I Hate Dogs and I Am Not a Horrible Human Being
10 Energetic Australian Dog Breeds To Add To Your Family
10 Australian Dog Breeds for Active Families — Australian DogsSkip to main content
Tatyana Consaul/Getty Images All about Aussie dogsAustralia is home to many unique native animals: koalas, kangaroos and wombats, to name a few. But in addition to these wild animal species, many domestic Australian dog breeds originated Down Under too. From the Australian cattle dog to the high-energy miniature fox terrier, these Aussie pups make great additions to the family.
But if you're looking for a popular dog breed from Australia, there are a few things you should know. For starters, Australia is especially renowned for its herding dogs. What else would you expect from a country with so many sheep? According to Rebecca Tremble, DVM, "these highly versatile and industrious canines typically feature both strength and intelligence, including a strong aptitude for training." That said, don't forget the cattle dogs, terriers and companion dogs that also come from the land Down Under.
These intelligent dog breeds often come with a lot of energy, as well as some hard-headedness. "[Many] require ample space, consistent training and regular physical activity," says Dr. Tremble. "In turn, they tend to deliver exceptional companionship and loyalty, making them great pets."
Ahead, we've rounded up the Australian dogs that you can count on for liveliness and friendship, thanks to insights from Dr. Tremble and veterinarian Jennifer Bruns, DVM. Get ready to fall in love!
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About the expertsAlthough many of them lead lives of leisure today, the majority of Australian dog breeds were developed with careers in mind—most on this list were hardworking dogs that herded and protected livestock, assisted in hunting wild game or served as relentless ratters and mousers. When the first British penal colony was established in Australia in 1788, the settlers brought with them herds of sheep and cattle, and within a few decades, livestock numbered in the millions. And thus, the first domestic dogs in Australia were various herding breeds brought by British settlers.
Over time, cattle and sheep herders bred dogs selectively to develop the best herding and droving traits—in some cases, breeding them with wild dingoes, Australia's only indigenous canine. Smaller terrier breeds were also used as workers, as they'd protect their homes from rodents and the many poisonous snakes native to Australia. Most Australian dog breeds still harbor their good work ethic and are happiest when they have a job to do, so get ready to provide some physical and mental stimulation.
And don't be surprised when you don't see the Australian shepherd on this list. That Aussie dog was actually developed in the United States! It was called the Australian shepherd because the Basque shepherds who brought its foundation stock came by way of Australia.
1. Australian cattle dogAs their name suggests, these muscular pups are expert herders. A relative of Australia's wild dingoes and the Dalmatian, the Australian cattle dog is faithful, protective and intelligent. This Australian dog breed comes in a variety of colors and markings, from red and red speckled to blue and blue speckled. Expect yours to need a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation, including obedience or agility training. Even when these pups don't have a farm to manage, they still need a job to do. "Some even say that they will herd their human family members," says Dr. Bruns. "These breeds are usually extremely smart and enjoy things like agility training or advanced skills training that is mentally engaging."
The Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association, which helps rescue ACDs from shelters where they are facing euthanasia, cautions that because of their protective nature, proper socialization is vitally important for this breed. They're also likely to choose a family member to bond with, which is why they're sometimes referred to as Velcro dogs.
Breed overview Height: 17 to 20 inches Weight: 31 to 35 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years 2. Australian kelpieThe Australian kelpie is another hardworking herder. Instead of focusing on cattle, these guys specialize in sheep. Now considered a rare dog breed, the kelpie derived from collie-type dogs from Scotland and was developed to tolerate the Outback's harsh heat. Because of their herding history, kelpies have boundless energy and require intense daily exercise.
The U.S.-based Australian Kelpie Rescue Organization says that due to their energy levels, kelpies are not suited for apartment life—they need room to roam and a job to do. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that these pups do have an off switch and will be happy to curl up on the couch immediately after a rigorous run. Their short coats range from black and blue to chocolate and fawn.
