Mary Allen
The Australian Terrier is small, smart, flirtatious, in short: a multi-talent. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale, FCI for short, assigns the nimble Australian to group 3, the group of terriers, and within this group, it is “run” in section 2 as a low-legged terrier without a working test. Though the hardy hunter originated in Australia, he descended from the bloodlines of the Commonwealth’s Bring Me. Cairn and Scotch as well as Irish and Yorkshire Terriers shape the character and appearance of the Australian Terrier. Not to be confused with the Silky variant, the Australian Silky Terrier. Although he also comes from the Red Continent, he wears his hair more like a Beatle, silky soft and hanging down.
Australian Terrier Dog Breed
Size: 23-28cm
Weight: 5.5-7.5kg
FCI Group: 3: Terriers
Section: 2: Short Legged Terriers
Country of origin: Australia
Colors: red, sand, blue-tan, blue-tan
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Suitable as: therapy, rescue, companion, and family dog
Sports: agility, obedience
Temperament: Attentive, brave, loyal, comradely, spirited
Exercise requirements: rather high
Low drool potential
The thickness of hair low
Maintenance effort: low
Coat structure: harsh, smooth, and dense topcoat with soft, 6 cm long undercoat
Child friendly: medium
Family dog: rather yes
Social: rather no
Origin and Breed History
The 19th century can be seen as the birth of the Australian Terrier, as the breed secured a permanent place in the Australian outback as a herding dog and hunter during this time. It was already recognized as a breed in its homeland. It wasn’t until a century later that the hardy terrier toured Britain and a few years later, in 1936, there was the British Kennel Club’s ‘plaque’, official recognition as a registered breed. The club is regarded as the top British dog breeders club, but not only that, it is also the largest and oldest of its kind. It would be another 34 years before Germany discovered the clever terrier for itself. He has never been a “fashion dog” until today. Only a few connoisseurs know about the qualities of the little Australian, whose skills were and still are of great use to his owners.
In the land of his ancestors, he was used to hunting snakes and rats. He bravely “cleansed” the gold and silver mines of poisonous snakes. He even tended flocks of sheep with “buddies” of the same name. The Australian terriers changed sides over the woolly backs of the good-natured animals, which was like a circus performance. This feat can only be achieved with perfect timing, outstanding body control, and the necessary courage.
The Australian settlers bred a particularly versatile breed with the Broken Coated or Skye Terrier, the Yorkshire, the Sydney Silky, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. So the Australian Terrier is not only a lightning-fast rat “killer”, but also a highly vigilant guardian, a courageous protector, a friendly family companion, and an intelligent partner.
Nature & Temperament of the Australian Terrier
The Aussie not only differs from most other terriers because of its body length but also because of its ability to assess situations at lightning speed and to act on its own. The little one is and will remain a terrier that needs to be brought up consistently so that relaxed family life can take place and sensible social behavior can result.
Originally bred as a working dog, even today, wherever he has found a home, he still wants to run, run, and even faster. He’s quicker than any rabbit and sharper than a wolf, that’s how proud owners scold their rough little Australian. For this reason, the Australian Terrier wants a job and preferably outside. There he gets enthusiastic about all the training sessions, he learns quickly because curiosity and intelligence are paired with courage and perseverance.
However, it will not work completely without a leash when walking through confusing terrain, as the Pied Piper is always lurking in its genes, which of course is also interested in foxes, rabbits, and cats. When dealing with children, both sides must abide by the rules. The Aussie is not a willing dog, but will make close friends if treated “respectfully.” The Australian should also be raised in this way, supported by understanding and patience towards the extremely idiosyncratic Aussie. At the same time, however, consistency and a certain degree of rigor are required, because without laws, “Terrier Rules” are used. Self-confidence and assertiveness are also part of this, and you are sometimes able to make your own decisions. From the beginning, the Australian Terrier was bred to kill rodents and snakes, which required its own hunting methods and independent procedures with all their consequences.
Is the Australian Terrier a Children’s Dog?
Probably not, because the Aussie is not good at “enduring” rough children’s hands and “pull games”. However, he does accept children who play by the rules.
The Appearance of the Australian Terrier
As a male, the Australian Terrier measures approx. 25 cm and weighs around 6 kg, females are slightly smaller and also slightly lighter. The Australian’s coat is rough with a short undercoat and a noticeable frill around the neck. The topcoat can be as long as 6 cm. He has fur that is extremely easy to care for.
As far as “fashion” is concerned, the terrier wears only two colors, one is the sand tone or red tone without dark nuances and the other the most beautiful shades of blue with tan on the face, ears, and paws. In Australia, people were already opposed to “white” and breeders didn’t want to see it that way with the Aussie either. The little “Whirlwind” is powerful and long, with dark brown oval eyes, prick ears, and a tremendous push from behind, as most hunters do, even if they are small and have short legs.
Upbringing and Keeping of the Australian Terrier – This is Important to Note
The Aussie is and will always be a terrier, albeit one from “overseas”. He has all the essentials of a self-reliant hunter, a guard dog, and a little big one who protects the family, home, and yard. This means that the owner should always have the “instruction manual” at hand when training.
Empathy and consistency are required in the upbringing, which the Aussie likes to feel like a compromise. The terrier is the king of his field and the family shares an apartment with the royal dwarf. Social behavior must be trained, children must follow the rules even when playing with the dog and if there are cats in the apartment, the Aussie must urgently follow the rules. That sounds a little serious indeed, but it is only partly.
The Australian Terrier is a happy, playful, and friendly little fellow who is mostly quiet indoors, but he is a terrier who doesn’t like having his bread and butter taken away from him. Nevertheless, he follows when someone is smarter and more assertive than him. It is even suitable for beginners if the beginner gets help for basic education. He gets along with other dogs as long as he has “pack experience” and is confronted with strange dogs early on. This applies, in particular, to contact with large dogs, whose superiority he must learn to accept. You are only king in your own kingdom and a showdown with a much stronger opponent belongs in the realm of the “sins of youth”.
