Australian Terrier: temperament, size, care and health

About the Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a small, sturdy dog standing about 10 to 11 inches tall with a long body, short legs, and an upright carriage. The harsh coat forms a ruff around the neck and a soft topknot on the head. Colors are blue and tan, sandy, or red. The ears are small and erect, and the expression is bright.

The breed was created by settlers in Australia who needed an all-round farm and house dog that would kill rats, snakes, and other vermin, and also guard the home. Today the Australian Terrier is a companion that combines a manageable size with a hardy constitution.

Temperament and family life

Australian Terriers tend to be friendly, outgoing, and more adaptable than some of the breeds in the group. They bond closely with their families and often get along with children who treat them gently. Many are less scrappy with other dogs than is typical of terriers, though same-sex disputes happen.

They are alert and will bark at visitors, but they are not typically constant barkers. The hunting instinct is strong, so cats, rodents, and birds may be chased. A secure fence is essential, and the dog should not be left alone for long periods, as it may become destructive or noisy.

Exercise and training

The breed has moderate needs: a daily walk, a game or two, and time to explore a yard. It likes agility, obedience, and earthdog trials. Compared with many terriers it settles quickly indoors.

Australian Terriers are intelligent and eager enough to be among the more trainable terriers. They respond to praise and food rewards, and they pick up cues quickly. They can be stubborn if training is dull or harsh. Early socialization helps confidence and manners, and barking should be managed from the start.

Grooming and shedding

The coat is one of the easiest of the wire-coated terriers. A brush or comb once or twice a week keeps it neat, and the hair sheds little. Hand-stripping a few times a year maintains the correct texture, but many pet owners simply trim the coat.

The topknot is often tied or trimmed to keep it out of the eyes. Bathe only as needed, clean the ears, trim nails, and brush the teeth. Check the ruff for tangles.

Health

The Australian Terrier is generally healthy, and many live to the upper end of the range. Diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, kneecap slippage, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and torn cruciate ligaments are reported. Some dogs have skin allergies. Breeders may screen thyroid function, hips, knees, and eyes, and they watch for diabetes in their lines.

The above is general information, and a veterinarian should be consulted about any individual Australian Terrier.

History

The Australian Terrier is generally traced to the nineteenth century, when settlers in Australia crossed rough-coated terriers brought from Britain to create a hardy working dog for the colonies. Several British terrier breeds are believed to have contributed, among them the Cairn, the Skye, the Dandie Dinmont, the Irish Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. It is regarded as the country's first native breed to be formally recognized.

Is the Australian Terrier right for you?

An Australian Terrier suits people who want a small, easy-care, trainable terrier, including first-time dog owners who accept some barking and digging. It adapts to a flat or house as long as it has daily walks and company. It is less suited to homes with small pets or to people who want a quiet dog.

The Cairn Terrier is a very similar choice with a shaggier coat, and the Norfolk Terrier and Norwich Terrier are comparable in size. The Border Terrier offers more leg and a gentler face.