Breed overview Height: 17 to 20 inches Weight: 31 to 46 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 13 years 3. Australian terrierThese smaller terriers were bred to be all-purpose exterminators, eliminating small mammals and snakes from the rugged land on which they worked. Because they frequently lived in remote regions of Australia, these pups learned to create tight bonds with their owners. Today, they're known for being cuddly, friendly and affectionate dogs that often take a strong liking to small children and the elderly.
The AKC notes that the Aussie terrier isn't always a good fit for multi-dog homes. But that's not due to aggression; it's because these loving pups want you all to themselves. They can also be quite barky, so they might not do well in an apartment, especially when left alone all day. When it comes to their grooming needs, the Australian Terrier Club of America says that a weekly brushing should suffice and advises owners to keep their dogs' longish hair trimmed in areas that are prone to getting dirty—namely around the eyes, ears, paws and tail.
Breed overview Height: 10 to 11 inches Weight: 15 to 20 pounds Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years Tatyana Consaul/Getty Images 4. KoolieThese medium dog breeds are hardworking jacks of all trades and can herd anything from sheep and cattle to goats, horses and buffalo. They're fearless herders that will actually walk on the backs of livestock if necessary. They're also particularly well suited for agility, endurance and tracking work.
Koolies require lots of exercise and fare best when they have a job to do. They come in a range of colors, including merle, and can have a smooth, short, short-rough, medium, and double or single coat. (The Koolie Club of Australia does caution that due to the increased risk of blindness or deafness with the double-merle gene, two merle dogs should never be bred.) While not recognized by the AKC, koolies are recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council and the American Herding Breed Association.
Breed overview Height: 13 to 23 inches Weight: 33 to 53 pounds Life expectancy: 18 years Ali ODriscoll/Getty Images 5. CavoodleWhile technically a mixed breed, the Cavoodle (you know it as a Cavapoo in the United States) was first bred in Australia and is one of the few dogs on our list that was not developed as a working dog—these pups prefer the life of leisure!
A cross between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle, these cuties have become increasingly popular over the last decade. They're small dogs that look like teddy bears and come in gold, cream, black and brown. They're affectionate and gentle, and they make great family pets. And because of their toy size, the Cavoodle is well suited to city life and is the perfect pup for a novice owner. They also have hypoallergenic coats with minimal shedding. There's no breed standard for these mixed-breed dogs but if you decide to welcome one into your home, be sure to work with a reputable breeder.
Breed overview Height: 10 to 15 inches Weight: 11 to 26 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 15 years 6. Australian stumpy tail cattle dogThis breed might sound like a shorter-tailed version of the Australian cattle dog, but the two Australian dog breeds are very different. While they stand at about the same height, the Stumpy has longer legs, and about two-thirds of them are born with a naturally bobbed tail. These working pups are high energy, take well to training and love activities such as hiking, backpacking and obedience work to keep their minds and bodies sharp. The AKC does say to proceed with caution when introducing a Stumpy to other pets, though.
Today, Stumpies are relatively rare, but interest in the breed is growing due to its loyalty, intelligence and unique look. In addition to their bobbed tails, Stumpies have blueish or light red roan coats.
Breed overview Height: 17 to 20 inches Weight: 32 to 45 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years 7. Silky terrierThese toy terriers make wonderful companions. They're smart, friendly and affectionate, and thanks to their small stature, they fair well in urban environments. Native to Sydney, these pups are the result of the crossbreeding Yorkshire terriers and Australian terriers. However, they're larger than Yorkies and smaller than Aussies. Aside from their size, their most notable trait is their long, silky coat. The Silky Terrier Club of America recommends daily brushing and weekly baths.
Silky terriers can be reserved with strangers and can get a little barky, which means you'll want to socialize them early to ensure they get along with other people and dogs. And here's something that might surprise you: Despite their small size and lapdog qualities, this Australian dog breed excels at agility trials.