Can the Australian Terrier be Left Alone?
Yes, if the time spent alone is manageable and regular walks balance it out.
Diet of the Australian Terrier
As with every breed, the diet, especially the amount of food, depends on the age of the dog, its basic weight, the living conditions, its activity level, and the individual state of health. It is the same with the Australian Terrier. As a rule, the Australian is fed once or twice a day with wet food, which consists mainly of natural ingredients and contains little sugar.
The owner is spoiled for choice, but when it comes to nutrition, there are a few guidelines that will ensure the dog stays healthy. The Aussie can be fed with barf food, with home-cooked food, or with ready-made food. In principle, one is as good as the other if it provides the dog with all the important minerals, trace elements, and vitamins. BARF is good if the dog owner has knowledge about it. The same goes for cooking yourself. It’s not enough to fill the pan with meat and mix in rice and vegetables. This variant requires a special effort in the daily calculation of the many food components. This requirement can hardly be met by working people. BARF must also be practiced with expertise. The Australian Terrier can be given the ready-made food in its wet and dry versions without hesitation, as long as it is declared with the title “complete food”. This means that all of the ingredients must be present in sufficient quantity to feed an adult dog for a day
Healthy – Life Expectancy & Common Diseases
Basically, the breed is considered to be extremely resilient and healthy. For a long time, breeding has been oriented towards using the dog as a working dog, so little has experimented with its appearance. Recently there have been increased cases of diabetes and allergies, but there is no reliable evidence that these diseases are actually typical of the breed.
What is certain, however, is that few Australians tend to become overweight if they don’t get enough exercise. With regular walks, a well-adjusted diet, and love, the Aussie thrives in any environment, even a small apartment.
The life expectancy of the Australian Terrier is up to 15 years. Like most dogs, the Australian Terrier is not perfectly equipped to cope with extreme heat and extreme cold. He is a dog that loves it moderately warm.
Grooming the Australian Terrier
The little Aussie is not very high maintenance. His coat can be brushed, but should never be reported to a hairdresser for trimming, otherwise, the soft undercoat will become rough. The eyes should be checked regularly, as strands of hair keep growing in the eyes. Overhanging hair on the body can be plucked out. As a rule, the fur on the paws and muzzle is kept short. The dense ruff of the Australians looks imposing and is reminiscent of the largest cat in Africa. It is also this “mane” that protects the terrier from injuries that it can sustain while hunting.
The whole dog should not be bathed too often, in which case less is often more. This reduces the dirt-repellent effect of the fur. The little hunter is a robust “jump into the field” and should be included in the family as such. He is not a lap dog, nor is he a “fashion doll”.
Australian Terrier Activities and Training
The Aussie likes anything that requires exercise and bonds them with their owner. Although he has relatively short legs, he is a little jumping miracle and fast as the wind. Agility, obedience, tracking, and herding are popular activities that show the Australian’s energy and intelligence to get the job done. In principle, the entire range of dog sports is suitable for the Australian terrier. Bike tours become an experience with a spirited Australian Terrier and the Aussie is also a loyal companion when climbing. Taking a long walk once a day is a must. In wooded areas with wildlife, the terrier should be watched closely or kept on a leash.
Good to Know: Peculiarities of the Australian Terrier
The wiry guy from the red continent is and will always be a hunter. He’s been there to kill smaller rodents since the beginning. If the Aussie now comes into a loving extended family with guinea pigs and cats, the owner must not ignore this characteristic of the Australian Terrier. Furry pigs, which until now have been allowed to roam freely around the home, are now banned from entering the home, and the cat that encounters an adult Aussie be warned. When the species grow up together, there is hope for peaceful coexistence. Children must be instructed to treat the Australian with respect. Children and terriers alone in the field or in the apartment is not a favorable constellation. The Aussie is peaceful but not good-natured, it is cooperative but not tolerant. Time for walks is necessary, as is a strong bond with a person.
Grooming is very easy, but training is a little more complex. “Terrier knowledge” is required here. The Australian Terrier is a spirited and confident dog that can be taken anywhere. However, he needs solid basic training that enables him to experience his limits and still retain his independence.
Is the Australian Terrier a Dog for Allergy Sufferers?
Of the two Australian Terriers, only the Australian Silky Terrier is an allergy-prone dog.
Cons of the Australian Terrier
No dog has any disadvantages, but there are breeds that suit one owner and less so for another. In this context, a few possible disharmonies should be discussed here that can arise when the dog and master are alien. The next section discusses the proper “fit” between dog and owner. So here are just a few examples of mismatched couples. The dog should always be the same, namely an Aussie:
- The owner is a passionate couch potato.
- The dog owner is traveling alone for days.
- The home is a small city apartment and the owner is short on time.
- There are already two dominant dogs in the household.
- The owner has never had a dog but doesn’t want to accept help either.
- There is more than one owner who wants to be in charge.
Is the Australian Terrier Right for Me?
To find out whether the Australian Terrier suits you, answer the following questions for yourself: Can you regularly satisfy the Aussie’s urge to exercise? Who takes care of him when the only owner gets sick? How do you deal with his strong hunting instinct?
Because what is important is that the Aussie is intelligent and learns “on the fly”. He has an independent nature, which is due to his terrier genes and he suits his owner if he is a bit like himself: confident, funny, and agile.
How Much Does an Australian Terrier Cost?
There is not much speculation about the cost of ownership, it depends on the address from which an Aussie is bought. The purchase price is usually at least $1000. The monthly expenses amount to around $50 to $80.