Australian Terrier Dog Breed

About the Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier was initially bred in Tasmania from various British breeds brought to the land Down Under. The rough-coated terriers were used throughout Australia to control vermin in gold and opal mines, along waterfronts, and on sheep stations. They were even used to herd the sheep and act as watchdogs. This small but robust terrier has been known ever since for its distinctively rugged appearance and its exuberant personality. A proud member of the terrier family, not to be confused with the (Australian) Silky Terrier, the Australian Terrier was developed to navigate the country’s diverse and challenging landscape, and to provide assistance and companionship wherever a small working terrier is needed.

AKC Group

Terrier

Height

10 – 11 inches

Weight

15 – 20 pounds

Lifespan

11 – 15 years

History of the Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier holds a distinguished place among the dog breeds developed Down Under, boasting a history that reflects Australia’s own rugged and spirited character. This breed, one of the smallest of the working terriers, was developed in the early 19th century. Its precise ancestry is a blend of various terriers brought from Britain, including ancestors of the Dandie Dinmont, Scottish, and Yorkshire Terriers.

The breed was engineered to adapt to harsh Australian environments that required a dog that could handle both working and companion roles on isolated farms and burgeoning settlements. The dogs were tasked with controlling rodents and snake populations, herding sheep and cattle, and serving as loyal and alert partners.

By the late 19th century, the Australian Terrier’s breed characteristics had been refined and standardized, becoming distinguished from its terrier cousins by its unique coat, color, and size. The breed gained recognition due to its versatility, tenacity, and endearing personality, becoming a cherished member among many Australian farming families.

The Australian Terrier was one of the first breeds from Australia to be officially recognized in other parts of the world, gaining recognition in the United Kingdom in the late 19th century. American Kennel Club recognition came about in 1960. This international support for the breed reflects its universal appeal and its adaptability.

Throughout its history, the Australian Terrier has retained the core attributes that made it so valuable to early Australian settlers: intelligence, courage, and affection. These traits, coupled with the breed’s distinctive appearance and spirited demeanor, continue to endear it to dog lovers around the world, whether in a working capacity, at dog shows, or as beloved family pets.

General Appearance

Height & Weight

Adult Australian Terriers typically measure about 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 15 to 20 pounds, with females being somewhat smaller than the males.

Proportion & Substance

In terms of proportion, the Australian Terrier presents a slightly longer than tall silhouette. The breed’s substance is solid and muscular, reflecting its strength and endurance. The chest is deep and well-developed, providing ample lung capacity to support vigorous activity. The overall balance of proportion and substance in the breed is crucial, as it contributes to the its capability to navigate diverse terrain and engage in its traditional working and hunting roles with efficiency and vigor.

Coat Texture, Colors & Markings

Texture: The Australian Terrier’s coat is one of its defining features, characterized by a straight, harsh, and weather-resistant topcoat and a shorter, softer undercoat. This double coat offers protection from the harsh Australian climate, providing insulation against both heat and cold. The coat’s texture is not only functional but also contributes to the breed’s distinct appearance, with its rough outer coat that gives the breed its rugged, ready-for-action look. The outer coat is harsh and straight, 2-1/2 inches in length except on the tail, pasterns, rear legs from the hocks down, and the feet which are free of long hair. There is a distinct ruff and apron, and a soft, silky topknot on the head. The hair on the ears is kept short.

A Note About Color: The coat’s color may be blue and tan, solid sandy, and solid red. Blue may be dark blue, steel-blue, dark gray-blue, or silver-blue. Tan markings (not sandy or red) should be rich and appear on the face, ears, underbody, lower legs and feet, and around the vent. The topknot may be silver or a lighter shade of the head color. Any shade of solid sandy or solid red is acceptable, although the clearer the color the better. The topknot in either of these colors may be silver or a lighter shade of the body coat. All black body coats on adult blue and tan dogs, tan smut in the blue portion of the coat, and dark smut in sandy/red dogs are not desirable, nor are white markings on the chest or feet.

Australian Terrier Markings

No specific markings are recognized for the Australian Terrier.