Breed overview Height: 9 to 10 inches Weight: 10 pounds Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years Rafael Ben-Ari/Getty Images 8. Miniature fox terrierThese cute pups are known in their native Australia as mini foxies, and while they are not recognized by the AKC or any other mainstream registry, they are recognized by the Mini Foxie Club of Australia! While rare outside of Australia and New Zealand, mini foxies are highly popular in those countries and beloved for their agility, energy and big-dog personality, despite their compact size.
The breed was originally used to hunt small pests, such as rabbits and rodents, and today, its working spirit remains. Yet, according to the Mini Foxie Club of Australia, foxies are versatile house dogs that will adapt to their human's pace: If you want to run with them, they'll run; if you want to curl up on the couch and watch TV, they're here for it. Mini foxies come in black, white, tan and tricolor coats, and their short coats make them easy to care for.
Breed overview Height: 9 to 12 inches Weight: Proportionate to height Life expectancy: 10 to 14 years 9. Tenterfield terrierThese compact terriers are not-so-distant relatives of the previously mentioned mini foxies. While they're both small dog breeds, similar in size and weight, their coats differ—a Tenterfield terrier's coat is smoother than a mini foxie's. Both dogs are great at watching the house and will likely bark when there's company. Because the Tenterfield is a former working pest-control dog, you'll want to make sure yours is entertained.
Australia's National Tenterfield Terrier Council says that this high-energy breed likes to dig—and as any trainer will tell you, a bored dog is more likely to get into trouble. Take your pup on a few 30-minute walks a day, and make sure to engage it in a game of fetch, agility training or obedience training regularly. The council also says that a Tenterfield isn't suitable for a household with small pets, such as hamsters or gerbils, as its prey drive is just too strong. However, it will do OK with cats, provided it's introduced while still a puppy.
Breed overview Height: 10 to 12 inches Weight: Proportionate to height Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years Cassie CARSLAKE/Getty Images 10. Bull ArabThis hybrid Australian dog breed was developed in the 1970s and is a mix of mostly English bull terrier and greyhound—one of which is favored for its strength and the other for its speed and sighthound abilities—as well as German short-haired pointer. Although it's not an AKC-recognized breed, the Bull Arab—also called the Australian pig dog or Aussie pig, is the most popular pig-hunting dog in the country, and thanks to its tenacious personality, it is also used in police work and search and rescue.
These strong, stocky pups have a short, smooth coat and may have light-colored eyes. Physically, they're easy to care for, but because of their very strong prey drive, they need to be habituated early on, especially in houses with children and other pets.
Breed overview Height: 23 to 28 inches Weight: 65 to 85 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years Why trust usAt Reader's Digest, we're committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece on Australian dog breeds, Elizabeth Heath tapped her experience as a lifestyle journalist and dog writer, and then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
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Proof That Pets Are Part Of The Family
If you have a pet or grew up with a pet, then you know how special they can be to your family. For many of us, they become more than just a furry companion, but someone you can't imagine having your family feel complete without.
What is it that makes these furry friends so easy to love? Well, for starters, they are SUPER cute, but most of them have pretty big personalities and we love that about them.
Gotta Keep Our Loved Ones SafeThese people wanted to make sure that their kitty was protected during the pandemic just as much as they were. You've got to look out for the ones that you love.
He Does Not Look PleasedOne of the best things about dogs is how tolerant they are of all our shenanigans. Does that sweet pup want to wear that giant scarf? Probably not, but he's going to do it anyway.
What A Handsome DateThis person is so lucky to be on a date with such a handsome creature. I'd be so nervous I wouldn't know what to say. I mean, juice boxes? How romantic is that?
The Face Of TriumphTurns out this kitty has figured out that they can use their cone to scoop up their humans' food. You'd want to be mad at them for eating your taco, but it's also kind of funny.
OK, Bye, I GuessThis person bought their kitty a brand new bed, and the good news is that they seem to like it. The bad news is that's the last they saw of their kitty for quite a while.
