Australian Terriers
Country of Origin: The Australian Terrier (affectionately known as ‘Aussie’), developed in Tasmania, is the first recognized Australian breed. Its ancestors were a mix of now-extinct breeds which also generated the Yorkshire Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Scotch Terrier, and Manchester Terrier. The breed came to be called the ‘Rough Coated Terrier’, then the ‘Broken Coated Terrier’ due to its distinctive blue and tan coat. It was used as a herding and guard dog and for hunting snakes and pests. The Australian Terrier was imported to America beginning in the 1920’s and was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1960.
Australian Terrier
Breed: Australian Terrier
Temperament: Alert
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Recommended for: Families, older adults
Maintenance: Medium
Appearance: Australian Terriers are small, short-legged rough-coated dogs with pricked ears, a bright alert expression in either sandy-red or blue and tan. They reach about 25cm (10") and weigh about 6kg (14lb). The top coat is wiry and harsh with a softer undercoat.
Temperament: This is an alert, inquisitive, spirited terrier which bonds closely with humans. While generally good natured, they can become yappy if left unchecked. They are good watchdogs and thus appeal to people living alone.
Health:
A hardy breed developed from a range of British terriers; Some luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps) seen.
Breeding: Litters average five pups usually with few whelping problems. They are usually born black and develop their colour as they mature. The ears will prick at around six to eight weeks.
Space & exercise: Australian Terriers are considered ideal dogs for suburbia - small enough to be happy in an average backyard or indoors. They need some exercise to avoid becoming bored but a few minutes of ball games daily is adequate. A regular walk for apartment dogs is a good idea.
Breeders warn, however, that no amount of exercise will stop them from chasing the neighbour's cat! The chase and catch instinct is too ingrained to overcome.
Uses: As mentioned, most owners soon discover the instinct to chase is still strong in their dogs. They were developed as ratters, so anything small and mobile is still considered fair game! Many also take on snakes - often at their cost. They are excellent companions and watchdogs.
Ideal owner: The Australian Terrier is an ideal choice for families with school-age children. They are always ready for a game and are too small to knock the kids down. Many also go to older adults seeking a small, alert companion who will warn them of visitors. They are generally not destructive if left alone in the backyard but may become 'yappy' if bored.
Training: Due to the enthusiastic terrier temperament, longtime owners suggest positive reinforcement with special treats as the best way to train Aussies. With patience a degree of control can be achieved but new owners should be warned not to become complacent, especially around cats and other small pets such as guinea pigs.
Grooming: A brush through once a week for 10-15 minutes should keep the coat tidy and free of knots, grass and twigs. Exhibitors 'strip' the coat annually. This means removing the old outer hairs so the new coat grows through.
Popularity: Luckily, Australian Terriers have never been plagued by fashion trends and purebred registration figures have been very stable during the past decade. Some states may have a waiting list for puppies.
History: The Australian Terrier is the result of mixing several different terrier breeds including the Dandie Dinmont, the Cairn, and the Yorkshire, to produce an all-purpose ratter and watchdog. The breed was officially recognised in the late 1880s. It should not be confused with its smaller cousin, the Australian Silky Terrier, a toy breed.
Training: The Australian Terrier sometimes has its own agenda, so training must be strict, but not harsh. Australian Terriers learn quickly and can pick up a number of tricks and activities. They excel at dog agility and earthdog competitions, in which they must scent and track prey through a series of underground tunnels.
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