Australian Shepherd Breeds News & Entertainment
The Surprising Truth About the Australian Shepherd + 10 Other Dogs Bred Down Under
June Jasper
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If you’re looking for an Australian dog breed, then the Australian Shepherd might not be the right dog, because the breed is actually from… the United States! The herding dog was developed in California in the 1800s as a ranch dog.
However, there are a lot of breeds to love who are native to Down Under, most of which were bred to be working dogs and are very active as a result! If you have an outdoorsy and adventurous lifestyle, then an Australian dog breed might be the perfect dog for you.
Here are the ten Australian dog breeds we just can’t get enough of.
1. Australian Terrier
When terriers first came to Australia from England, they had a hard time with the extreme weather and landscape. So, Australian terrier dog breeds were created to better handle the rugged terrain Down Under – making them the first native breed recognized in Australia! Australian Terriers were first used to chase away snakes for settlers, and to this day, love to chase away small animals. However, they’re easy to train because they love making their owners happy. These dogs are high-energy and people-oriented, but don’t always get along with other dogs and are known to be territorial.
2. Silky Terrier
Don’t get this Australian terrier breed confused for the miniature Yorkshire terrier! This dog has a fine, long coat just like a Yorkie, but is more equipped for the rugged Australian terrain. In the early 1900s, the Yorkie’s silky coat was a common request from future dog owners in Sydney, so the Yorkie was bred with the Australian Terrier, and the Silky Terrier was born! While they might look similar to their ancestors, you can tell the difference because of their size. Silky Terriers are smaller than Australian Terriers, but bigger than Yorkies. Because of their coat, Silky Terriers require more grooming, and their blue and tan coats would benefit from a weekly brushing. While Silky Terriers love people, they’re more reserved around strangers and don’t make great lapdogs. However, they are active, independent, and very vocal.
3. Australian Cobberdog
Australia’s version of the labradoodle was developed in the 1990s as the ultimate therapy dog. Their hypoallergenic wavy coats come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. They’re highly intelligent dogs and easy to train. They love to learn new tricks – plus they have a sweet disposition and don’t bark very much! Australian Cobberdogs are extremely loving, making them the ideal companion – even outside of the Outback.
4. Bull Arab
This medium-sized, muscular dog is also known as the Australian pig dog. Bred to locate feral pigs from far away, this short haired dog makes for a very loyal family pet. While they’re beloved hunting dogs in Australia, they’re rare outside their home country. However, they would feel right at home in the United States! Even though Bull Arabs are strong and aggressive while hunting, they have sweet personalities with calm temperaments. They’re highly intelligent dogs, making them easy to train as well!
5. Tenterfield Terrier
Known for their short, white coats with black and tan markings, these descendents of the Foxhound were brought to New South Wales in the 1800s and were bred to chase away rats. Because of their origins, this energetic Australian terrier breed requires more exercise and does better in a single pet home. However, they make for a very loyal and playful companion.
6. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle dogs are a highly intelligent dog breed with red fur and blue, gray, and tan coloring. In the 1800s, English settlers bred hedging dogs with wild dingos to make these working dogs better equipped for the heat. These working dogs ultimately helped contribute to the growth of the Australian beef industry! Because of their herding instinct, Australian cattle dog breeds require a lot of exercise, and can become destructive if they get bored. Known for their stamina, they prefer to spend time outside and are happier when they have a job to do. While nervous around strangers, Australian Cattle Dogs are very loyal to their families and are eager to please.
7. Australian Kelpie
These black or brown dogs are similar to Australian Cattle Dogs, but are more mild-mannered and not as smart. However, they thrive on hard work and are very alert. Bred as a herding dog, Australian Kelpies were a result of Scottish border coolies mixing with wild dingos, producing a sturdier dog who would manage the Australian terrain well. These working dogs are very active and have a lot of stamina. They’re the perfect family pet for an active household, since they love the outdoors. If you love hiking or exploring the outdoors, than an Australian Kelpie is the perfect dog for you.
8. Koolie
Koolies resemble the Collie in both name and looks, and there’s a good reason for that. These silent herding dogs were bred from imported British working dogs in the early 1800s. The herding instinct in these dogs is strong, since it’s their nature to tend to sheep flocks and to bring missing sheep back to their owners. Koolies are highly intelligent and easy to train. Their patient nature and warm personalities make them an excellent family member. Because Koolies were bred as herding dogs, they require a lot of room and love to play.
9. Miniature Fox Terrier
This small, lightweight vermin chaser was originally bred to control rodent infestations in Australia, making this dog breed from Australia a fast and agile pup with a strong, athletic build. Miniature Fox Terriers are a great family pet because they’re very playful and love children. Even though they’re very energetic, they’re surprisingly low maintenance!
10. Australian Bulldog
Like most dog breeds from Australia, this highly intelligent breed was created to help another breed adapt to the harsh heat down under. Because of their short snouts, English Bulldogs struggled in the sun, so they were crossbred with Bull Arabs to create this resilient bulldog breed. While Australian bulldogs are more active than their English counterparts, they still make for a great family pet!
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