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Australian Terriers Dog Breed Profile: History, Personality, Care

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The Australian Terrier Dog BreedThe Australian Terrier Dog Breed

Thinking that Aussies might be THE breed for you?  Well, If you are looking for a smart, fun-loving, adventurous dog with a high energy level, then Australian terriers might be the best breed for you. 

With low grooming requirements, it might be the perfect addition to an active out-and-about type family who wants a dog they can play with, train and take with them wherever they go. 

This breed is best for owners with a little dog
experience because they tend to take on a dominate role if allowed, so training
and physical exercise is a must. They make wonderful watch dogs because they
are alert, and are often wary of strangers. 
They love their people and will bond closely with one person or a whole
family.

Quick Facts About Australian Terriers

Other Names
Used: Aussie

Affiliation:  AKC, UK, CKC: 
Terrier Group

Height:  10-11 inches

Weight:  12-18 pounds

Coat Type:  Double Coat: 
Wiry, harsh outer coat, soft inner coat

Colors:  Blue, Sandy, Red, Black, Black and
Blue, Black and Tan, Black and Red, Brindle, Blue Black and Tan, Red and Tan,
Red and White

Country of
Origin:  Australia

Activity
Level:  Energetic

Life
Expectancy:  11-15 years

Good with
Children:  Older Children

Good with
other pets:  If socialized properly; If
getting two, consider one of each gender. 
May chase cats and should not live with families who own rodents.

History of the Breed

The Australian Terrier is a relatively recent
breed that was developed in Tasmania in the early 19th century.  Called the Rough Coated terrier, it has its
origins from Great Britain and was first taken to Australian to eradicate mice
and rats in some of the colonies.

The breed was a welcome addition to the
Australian outback as it helped keep the snake and vermin population in check
and assisted farmers on the ranch with their livestock.

The Cairn
terrier, Skye terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Yorkshire terrier and the Irish
terrier were all crossed and used in the development of what is now known as
the Australian Terrier.

Known first as the Rough Coated Terrier, it was renamed
in 1892, the Australian terrier.  The
breed was first introduced in a dog show both in Australian and Great
Britain.  Recognized by the American
Kennel Club in 1960, it is classified in the terrier group.

Personality

Traits Rating
Playfulness
Affection Level
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Good with Children
Good with Other Dogs
Good for First Time Owners
Exercise Needed
Ease of Training
Watch Dog Ability
Grooming Requirements
Shedding
Cold Tolerant
Heat Tolerant

Dog Breed Ratings Got You a Little Confused?
Here’s a little help in understanding them

  • Playfulness:   Most Playful = 5    Least Playful = 1
  • Affection:  Most Affectionate = 5   Least Affectionate = 1
  • Friendliness Towards Strangers: Most Friendly = 5  Least = 1
  • Good With Children:  Great= 5    Not Good with Children = 1
  • Good With Dogs:  Great = 5   Not Good Around Dogs = 1
  • Good With First Time Owners:  Fine=5  Not Appropriate = 1
  • Exercise Required:  Extensive Daily Exercise = 1  Minimal = 1
  • Ease of Training:  Very Easy = 5     Difficult = 1
  • Watch Dog:  Excellent Watch Dog = 5  Minimal = 1
  • Grooming:  Time Consuming = 5   Minimal = 1
  • Shedding:  Heavy Shedder = 5     Minimal = 1
  • Cold Tolerance:  Well Tolerated = 5   Poor Tolerance = 1
  • Heat Tolerance:  Well Tolerated = 5  Poor Tolerance = 1
Australian Terrier

Today, Australian terriers are equally at
home on the farm as well as in the city and loves family life as well as being
a companion to a single person.  Active
seniors also love the antics of this breed. 

Described as spirited, alert and courageous, but also friendly and
affectionate around humans by the AKC, they make great watch dogs, and
companion to children who have learned how to handle small dogs.  They are happiest when in close contact with
their families, but cannot seem to resist the urge to chase small rodents and
even cats. 

The prey instinct is very
strong in this breed, which means they may not do well off leash.  If you have a fenced yard, be sure they
cannot jump over the fence or tunnel under it. 

And speaking of the prey instinct, the down side of this breed is not
only their tendency to jump and chase, but bark as well.  Many of these negative behaviors witnessed in Australian Terriers can be
curtailed by regular physical exercise, good socialization and a training
program.

As a typical terrier, this breed has a high energy level which and can be
dog-aggressive.  As a rule of thumb, two
adult males don’t make good bed fellows but a male and female generally get
along well.  Naturally if you are not
planning on breed the pair, they should be neutered and spayed.

Susan
Saulvester, Ruth Gladfelter and Sabine Baker described living with Aussies as…

Sometimes exasperating, frequently lively,
never dull and nearly always fun.

This might be the right dog
for you if you are looking for a healthy, energetic, high spirited, people-oriented
dog with not too many grooming requirements. 

They like to play and love to run, so a large yard or owners willing to
provide daily walks are essential.

Grooming Australian Terriers

Australian Terrier Pictured on https://www.smalldogplace.comAustralian Terrier

The Aussie’s coat consists of two
layers, a harsh straight dense top coat that grows to about 2 ½ inches long and
a short softer undercoat.  A good metal
comb and a stiff bristle brush are the two tools of choice to keep the dog
looking neat. 

Aussies need a bath
occasionally with a mild hypoallergenic shampoo, nails clipped, and teeth
brushed.  Combing and brushing helps keep
shedding to a minimum.  Other than that,
a few stray hairs need to be plucked occasionally. 

These guys tend to grow hairs between their
eyes that can irritate their eyes.  These
stray hairs can be plucked with your fingers as well as any long hairs extending
beyond the ear edges.  Their feet need to
be trimmed occasionally. 

Health Concerns of Australian Terriers

Luckily, Australian Terriers are healthy
and do not yet have many of the genetic health problems that plague other
breeds.

The major concerns in this breed include diabetes, thyroid problems, and
an occasional case of epilepsy and skin problems. 

As with many other small breed dogs,
The Aussie can be affected by luxating patellas and Legg-Calve Perthes disease. 

Both of these orthopedic problems are thought
to be inherited conditions and can be aggravated by obesity.

Other problems that have been found in this breed include hypothyroidism, diabetes and skin issues.

Legg Calve Perthes Disease

Luxating Patellas

Hypothyroidism

Skin Problems

Diabetes

Australian TerriersSandy Colored Australian Terriers

Pros of Australian Terriers

  • Happy, fun loving breed
  • Relatively healthy breed
  • Few grooming tasks
  • Can fit into a wide range of living
    arrangements
  • Smart

Cons of Australian Terriers

  • Behavioral problems can exist such as
    digging, jumping, running, and barking
  • High energy breed:  not for everyone
  • Some dog-to-dog aggression seen in some
  • Requires exercise
The Australian Terrier - Energetic, Playful Spirited at #SmallDogPlaceThe Australian Terrier – Energetic, Playful Spirited at #SmallDogPlace

References and Further Reading

These books and DVDs are available from Amazon.  If you purchase directly from this site, we receive a very small commission.  This, however, is most appreciated and helps keep this site up, running, and growing. 

Thank you so much,

Janice

Do You Own an Australian Terrier? 

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