Oh, How CozyOne of the best things about cats is how willing they are just to be cozy and snuggle and nap. Yes, a lot of the time, cats are real jerks, but when they're being sweet they're extra sweet.
She Just Wanted To Be IncludedIf you're going to say that your pets are basically part of the family, then you might as well treat them like one too! They want a seat at the dinner table as well.
He Just Wanted Some Fresh AirThis guy wanted to bring his girlfriend a coffee while she was at work. He also wanted to surprise her with a visit from their cat, who does not look pleased to be there...Or in the backpack, at least.
This Is Some Chaotic Energy, HereTurns out that these people's cat wasn't ready for another addition to the family, no matter how cute and tiny they are. They're going to be hearing about this for quite a while, no doubt.
"Happy Birthday" IndeedI don't even know many people who would do this for another human, but doing it for their dog? That seems totally fine and normal and like everyone is here for it.
He Just Wants To KnowThis dad, like most dads, didn't want the cat, but now he shows the cat everything that they bring home from the grocery store because he knows the cat is curious.
Looks Like A Sweet PartyI can get behind this trend of people throwing parties for their pets, especially if they are going to be this lit. I mean, they even got a lizard to come to this one.
We All Like To Be Looked AfterThis person knew that their little doggy got some anxiety sometimes, so to help, they found a sweet playlist on YouTube and even set up their pup with some sweet headphones.
She's SO ProudLook at this dog staring so lovingly up at her human as her human gets ready to go to college. She's basically a proud mother feeling all the feels at this big life change.
Looks Like An Interesting ConversationHonestly, most of us have had some pretty awful conversations in our lives, but I'm willing to bet that whatever these two are talking about is very enlightening and probably super intelligent.
That's One Spoiled KittyNothing says love like taking on a huge DIY project just so your cat can look out the upper story windows. That cat is literally living their best life, aren't they?
We All Deserve Some Pet LoveThese people understand that their little kitty might bring other people in the world some joy. That's why they left a little spot open for their kitty to look out of.
We All Have A Favorite ToyThis kitty has had a favourite toy for as long as they can remember, and they keep breaking it! But that's no worry, because Mom will keep stitching it back together.
They're Rocking Those ShirtsThe only thing better than having a super adorable shirt is having a tiny one for your kitty to wear as well. They both look so adorable, it's hard to know who might wear it better.
That's Some Serious SassThis dog is in the corner pouting because they want their owner to play with them, but their owner has the audacity to be working during the day. They're being very sassy.
Movie Night Just Got Better!You see people get little pet beds for their cats and dogs, so why not do it for even smaller pets, too? They deserve a nice cozy place to curl up.
How DapperI'm not sure what reason there would be for a dog to have a bunch of little ties, but this guy has them and even a small closet to keep all of them together.
Everyone Loves ArtThese are some very cultured gerbils. They even have their own tiny art museum in their house. Talk about living the high life. I don't know how I feel about a rodent being smarter than me.
Love The Matching BagsThese two bunnies are about to go on some kind of magical adventure, and what do you need to do that? Some sweet backpacks to put all your snacks in.
They'll Sort It OutEven the closest families fight sometimes. Mom and dad are trying to get these two cats to work out their differences because it's tearing this family apart!! How could they be doing this?
That Cat Is Asking For TroubleHow many times did they almost pinch their little cat's arm off before they made this sign? Cats are crafty and smart, but sometimes they don't think everything through, do they?
It's Gonna Be A PartyThis little one is turning 13, so you know what that means! Time of this pup's bar mitzvah. Let's hope that it's a party that they all remember and talk about for years to come.
This Is Next LevelOK, these two have the cat and human with the matching shirts beat. They have shirts with each other's faces on it! That cat doesn't look like they are particularly happy with the arrangement, though.
