Australian Terrier

Temperament:

Spirited, Optimistic, Curious
Size: Small
Height: 23-28 cm
Weight: 5,4-7,3 kg
Lifespan: 11-15 years
Coat: Longhair
Colors: Blue (steel blue, dark gray blue) with rich tan, sand colors, red
FCI Group: Terriers

They used to catch rats and snakes. Today, Australian Terriers are adorable family dogs. These funny little fellows quickly win everyone's heart and wrap you around their finger. If your terrier has enough exercise and movement, you can also keep him in a city apartment. With its balanced character, it is a reliable companion for singles and families.

Australian Terrier
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Characteristics

With a height at the withers of approx. 25 cm, Australian Terriers remain relatively small. Females are more petite than their male counterparts. Your Australian Terrier will be with you for 11 to 15 years.

Relatively short legs carrying an elongated body, a tapered head with a funny mop of hair - that's the Australian Terrier. Its gait is energetic, free and springy.

From the side you can see that the head is relatively flat and has a pronounced stop. The nose is black and the muzzle is well developed. The small, light brown, slightly oval eyes gaze happily into the world. The pointed, upright ears hear every sound.

The topcoat is dense and somewhat hard, the undercoat soft and short. Around the neck, the coat forms the distinctive ruff typical of the breed. The silver mop of hair is also typical. You can choose between different colors in this breed. The most common is the Australian Terrier with a blue coat, whereby the head and legs are tan. Slightly rarer are solid red or sand-colored animals.

It is considered the smallest working terrier and is still used in Australia to catch rats, snakes and other small animals.

Like all terriers, your Australian Terrier is very eager to move and is always enthusiastic about new things. You will have the most fun with your dog if you keep him busy. That's what he was bred for. That's when he will develop his full personality and lovable nature.

Always fun and ready for anything, this breed is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. Its even-tempered character makes it a popular family dog. Loyal and affectionate, it is a lovable companion. When he is used to children, he is very patient.

Although he is small, he defends the house, yard and people with determination, without being a barker.

He is open-minded and friendly towards other dogs and strangers.

It is advisable to train the Australian Terrier as a puppy, as it can also be very stubborn.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

For small animals with small stomachs, it is beneficial to feed several portions throughout the day. The composition and amount of food depends on your dog's age and activity level.

Make sure that there is always enough fresh water available.

As an active dog, the Australian Terrier needs food with a high energy concentration. Especially if you exercise with him, use a performance food or an energy-rich supplementary food.

Puppies are given special puppy food. When your little rascal is one year old, you can switch to normal food. For seniors, there is food that is tailored to the needs of older dogs.

Whether dry or wet food - it is important that the food is of good quality and contains all the necessary nutrients. This is the be-all and end-all of a healthy diet.

With dry food, you should also make sure that the kibble is not too big, but not too small either. Your dog should be able to chew them and not just gulp them down.

Other options are barfing or preparing the food yourself.

Finding the right amount of food requires a little intuition and experience. With dogs that have a little more fur, it is difficult to recognize the condition of the food. Your Australian Terrier has the optimum figure when you can clearly feel the rear ribcage.

If your four-legged friend is too fat, it is just as harmful for him as it is for humans. Circulation, tendons and joints are put under unnecessary strain.

Treats that you give in between must be included in the food ration.

Health & Care

Your Australian Terrier's coat is easy to care for, it doesn't need to be trimmed, a simple combing is enough. Only the hair in the ears needs to be plucked.

Check the eyes and coat regularly. The hair around the eyes must not irritate the eyes. You can pluck them carefully.

You should only bathe your dog when it is really necessary and not too often. Dog shampoo may make his coat silkier, but it loses its dirt-repellent effect. The skin can dry out more quickly and become flaky.

The claws should be trimmed regularly.

Your little Aussie is full of energy and wants to move around a lot. Give him the opportunity to do so by taking him for a walk or a bike ride.

It's best to find a sporting activity together with your four-legged friend. The choice is huge. Whether you opt for obedience, dog dancing, agility or something completely different, your Aussie will be thrilled. Perhaps you'll find your activity in a rescue dog team or herding sheep.

The important thing is that you do something together that you enjoy. Your terrier can live out his urge to move and be mentally challenged. You will find that you too will have to master one or two challenges. By training together, you will strengthen your bond and become a team.

Dog sports give your four-legged friend contact with other dogs. As a pack animal, he needs this for his mental balance.

Although it belongs to the terrier family, the Australian Terrier is easier to train. It is suitable for beginners. Be loving and consistent during training. Don't forget that an Australian Terrier can also be very stubborn.

The Australian Terrier is adaptable. It can live in the city as well as in the country if it gets enough exercise. He feels just as comfortable in a family with children as he does with a single person. What is important is close contact with his human and an activity that keeps him busy.

Suitable accessories

The equipment primarily includes a food bowl and a water bowl.

If you're going outside, you'll need a collar for your furry friend or a well-fitting harness for such a small dog. Try out which harness suits your dog best in the store. There is a large selection and the brand that is currently in fashion is not always good and suitable for your dog.

You can either attach a short, fixed lead to the harness or, if you want your Australian Terrier to have a little more freedom, a flexi lead.

Your dog must have the opportunity to retreat. A cuddly blanket or a basket in a quiet corner of the home will do the trick and will be gladly accepted.

Your active terrier loves to have lots of toys around, although every dog develops different preferences. For one dog, chasing after a ball is the greatest thing, while another may be more enthusiastic about tug toys. Adapt your choice of games to your dog.

Also remember that you will need to transport your little friend in the car. Be it to the vet or to visit friends. A transport box will come in handy here.

Australian Terrier History

Origin & History

In the middle of the 19th century, British immigrants brought their dogs to Australia. They became the ancestors of the Australian Terrier.

Various breeds such as the Dandie Dinmont, Broken Coated Terrier, Scotch Terrier, Irish Terrier and Cairn Terrier gave rise to today's Australian Terrier. The Yorkshire Terrier and the Sky Terrier were probably also crossed in.

The Australian Terrier is the first dog breed to be bred in Australia. The settlers needed a small, agile working dog. They bred exclusively for utility, appearance was of secondary importance. The dogs were supposed to kill vermin, guard the property and herd sheep. They also had to withstand heat, cold and rough scrubland.

The miners sent the brave and tenacious dogs into the shafts. There they killed the poisonous snakes and saved the lives of many people.

The breed quickly spread across the entire continent. The Australian Terrier is hardly known in Europe. It was not until 1906 that the first Australian Terrier came to England. The first representatives of the breed only came to Germany in the 1970s.

The first official breeding standard dates back to 1896, when animals with floppy ears were permitted in addition to prick ears. Only since 1947 have Australian Terriers only been allowed to have erect ears.

The breed has been recognized by the FCI since 1963 and is bred by the Australian Terrier Club. The club has established the breeding standard that is valid today.