Australian Terrier Info & Australian Terrier Breeders

The Australian Terrier was developed in Australia, with the ancestral types of dogs from which the breed descends from Great Britain.   The breed shares ancestors with the Cairn Terrier, Shorthaired Skye Terrier, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Yorkshire Terriers and Irish Terriers were also crossed into the dog during the breed's development.

Australian Terrier Temperament

While essentially a working terrier, the Australian Terrier was also bred for companionship, so they tend to be very people friendly, and enjoy interacting with people.  The breeds loyalty and even disposition also make it a wonderful companion dog.    They should not be considered for a backyard dog, the Australian Terrier needs to live indoors as a member of the family. They are well suited for apartment living, but only if you train well to control barking.  These little dogs are very alert watchdogs or, as the neighbors sometimes describe them, nuisance barkers.

The breed standard describes the ideal Australian Terrier temperament as spirited, alert, "with the natural aggressiveness of a ratter and hedge hunter".  The breed ranks 34th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of above average "Working and Obedience" intelligence, indicating good trainability.  As with most of the terriers, training from a young age is important to channel their inquisitive and active nature.  A bored Australian Terrier with energy to burn can become destructive and troublesome.   Australian Terriers are not the best choice if you also have cats, and they don’t always get along well with other dogs, particularly other males.

Australian Terrier General Appearance

The Australian Terrier is a sturdy low-set dog, small, with short legs and rather long body in proportion to their height.  Males are approximately 25 cms (approx 10 Inches) at the shoulder and 6.5kg (14lbs).  Females are slightly less in both.   The long strong head assists in developing its hard bitten, rugged appearance. 

The breed has a medium length shaggy harsh double coat that is not normally trimmed.  The fur is shorter on the muzzle, lower legs, and feet, and there is a definite ruff around the neck that extends to the breastbone.  The coat may be blue, steel blue or dark grey blue, with rich tan (not sandy) on face, ears, under body, lower legs and feet.  The topknot may be blue, silver or a lighter shade than head colour.

Grooming Tips for the Australian Terrier

While show dogs require more careful grooming, the coat is relatively easy care and weekly combing or brushing to keep shedding to a minimum is generally all that is necessary.  Always use a good quality bristle brush and wide toothed comb to groom your Australian Terrier. This will preserve the undercoat which is characteristic of the breed.    If inexperienced, never trim drastically, and remember the golden rule of grooming - if in doubt, DON'T!
 

Photos Courtesy of Teraustralis Australian Terriers and thanks to the Australian Terrier Club of South Australia for contributing to information about this breed. 

Additional Sources: Vet Street - Australian Terriers,  Wikipedia: Australian Terriers