Australia since the early 19th century, when they were bred from imported British working dogs. Their name is likely derived from "collie, " and they closely resemble border collies.

The Koolie is primarily a brilliant herding dog with an instinct to circle widely around sheep and bring them back to their owner. Koolies are silent, upright working dogs. They are patient, loyal, agile, and warm. They are also helpful in minding the flock during the lamb-birthing season or wool-collecting time.

Miniature Fox Terrier

The miniature fox terrier is a small, fine, lightweight working terrier developed as a hunting dog and vermin chaser. In Australia, they're called the mini foxie.

This Australian dog breed closely resembles the American toy fox terrier, Jack Russell, or rat terrier. These dogs were bred to root out rats. They're agile, fast, and fun-spirited. They make great pets for families with children and the elderly.

Bull Arab

Commonly called the Australian pig dog, the bull Arab is a pig-hunting dog developed to locate pigs from miles away, pull them to the ground, and hold them down by the ear. Their name was derived from their ancestors: bull terriers and sighthound saluki, a Middle Eastern dog.

This dog is medium to large, short-haired, and muscular as well as make loyal family dogs.