Dog Breeds: The Australian Terrier

Also known as the “Aussie,” the Australian Terrier was created from several Terrier breeds about 1820. It was first shown in Australia in 1899.

This sturdy little dog is fairly long in body in proportion to its height which is approximately 10 to 11 inches (25-27.5 cm) at the shoulder. It weighs 12 to 14 pounds (5-6 Kg).

The Australian Terrier has a fairly short, shaggy, untrimmed coat over a fine, soft undercoat. It has a definite ruff around the neck and the fur is shorter on the lower legs, feet and around the muzzle. They also have a fine, soft topknot at the top of the skull. Coat colours consist of Blue, Steel Blue, or Dark Grey-Blue with tan, or solid Sandy or solid Red. The dog's coat does not need clipping, but it should be brushed several times a week. With frequent brushing, this dog will shed very little. If necessary, trim around the eyes and ears, and clip the nails regularly. The Australian Terrier should not be bathed more than once a month or its coat could become lank. Be careful when brushing the soft undercoat. When the coat is washed, it should be brushed as it dries to prevent matting and tangling of the hair.

Keen, Dark Brown eyes and small, erect, pointed ears give this friendly, extrovert breed an anxious to please demeanour. As well as being an excellent rodent killer, the Australian Terrier is also an excellent companion dog and an above average guard dog because of its keen eyesight and hearing.

The Australian Terrier is very adaptable and enjoys both city and country living, as long as it gets a daily walk on a leash or lead. Never let the dog run loose because its genetic makeup will cause it to chase anything that moves. This dog is above average in intelligence and it is quite easy to obedience train. It is not an aggressive dog, but will defend itself if attacked. It tends to be bossy in a multiple pet family and is apt to chase and possibly kill smaller pets like cats and rabbits. Because of its rodent killing genetics, this breed of dog should not be kept in a home where rodents are kept as pets.

The Australian Terrier has a lifespan of 10 to 16 years, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Health concerns: generally a healthy breed, although it is susceptible to cancer, diabetes, cataracts and ear infections. Some of this breed also suffers from allergic dermatitis.

The Australian Terrier is an alert, amusing, self-assured dog that is usually even tempered, so is good around children. However, all children in the family must be taught how to be kind to the dog and also how to be its leader. If this is done, a deep bond will develop between the dog and the children. The dog should be taught that all humans are pack leaders. If the dog believes that it is the pack leader, then it could snap at the children if it sees them do something that it doesn't approve of. The pack leader always keeps all members of its pack in line.

If you would like to have a smart, alert, active little dog that is easy to obedience train, then an Australian Terrier should be high on your list of dogs to consider.

Until next time,

Teia