Australian Terriers: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Australian Terrier breed

The Australian Terrier!

As a working dog that has shorter legs and is smaller than most in its breed group, the Australian terrier developed a gait that allows it to cover a fair ground area. The breed has a long head, dark nose, angular-shaped ears, dark luminous eyes, a scissors bite, and a strong chest. It has a straight, rough outer coat that’s around 2.5 inches in length, and a short, smooth undercoat.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
12 to 14 years

Energy Level:
Average.

Living Conditions:
Flexible. Good for apartments if sufficient exercise is provided.

Barking:
Lower than average.

Exercise Needs:
30 minutes of yard play or a quick, brisk walk.

Breed Group:
Terrier

Size:
Small

Height:
9 to 11 inches

Weight:
9 to 14 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
Silvery or dark blue with tan spots on the legs and head. Solid red, as well as a sandy color.

National breed club:
The Australian Terrier Club of America

Australian Terrier Skills

In the past, the Australian terrier proved useful in controlling snake and rodent infestation, and showed great ability as a watchdog, companion, and herder. These days, the breed is appreciated still for its watchdog aptitude, as well as its talent in agility, tracking, and performing tricks.

Australian Terrier Personality

The Australian terrier is a sturdy, brave dog, with a quiet and affectionate predisposition. This breed’s attentiveness and loyalty make it a great watchdog and companion. It is very obedient and willing to please, as well as curious and lively. It is a pleasant companion to well-behaved children, and gets along with other dogs and pets, though it tends to run after small animals outside the home. It needs firm and consistent training to keep it from being to independent, though it does well as a traveling companion.

Exercise Needs

This breed does well with at least a good daily workout session, which can be a refreshing game, a quick to moderate walk, or an off-leash run in a secure area, though it can be left to run and play in the yard to get the necessary exercise on its own.

Living Conditions

This breed can live outdoors in moderate to warm weather, though it would prefer to be with its owners most of the time. It is also recommended for apartment life, though it will need to be taken out for leashed walks on a regular basis. A sturdy leash would prove useful for its owner, as the Australian terrier likes to chase.

Grooming Requirements

The long coat on this breed does not need clipping, though hair around the ears and eyes need regular careful trimming and occasional plucking. Brushing its coat several times a week should maintain its glossy look, though baths should be limited to once a month, and the fur should be combed while it dries to prevent tangles.

Health Issues

The Australian Terrier is a fairly healthy breed, with no major deficiencies. However, some diseases, particularly diabetes, patellar luxation, and Legg-Perthes, have been observed in some dogs of this breed.

If you liked this dog…

Those who like the Australian terrier, but also appreciate a preferred potential show dog, might also like the Wire Fox terrier, an adventurous yet tractable watchdog that tends to meet its exercise requirement even when left alone in the yard for a good part of the day.