Head

• Skull: The skull of the Australian Terrier is flat and slightly longer than it is wide, with a slight but definite stop. The skull’s shape and structure are indicative of the breed’s usefulness as both a ratter and earthdog.
• Expression: The expression is keen and intelligent, conveying a sense of vivacity. This alert demeanor is a hallmark of the breed, signifying its readiness to engage with its environment and with its owners.
• Eyes: Small, oval, and dark in color, the eyes of an Australian Terrier sparkle with alertness and enthusiasm. Their placement gives the dog a sharp, intelligent look, complementing its lively personality.
• Ears: The ears are small, pointed, and erect, set high on the head and well apart. They contribute to the breed’s attentive and interested appearance, always responding to vibrations and sounds.
• Muzzle: The muzzle is strong and powerful, tapering slightly to the nose. It is of moderate length, with powerful jaws and a slight fill beneath the eyes. The muzzle’s strength ensures efficient function, whether the dog is dispatching prey or engaging in playful activities.
• Nose: The nose is always black. It is well-developed, supporting the breed’s excellent sense of smell. An inverted V-shaped area free of hair, from the nose up the bridge of the muzzle, is a desirable breed characteristic.
• Bite: The Australian Terrier possesses strong jaws with large teeth that meet in a scissors bite. The good-sized teeth are a nod to the breed’s working origins, where a strong bite was essential for vermin control.

Tail

The tail of the Australian Terrier is set on high and carried erect, at a twelve to one o’clock position. The tail’s set is a distinctive feature of the breed as it provides a good hand-hold on the mature dog. The tail may be docked to a length of slightly less than one-half. In countries where tail docking is prohibited, the natural tail is either straight or curved forward. Whether docked or undocked, the tail’s set is of primary importance and the carriage should always project the impression of an alertness that aligns with the breed’s working nature.

The Australian Terrier – What to Consider?

When considering the Australian Terrier as a companion, there are several important aspects to consider. Prospective owners should be prepared for a dog that is highly energetic, intelligent, and requires plenty of engagement, making it essential to consider the ability to meet the breed’s basic needs.

Australian Terrier Health

Generally, the Australian Terrier is known for its longevity and robust health, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, as with any breed, it’s important to monitor each dog’s health throughout its lifetime.

Although this are typically robust dogs, these Aussies can be susceptible to certain health conditions, just like any breed or mixed breed. Owners should be aware of the following health risks:

• Patellar Luxation: This occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, causing discomfort and potentially leading to lameness. Treatment options vary based on the severity but are essential for maintaining joint health.
• Diabetes: A chronic condition affecting blood sugar regulation, canine diabetes necessitates ongoing management, including insulin therapy and diet control to prevent any complications.
• Dermatitis: Various skin issues categorized under dermatitis can cause irritation and discomfort, necessitating identification of the cause and targeted treatments to alleviate symptoms.
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This hip joint disorder leads to joint degeneration, causing pain and lameness. Early surgical intervention, followed by rehabilitation, can significantly improve the affected dog’s mobility and comfort.

To maintain the health and well-being of an Australian Terrier, regular veterinary check-ups are recommended as is open communication with the dog’s breeder.

Australian Terrier Personality

The Australian Terrier is a breed renowned for its spirited and affectionate nature, making it an excellent companion for a variety of owners, including those with little doggy experience. However, understanding the breed’s personality is crucial to ensure a harmonious relationship.

Australian Terriers are known for their loyalty and courage, often forming strong bonds with their family members. They are quite intelligent and eager to please, which can be advantageous during training sessions. Despite the breed’s rather small size, these dogs typically have a large presence and are known to be quite confident and even assertive.

These terriers are generally good with children and can coexist peacefully with other dogs if properly socialized, their strong prey drive means they may not be suitable for households with smaller pets. They are generally friendly towards strangers, but they won’t hesitate to alert their family to anything unusual, making them excellent watchdogs.

The Australian Terrier does not typically like to be left alone for long periods, as these dogs thrive on interaction and activity. Making sure they are part of family activities can help to prevent the development of separation anxiety and the misbehaviors that accompany it. Their adaptability can make them a great choice as a companion, but these Aussies do need adequate exercise to positively channel their energy reserves.

Australian Terrier Feeding & Nutrition

Proper feeding and nutrition are essential for the Australian Terrier’s health and well-being. As a small, energetic breed, this dog requires a balanced diet that supports its high energy levels and nutritional needs throughout each life stage.

For Australian Terrier puppies, a diet rich in high-quality, easily digestible protein is vital for healthy growth and development. Puppies should be fed small, frequent meals to support their rapid growth phase without overburdening their digestive system.