It's Not News Anyone WantsHere we see a cat dad showing their kitty that they're a little bit overweight and need to work on it a bit. Maybe they can diet and go on walks together.
Handsome Pills IndeedThis doggy needs some allergy medication, but we all know how pets feel about taking meds. So why not tell a little white lie to make them a bit easier to swallow?
Best Low-maintenance Family Pets For Children
Which is the right low-maintenance pet for your family? We've rounded up best ones to choose from: have a look to see which ones your child would like best and find out which ones would best fit in with your family lifestyle...
Here's our pick of the best low-maintenance pets for families... 1. The frogCost: From £30, plus purchase of tank (from £80)Average lifespan: 15 years (but varies from species to species)
Frogs need a proper amphibian tank (see How do you set up your frog's tank, below) but, once that's set up, they require minimal upkeep beyond regular feeding and cleaning.
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This does not mean, however, that frogs are boring; though you can't handle them too much, they can actually be interesting, entertaining pets, who can teach your children many valuable lessons about responsibility and being caring towards the needs of another, much smaller and more delicate being.
Did you know, for example, that frogs don't drink? Instead, they absorb water through their skin. Additionally, they are pretty well built for swimming with webbed feet, and eyes and a nose on the top of their head – watching your pet frog jump, hop and swim around can be quite something.
How do you set up a frog's tank?You can buy a frog's tank from a good pet shop. It should be at least 45cm high x 25cm long x 25cm wide and you'll need to position it away from any direct sunlight.
The most important thing about the tank is to ensure the environment inside is maintained at the correct pH and water temperature for your chosen species of frog. You can find a list of the most popular pet frogs for beginners on EverythingReptile.Com but perhaps the easiest 'beginner frog' is the African bullfrog (or Pixie frog), pictured below, which is big, easy-going and quite tolerant to handling.
As well as the tank being at the correct pH and water temperature, you should make sure it includes:
Once your tank is all set up, extraordinarily little will need to be changed throughout your frog's life. The only thing you'll need to remember is to spot-clean the tank every few days and deep-clean it at least once a month to prevent bacterial build up.
Can you put more than one frog in the tank?It is not always safe to have more than one pet frog per tank – that's because bigger frogs are known to eat smaller frogs. The exception here is the bell frog: bell frogs are able to co-exist in a tank quite happily.
What do you feed a pet frog?Frogs require live food such as fruit flies, white worms, crickets or locusts. You should only feed your pet frog once or twice a week, depending upon its species. Insects can be bred, purchased from a pet store, or sourced from around your home and garden.
Where should you get a pet frog from?If you're considering purchasing a pet frog, I recommend that you source one from a breeder.
2. The hamsterCost: From £5, plus purchase of enclosure (from £25)Average lifespan: 3 years
Hamsters are very easy to care for and, as an extra plus for children (and unlike the other pets in our list), they do tend to enjoy exercise outside their enclosure in a hamster ball.
Hamsters are happy to be handled but they also quite independent and therefore don't mind if your child doesn't have all the time in the world to play with them. As hamsters are nocturnal, they may sometimes be a little grumpy during the day, so it's best to teach your child about this if they're keen to open the cage and get their pet out.
How do you set up your hamster's cage?Your hamster's enclosure should measure 60cm long x 30cm wide x 30cm high. And it should include:
I wouldn't recommend a hamster wheel for your enclosure: they can actually be quite dangerous, causing broken bones and even organ damage. It's better for your hamster to have other sources of entertainment and to take exercise outside of their enclosure in a safe and monitored area.
How often should you clean a hamster's cage?Spot-cleaning will need to be done every day. And a full tank clean will need to be done every week to 2 weeks, depending on the size of your hamster's enclosure. A deep clean should involve removing all the shavings, washing down the side of the tank with hot, soapy water, and then drying it and putting in new substrate and bedding.
Do remember that hamsters are naturally nocturnal, though. So, when you're cleaning out your hamster's enclosure, do it first thing in the morning or last thing at night, so that your pet will be least affected by the disruption.
