9 Australian Dog Breeds That Originated Down Under

Australian Cattle Dog

Also often referred to as blue heelers, these dogs are famous for their working drive and trademark heel-nipping of cattle. The first cattle dogs to be introduced to Australia came from England. They weren't suited to the extreme temperatures and vast, arid terrain they had to cover. They were crossed with other breeds, including wild dingoes, to develop into hardy, tenacious, and brilliant cattle dogs.

This breed isn't for a novice owner or one who leads 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 mixed with Australian shepherds to create a hybrid breed called the Texas Heeler.

Australian Terrier

Like the blue heeler, the Aussie terrier descended from working vermin hunters that came from Britain. Those terriers struggled to cope with the extremes of Australian weather and landscapes. The result was 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 to be officially recognized in Australia. They remain popular today for their people-orientated nature and spunky personality. They're a high-energy terrier that is 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 with the more well-known and more miniature Yorkshire terrier. They're closely related: the Yorkie was one of the main breeds that developed the silky in Australia in the early 20th century. This breed is smaller and less rugged than an Aussie terrier and has a fine, long coat similar to a Yorkie.

Silkies are people-orientated but are not to 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 also 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 is another one of the Australian dog breeds with many desirable characteristics. This is a sheep-driving breed that was developed much like the Australian cattle dog. They are descended from Scottish border collies and were crossbred with dingoes to produce a hardy working dog.

They share many traits with the Australian cattle dog, but the smaller kelpie is more mild-mannered, less intense, and not as whip-smart. They aren't suited to a sedentary household. They have a strong desire to herd and work, are incredibly active, and have lots of stamina.

Tenterfield Terrier

Like the silky and the Aussie terrier, the Tenterfield terrier descended from vermin-killing terriers brought over 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 bred extensively in and around Tenterfield, a New South Wales town. 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 oldest dog breeds in the world, and a well-known Australian dog breed. Their fossils date back more than 3,000 years. Modern-day dingoes remain close to their ancestors in terms of shape and wild temperament; they haven't undergone selective breeding.

There's still a lot of controversy surrounding dingo taming and domestication, the impact it could have on the wild population, and their suitability as pets. They are illegal to own in certain parts of Australia.

If kept as pets, it is best to have raised them from a puppy. These independent, intelligent dogs need a lot of space, exercise, and stimulation. They rarely bark but can be prone to roaming and form strong bonds with their pack. They are easily distressed if separated from the 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.