Mary Allen
Small, sturdy, and bold – if you’re looking for a comfortable companion who enthusiastically joins in on all the fun and loves his people more than anything, the Australian Terrier is the right choice! Smart dwarfs have everything you could want in a family and companion dog: friendliness, quick wit, and adaptability. These terriers are also an interesting option for first-time dog owners.
With Firmness and Heart – Terrier from Australia
The Australian Terrier is one of the few terrier breeds bred outside the UK. However, his ancestors came with immigrants from the British Isles to a hot continent on the other side of the world. Many well-known breeds such as the Scottish Terrier, the Skye, and the Cairn Terrier, as well as the English Yorkshire Terrier and the Irish Terrier, contributed to the creation of the Australian Terrier.
With the settlement of Australia, there was a need for a versatile terrier capable of performing numerous tasks in the countryside. In addition to hunting mice and rats, it was also used to protect against snakes. At the same time, he was a guard dog and even a shepherd dog for sheep and cows. To accomplish all these tasks, small, agile dogs had to be exceptionally hardy, fast, and courageous. Their small size and easy-care coat, which is just as useful in cold weather as it is in hot weather, was a great advantage for active dogs. Today, the little “Australian” has found fans all over the world.
Australian Terrier Temperament
This little dog has a big personality. Australian Terriers are incredibly smart and quick-witted. You will learn something new – good or bad – in a very short time. They are extremely obedient, but not necessarily cooperative at all costs. Their “willingness to please”—their willingness to cooperate—depends heavily on the arguments of their people. With food, respect, and the ability to motivate a four-legged student, more can be achieved than harshness or even a lack of fairness.
Australians are extremely affectionate and friendly with their people. They also show their soft, cuddly side to children if they have been properly socialized. They are extremely patient and have a high irritation threshold. Small fluffy hands are ignored long before the Australian Terrier is on its feet. If you follow the coexistence of dog and child here, you will receive an invaluable comforter, cuddling partner, and learning aid on the path to independence.
Unlike many other terrier breeds, the Australian Terrier is also considered to be quite friendly towards other dogs. If you provide him with regular contact in puppy playgroups and dog school from the very beginning, there is a good chance that your four-legged friend will get along with most of his fellows when he becomes an adult.
There are no terriers without a hunting instinct – this also applies to Australian Terriers. However, this one is moderate and geared toward smaller animals like rats or squirrels. However, he can follow it with fervor and plenty of volumes. Barking is an important characteristic of the Australian Terrier in general: he likes to hear his own voice, say lovers of the breed.
Upbringing and Attitude
No matter how small the compact terrier is, it definitely needs to be trained! Otherwise, his cheerful, nimble and creative nature could tempt him to all sorts of nonsense. With a calm, consistent and fair upbringing from the first day in a new home, you will be able to direct this abundance in the right direction.
Long walks, hikes, bike rides, or horseback riding are an important part of a proper workload. But it’s good if you can also give him a task that contributes to the development of the body and mind. Because the Australian Terrier is so versatile, all options are open to you: action with agility, concentration with nose work, fun with play, or even work with sheep in the pasture – try as many things as you can and find what works for you. Australian.
At home, the Australian Terrier shows himself very busy, like a little snorer who prefers to warm the sofa for hours. This calm and balance within his own four walls are in his blood, but it should also be encouraged in the process of education. There is no game at home, at best a few dog tricks are done. If you keep this in mind, then in a small city apartment you can keep a really comfortable terrier.
Australian Terrier Care
When it comes to grooming the tough Australian coat, less is more! Periodic combing, and plucking out old hair, is enough to keep the coat clean. With such good care, the little terrier sheds very little. At the same time, he has the right fur, in summer and winter, to go without a coat.
Characteristics and Health
Despite its endurance, courage, and strong character, the Australian Terrier is a gentle and trainable representative of the terriers. Proximity and friendliness to people also make this breed interesting for beginner dog breeders. Before making a purchase decision, you should talk to the owners and breeders of the breed to get to know these dogs personally. If you then buy a puppy from a reputable breeder and pay attention to excellent socialization, you are more likely to be a wonderful, honest, and attractive companion in all situations.
Buying from a registered breeder gives you another benefit: the parent animals have been carefully screened for possible diseases such as patellar luxation or diabetes as part of the breeding permit. This increases the chance of getting a healthy puppy. With good care, plenty of outdoor exercises, and proper feeding, cute Australian Terriers can live up to 15 years.