Dogs Down Under

Australia is a nation of dog lovers, with an estimated 4.6 million pet pooches spread across the country — that’s 20 dogs per 100 humans! In addition to domesticated dogs that were introduced by European settlers in 1788, Australia is home to the wild Dingo. It is thought that Dingoes arrived some 4,000 years ago with Asian seafarers and are part of this country’s rich and epic history. Now while Dingoes may not live in the modern home, there are plenty of other dogs that do.

The vastness of the land down under is reflected in the broad choice of dog breeds.  While you may all know that Aussies ride Kangaroos to work, drink gallons of beer, and only eat shrimp from the BBQ, you may not know about the types of dogs we own and what they get up to over here. In order to explain a little more about my island home and how the individual states and territories can be characterized (using no stereotypes whatsoever — I promise), let us take a look at the “typical” dog personalities that inhabit this great land.

SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

Bondi Beach, the jewel in Sydney’s crown, is world famous. Known internationally for its vast beach only a few kilometres from the city, Bondi is home to surfing fanatics and the “thong” — otherwise known as a flip-flop. Bondi dogs are as beautiful as the people that live here, with super fit physiques, blonde flowing locks, and golden tanned fur.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA

Melbourne is known as Australia’s cultural capital and locals would say the home of some of the best baristas in the world. Melbournians love coffee and the colour black, and the same can be said for their canine companions. Pooches that live in this hipster haven can often be found sipping espresso in the laneway cafes and perusing the city’s many galleries and amazing shopping hubs.

ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

South Australia is known as a “foodies” heaven.  The city is full of incredible restaurants and the Barossa Valley is only a short drive away. The Barossa is famous for its Shiraz, and to be honest, there isn’t much more going on in Adelaide so drinking wine is a pretty good option. The typical dog in Adelaide is generally found at home with a giant glass of red and a locally sourced cheese platter.

SURFER’S PARADISE, QUEENSLAND

Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast is bold, brash, and just a little ballsy. Known for its endless sunshine and hard partying, local pups might be found sleeping off a hangover on the beach having not even made it home the night before. This is a city full of bikini-clad beauties and buff blokes.

HOBART, TASMANIA

Tasmanians are often the brunt of jokes from other Australians for being a little behind the rest of the country. The Apple Isle is just off the coast of Victoria and known for its beautiful landscapes and wild weather. Many mainlanders often forget Tasmania even exists, and if asked what they know about it will simply respond with “it is full of inbreds.”  Tassie pets can be found hiking the pristine countryside with their owners who may or may not be related.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Canberra is Australia’s political hub. For a city filled with politicians, government officials, and students, it would be no surprise to learn that Canberra canines are an intelligent sort. If they aren’t hitting up the Library or National Gallery, they’ll be sitting in the viewing gallery at Parliament catching up on the day’s political events.

DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Legend has it that Australia has a large number of animals that can kill you — and I’m afraid to say it, but it’s true and many of these can be found in the Northern Territory! Territorians are famously a bit loose — often thought to have gone “troppo” from the heat. Some Darwinians are fondly known to be as “mad as a cut snake.”

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Perth is known to be the most isolated city in the world, which basically means no one knows what really goes on over there. WA as a state occupies the entire western third of the country — it’s huge. For all we know, there could be an entire species of dogs over there that hasn’t been discovered yet. Perth itself is known to be one of the most laid-back cities in the country, and the pooches are similarly cruisy and regularly found soaking up the sunshine while reading a three-day-old newspaper (because that’s how long it took for the news to travel there.)

So as you can see, there are a diverse range of Dogs Down Under! But one thing is for sure, they would be more than willing to show you around if you fancy a visit to the Land of Oz.

Does your dogs personality suit its hometown? Let us know in the comments below.

Sophie Friggens

I’m Sophie, Dave the Beagle’s human. Together we make a pretty good team, sharing a love of Netflix, BBQ Chicken, and sleep! I am originally from the UK but have lived in Australia for almost 15 years.