| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Australian Terrier is an active, lively, independent and affectionate dog.
This beautiful Terrier comes all the way from Australia, and some people can easily confuse it and think that it is a Yorkshire Terrier, but it certainly is not. This dog has all the Terrier’s characteristics: active, cheerful, affectionate, independent and stubborn; but it is not a Yorkshire!
How can we differentiate this dog breed? It is very simple; you just need to look for a lock of hair.
Yes, we are talking about that unique hazelnut-colored lock of hair; besides around its neck it also has longer hair that covers it like a soft scarf.
Among all the Terriers, the Australian Terrier is the easiest to train because it is very smart and always tries to please its owner. The Australian Terrier loves to take long walks with its owner, also travel and explore new things. It is extremely curious and any occasion or situation is a time to explore new lands. In addition, we can say that it is an excellent playmate for children, because it adores games.
As we previously mentioned, the Australian Terrier is an active dog that will never stop showing its love and affection. It loves outdoor life, but it can adapt perfectly to an apartment, as long as you take it on its daily walks. It also has deep in its soul a hunting instinct, so we recommend walking it with a leash, because if by any chance it sees a mouse, it would not hesitate to catch it.
Australian Terrier: Origins
The Australian Terrier was born in Australia at the beginnings of the 20th century. It is the result from the crossing between a Yorkshire, Norwich, Cairn and the Skye Terrier. It is quite popular around the World, but we must say that its origins and evolution started in Great Britain, where this dog has developed its particular characteristics. But its motherland is definitely Australia, where it has evolved and spread.
The history of this dog breed tells us we owe all the characteristics of this marvelous animal to the Countess of Stradbroke. In 1885, the Australian Terrier made its first appearance in a dog show in Sydney, and in 1887 its first club was founded. By the end of the 20th century this dog breed was exported to the UK, the US and even Europe, where it was widely accepted. But it was in 1961 in Australia, when the standard of this dog breed was approved and it became the first recognized Australian native dog breed.
This dog was born as a working dog, but the Australian Terrier was also used as a hunting dog, and nowadays it has become a beloved companion dog. However, it keeps its natural instinct and the desire to hunt. In gardens or backyards it becomes a chasing machine of a mouse or rodents, we can say that probably it is the favorite hobby of this dog breed.
Australian Terrier: Physical Characteristics
At first the Australian Terrier can be mistaken with Yorkshire, but actually there are many characteristics that differentiate these dog breeds. It belongs to the group of Terriers and has many things in common with these dogs; but this little friend has a unique hazelnut-colored lock of hair. Around its neck it wears its long hair as an elegant scarf.
It is a small, well-muscled, robust and strong dog. We are talking about a dog breed that is 7–10 inches height (20-25 cm) and that weighs around 15 lb (7 kg). It has harmonious proportions, but it is longer than wider.
The head has a long and flat skull. Its stand is subtle but well-defined. The muzzle is strong, powerful and has the same length as its head. Its nose is black-colored, and the eyes are small and almond-shaped with a clever look, they can be dark-brown, separated and outstanding.
The ears are small, straight and pointed; they do not have long hair and are placed in an alert position. As we said before, the Australian Terrier’s body is long in comparison to its height; its chest is slightly deep and well-developed. The tail is always raised, and the legs are short but well-muscled, and it has a loose and lively stride.
Besides its iconic lock of hair, the Australian Terrier’s coat is rough, straight and around 2 inches long (6 cm), unlike its undercoat which is silky and thick. It does not have long hair in its muzzle or posterior legs.
The coat can be of different colors, such as:
- Blue
- Steel Blue
- Blue-Grey with spots
- Sand
- Tan
The Australian Terrier is an active and dynamic dog; it loves being outdoors but can adapt properly to an apartment.
The average lifespan is 12-15 years and it is a healthy dog. The main diseases that this dog breed might present are otitis and progressive retinal atrophy. It also tends to gain weight easily so you must be careful with its feeding and diet.
Australian Terrier: Temperament
We are talking about a little adorable earthquake; this is the way we can define it. The Australian Terrier is a cheerful, clever and smart dog. It is also very easy to train, even easier than other Terriers, maybe because it loves to please its owner so much. Alert and well-balanced, it is the perfect companion dog; it becomes very attached to its owner and family, to whom it will always be affectionate and protective.
The Australian Terrier loves to play with children, but it can be mistrustful with strangers. Its temperament is independent, stubborn and cheerful, like a typical Terrier, but as we said before this does not mean that it would not show love to its family.
This dog loves to travel and take long walks with its owner; and despite adoring the outdoor life, it is also an ideal dog to have in an apartment. It is important to train it from puppyhood, so it can learn to socialize properly, even with other dogs; this way you will prevent it from developing mistrustful and manipulative behavior. Like we previously mentioned, the Aussie is a curious dog that adores exploring new lands. It is an excellent hunting dog for mice and snakes.
Despite Its small size, The Australian Terrier is a brave and tenacious dog; it has a well-developed hearing and a sharp vision which makes it a perfect guardian dog. Given its independent spirit, the training must be strict so it can grow to be a well-balanced and educated dog.
Therefore, the ideal owner for an Australian Terrier, would have to be coherent during the training, but not too strict. It should also be a kind person because this little friend needs to feel part of the family.
Australian Terrier: Breeders and Puppies
In this section you can find the best registered breeders in countries such as: the US, Canada and UK; but also Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, India and South Africa; where you can find all the information you need. It is important to purchase from a reliable breeder, to insure that your puppy has been:
- Raised to have good character and good health;
- Carefully selected (its parents were chosen without any genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too aggressive or fearful;
- Vaccinated and well-cared for.
When you adopt a puppy, a reliable breeder provides you with an official veterinarian certificate, in which it is formally stipulated that the animal is in perfect health and dewormed.
Australian Terrier: Price, and Puppies for Sale
The Australian Terrier does not have a place in the market yet, and that is the reason the prices can vary a lot. As a reference we can say that a Australian Terrier puppy can cost between 800-1300 dollars, 600-1000 English pounds, but only if it has noble parents.
You can ask for a pedigree certificate, which allows you to check your dog breed´s purity. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics that distinguish it among the others.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new four-legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Miniature Pinscher
- West Highland White Terrier
- Australian Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
- Norfolk Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- Papillon and Phalène
- Shetland Sheepdog