Can you put more than one hamster in a cage?Hamsters don't always need a friend to share a cage with. This is completely dependent upon species and gender. For example, a male dwarf hamster can co-habitate happily with another male dwarf hamster but opposite-sex dwarf hamsters do not get along.
What do you feed a hamster?Feed your hamster once a day with some commercially-bought hamster food as, this way, you can ensure all their dietary requirements are covered. Then, every 2nd day or so, give them some some fresh fruit and vegs – they love this!
Where should you get a pet hamster from?If you're looking to buy a hamster, I recommend purchasing one from a reputable breeder. Get to know your breeder to find out what kind of temperament and behaviours their hamsters have. You're looking for a hamster who is easy to bond with and not fearful.
3. The painted turtleCost: £50 to £100, plus purchase of tank (up to £500)Average lifespan: 3o years
Like frogs, painted turtles are easy pets, once you've taken the time to get their tank properly set up (see How do you set up your turtle's tank, below). But it's important to be scrupulously hygienic when you handle them and clean their tank: painted turtles can carry salmonella, so you should always clean your hands very thoroughly.
There are 4 subspecies of the docile, pretty painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), each with slightly varying colours and patterns. In general, painted turtles have a darker carapace (top of the shell) while the plastron (lower part of shell), legs and head have bright red, orange, and yellow stripes, which give the turtle its name.
How do you set up your turtle's tank?Fortunately, painted turtles do not grow exceptionally large —adults are typically 10 to 20cm in length — meaning you'll be needing a roughly 50 to 100-litre (2o to 40-gallon) tank. Ensure that your tank is primarily an aquarium and designed to hold water (most "terrariums", sold for keeping other reptiles in, aren't made to hold large quantities of liquid).
Your tank should also have:
The water and filter should be changed whenever the water begins to look dirty – this will probably be at least once a week. And the new water should be dechlorinated before coming into contact with your turtle.
Do remember to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning the tank.
Can you put more than one painted turtle in a tank?No, it's generally not a good idea because they can become aggressive to each other.
What do you feed a pet turtle?Painted turtles are omnivorous, eating a wide variety of food in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed leafy greens (fresh parsley, romaine lettuce, dandelion leaves) and insects (crickets, mealworms). You can get pre-made turtle food from most pet stores and it's a quick and easy way to make sure your turtle is receiving adequate nutrients.
Turtles under the age of 1 year should be fed daily, whereas adult turtles can be fed every 2 to 3 days.
Where should you get a pet turtle from?I recommend sourcing your new hard-shelled friend from a responsible breeder.
4. The leopard geckoCost: £35, plus purchase of enclosure (£250)Average lifespan: 15 years
The leopard gecko makes a fantastic beginner pet: this reptilian species is easy to care for, even-tempered and a relaxed little friend.
How do you set up a leopard gecko's enclosure?Their enclosure requires the following:
If you want more than one pet gecko, then that's fine – so long as there is not solely males as they tend to be territorial and aggressive towards one another.
How often should you clean a leopard gecko's enclosure?The gecko's enclosure should be cleaned for waste once a week. Additionally, a full clean should be completed once a month.
What do you feed a pet leopard gecko?I recommend feeding your leopard gecko insects, such as crickets, worms, and roaches. They only need to be fed approximately 3 times per week, making them very low maintenance. Insects can be bred, purchased from your pet store, or sourced from around your home and garden.
Where should you get a pet leopard gecko from?If you're interested in purchasing a leopard gecko for your child, I recommend sourcing one from a reputable breeder to ensure that they have an even-temperament and are in a healthy condition.
About our expert, Johnathan DavidJohnathan is the Editor-in-Chief of EverythingReptiles. He's kept reptiles and amphibians since childhood, meaning he has several decades of experiences in "herpetoculture". He has cared for geckos, skinks – and a poison dart frog.
Pics: Getty Images
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