Key Traits of the Australian Terrier Dog Breed

The origin of the Australian terrier dog breed is in Australia quite recently, in fact it was created in the early 20th century. But to be precise, it was bred by British ancestors, and is one of the few breeds of the terrier group that developed outside Great Britain, and is also the first breed that can claim to have been developed in Australia.

Its progenitors are diverse, according to some a mixture of British breeds: the skye terrier, the Scottish terrier and the dandie dinmont terrier. It was also crossed for a time with the Yorkshire terrier.

In fact, many mistake it for a Yorkshire terrier, but there is one detail that makes it immediately recognisable. Around its neck it has like a soft scarf made of longer hairs. Its ancestors were brought to Australia by settlers from the British Isles and used for hunting rats and snakes, on farms, in harbours, but also in gold mines.

But the current standard of the Australian terrier is due to the Countess of Stradebroke, who set the characteristics of this breed. In 1885 the Australian terrier made its first appearance at an exhibition in Sydney and a couple of years later the first club was founded. And it has come down to us virtually unchanged due to geographical isolation.

Character of the Australian terrier dog breed

The Australian terrier has a cheerful and docile disposition, even if a bit stubborn, on the other hand stubbornness is a terrier's prerogative, however we can affirm that this remains the most easily trainable and obedient one. It is very attached to its family, especially to its owner, whom it will do anything to please, and is very affectionate and protective with them.

He is not suited to being alone much, loves the company of his family and enjoys long walks; he also likes to travel and explore new areas. It is the classic companion and flat dog, although it likes to be outdoors a lot, but given its passion for hunting, it is advisable to have a secure garden; if it senses any probable prey, it will not hesitate to run off and go after it.

However, he needs daily walks because he is an active, lively and exuberant dog. He likes to play with children as long as he is treated with respect. With strangers, on the other hand, he is mistrustful and suspicious, which is why, properly trained, he makes a wonderful watchdog; in fact, with his lively barking he will not hesitate to warn of the presence of any intruder. He is friendly with other dogs and also with cats and other pets.

Its education, however, must begin very early, as it has an independent temperament, and is also a little stubborn, typical of terriers, but its intelligence and its desire to please its master make it a fairly simple dog to train; its training, however, must be rigorous and aimed above all at recognising the man as leader of the pack, therefore a little healthy discipline is indispensable to make the Australian terrier a polite and loyal dog.

Appearance of the Australian terrier dog breed

The Australian terrier is a small, robust and muscular dog. Its height at withers is about 20-25 centimetres and its weight is about 7 kilograms. It has harmonious proportions although it is longer than wide. The body is well structured, the chest is deep and fairly broad, the paws are short but very strong, agile and muscular, allowing these dogs to move quickly. The tail is carried straight but never on the back and is usually shortened. It has a free and vigorous gait.

The head is small and slightly elongated on the muzzle ending in a small black truffle. The skull is long and flat. The eyes are dark and small, slightly oval, very lively and intelligent, the ears, which are also small, are high and pointed, V-shaped, without long hair.

The skull is covered at the top with an unusual hazel tuft, while around the neck it has a collar of longer, scarf-like fur.

The coat of the Australian terrier is rough, straight and about 6 cm long, while the undercoat is short and thick, very soft and dense. Long hair is not present on the muzzle and the underside of the paws. The coat can be of various colours; blue, steel blue, sand, red and blue-grey with highlights.

Care and health of the Australian terrier dog breed

The Australian terrier is a strong breed and is free of the most common hereditary diseases and enjoys good health. However, there are some diseases to which it may be susceptible: dislocation of the kneecap, diabetes mellitus, otitis and progressive retinal atrophy, but these are uncommon in this breed. It has a life expectancy of around 15 years.

As for coat care, it is sufficient to brush it once a week and not to bathe it too much, better to use a dry shampoo. Excess hair in troublesome areas such as the paws and ears must be removed by the groomer.

As for feeding, he tends to get a little fat so you must not overdo it and always keep him on the go.