Australian Terrier, a native to Australia, was bred to be versatile. Most likely descended from Irish Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and a few other terriers who had the qualities the settlers needed, this little dog was used to control rodents snakes, warn of trespassers and predators, and at times, even tend the sheep.
The Australian Terrier is a small dog standing 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing 12 to 14 pounds. He is sturdy, with dark eyes, upright ears, and a docked tail. His body is longer than he is tall at the shoulder, and his coat is about 2.5 inches long. He can be in three colors: blue and tan, sandy, and red.
Grooming the Australian Terrier breed is easy. He needs twice-weekly brushing, and you might want to trim the hair on his paws to keep them neat. Twice a year, he needs to be hand-stripped. Aussies need a long brisk walk morning and evening and a chance to hunt for critters in the yard a couple of times a day. They enjoy games, including hide-and-seek, and some may retrieve thrown toys. Without enough exercise, they can be destructive, and they love to dig. They should never be allowed to run off-leash outside of a fenced-in yard; these dogs have strong hunting instincts and will be off after a rabbit, squirrel, or cat in a flash.
Puppy kindergarten classes are an excellent way to socialize your new Australian Terrier puppy and provide you, the new owner, with guidance in helping your new puppy become a well-trained addition to your family. Australian Terriers are not bad little dogs, but instead, they are active physically and mentally and need to know what is acceptable and what is not. The training should be firm yet fun and should avoid too much repetition. The Australian Terrier can be a good family dog if he’s kept busy. He will tolerate children if they respect him. He is not to be trusted with other small pets; remember, he is a hunter. This is a healthy breed.
Australian Terrier at K9 Research Lab
One reply on “Australian Terrier”
The AKC Standard calls him “spirited, alert, courageous, and self-confident, with the natural aggressiveness of a ratter and hedge hunter.”
One of the most sensible and least demanding of the terriers, the Australian is nonetheless as hardy and spunky as the rest.
He is so adaptable that he’s easy to live with in any home that understands the dynamic terrier temperament and provides enough companionship, outdoor walks, and vigorous play sessions.
Though small, the Australian Terrier is an alert watchdog with keen senses, reserved but polite with strangers.
Though he can be scrappy with other dogs of the same sex, most Australian Terriers are willing to coexist peacefully with other pets. But they can be bossy and they are chasers, bred to pursue anything that runs.
Quick to learn and usually eager to please (though he definitely has his independent moments and must be taught who is in charge), he responds well to obedience training that utilizes food and praise more than jerking around.
As befits their heritage, some Australian Terriers are born diggers. Some can be barky, though in general this breed is quieter than most terriers.