Transitioning to adult food should occur at around one year of age. Adult Australian Terriers typically require a well-balanced diet formulated for small breeds with high energy levels. The exact amount of food, usually measured in cups per day, will depend on the dog’s age, size, activity level, and metabolism. Typically, an adult of this breed might need anywhere from 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals.

Monitoring the dog’s weight and body condition is crucial, as overfeeding can lead to obesity, which is particularly harmful to smaller dogs. Adjustments to the diet should be made based on the dog’s activity level, health status, and weight changes.

It is important to provide the Australian Terrier with fresh drinking water at all times, Similarly, consulting with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate food and portion sizes, taking into account any specific health concerns or dietary needs, will enhance the dog’s overall health and longevity.

Australian Terrier Training

Training an Australian Terrier can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience due to the breed’s keen intelligence and desire to please their partners. However, like all intelligent dogs, these Aussies require consistent and positive training methods to harness their full potential.

Australian Terriers respond best to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play. These methods not only encourage learning but also strengthen the bond between the dog and its handler. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial for cultivating good manners and adaptability.

Despite the breed’s typical eagerness to learn, Australian Terriers can exhibit a stubborn streak, which necessitates patience and consistency in training. These dogs benefit from varied training sessions that challenge their minds and keep them engaged, thus preventing boredom.

This Aussie’s intelligence and alertness make these dogs excellent candidates for participating in a variety of dog sports and activities. However, their training should also address their natural tendencies, such as a strong prey drive and the inclination to bark, which can be managed with proper guidance and training.

The Australian Terrier is also known for its independent thinking, so it’s essential to establish leadership and clear boundaries. Training should be an ongoing process that continues throughout the dog’s life to make sure this fun-loving partner remains well-behaved and eager to work.

Australian Terrier Exercise

To maintain its physical health and mental well-being, exercise is a crucial component of the Australian Terrier’s daily routine. As an energetic and lively breed, this smart and sassy Aussie requires regular physical activity to channel its energy constructively and to prevent boredom.

A daily exercise routine for an Australian Terrier should include walks, playtime, and opportunities for mental stimulation. Walks should be long enough to keep the dog physically active and mentally engaged, exploring new environments and scents. Interactive play, such as fetch or tug-of-war, can also provide both physical exercise and mental engagement.

In addition to physical exercise, Australian Terriers benefit from activities that stimulate their minds, such as training sessions, puzzle toys, and games that require problem-solving skills. These activities help to prevent the development of destructive behaviors that can stem from boredom or excess energy.

Despite their small size, Australian Terriers have a high energy level and enjoy participating in various activities beyond daily walks, including Agility and Obedience Trials, and even engaging in interactive games at home. It’s important to tailor the exercise routine to the individual dog’s needs, considering factors like age, health, and energy level.

Providing a balanced mix of physical and mental exercise will help the Australian Terrier remain healthy, happy, and mannerly, reducing the likelihood of behavioral issues and promoting a strong bond between the dog and its partner.

Australian Terrier Grooming

Grooming is an essential aspect of caring for an Australian Terrier, impacting both the dog’s appearance and its health. While these dogs are not excessively high-maintenance, their grooming routine should be consistent and thorough enough to keep them looking their best and to identify any underlying skin or health issues early on.

The coat of an Australian Terrier is double-layered, with a harsh, straight topcoat and a soft, short undercoat. Regular brushing, at least once a week, is recommended to remove the loose hair, prevent matting, and distribute the skin’s natural oils throughout the coat. This helps to maintain the coat’s natural luster and weather-resistant qualities.

Bathing should be done only as needed, typically every few months, unless the dog gets particularly dirty. Over-bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils, so using a dog-specific shampoo that maintains the coat’s health and condition is crucial.

In addition to coat care, Australian Terrier grooming includes regular nail trimming to prevent both discomfort and mobility issues. The ears should also be checked weekly for signs of irritation, and the ear canals should be kept clean and dry.

Dental hygiene is also a vital part of any grooming regimen. Regular tooth brushing with a canine-formulated toothpaste can prevent tartar buildup and gum disease, contributing to the mouth’s overall health and mitigating bad breath.

Consistent grooming not only keeps the Australian Terrier looking presentable, it also provides an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the dog and its handler. Grooming allows the handler t