Australian Terrier dogs differ from some other terriers in that they have a long neck and back, in proportion to their height. Their coats are harsh and straight on top and shorter and softer underneath.
The Australian Terrier dog breed can sometimes develop:
- Legg-Perthes disease
- Patellar luxation
- Diabetes mellitus which is a condition where dogs develop very high sugar levels because they do not produce a normal amount of insulin.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
Friendly and outgoing, the Aussie is keen to please and revels in human contact and praise, and so is generally easy to train – unlike some terriers! They are bonded to their owners and do not like to be left alone. While not an aggressive breed, like many terriers, they will stand their ground if challenged by another dog. This is not a yappy dog but neither is it a quiet one and they will bark if they consider circumstances warrant it - whether or not it is needed!
| Family-friendly: | 3/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
| Easy to train: | 3/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 2/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 1/5 |
The hardy Australian Terrier dog breed was created in the early 19th century to work in rugged conditions, hunting snakes and rodents on ranches and down gold mines, and being an all-purpose farm dog. The breed was created from a wide combination of terriers imported from northern England and Scotland – including the Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Scottish, Irish and Yorkshire Terriers. The result was this small, shaggy, tenacious little dog, who had its first breed club established in Australia in 1887 and came to the UK around 1933.
The feisty little Australian Terrier needs an owner who can temper that spirit with a good dash of calm and sense. Someone who enjoys training, has plenty of energy and loves a good long walk. Some previous experience with terriers is recommended, and an owner who is home most of the day or can take their Aussie with them would be ideal.
About an hour's exercise is needed a day, though they will happily accept more – after all, this dog was a working terrier as well as a companion! As well as walks and terrier-specific games, they are clever and trainable and will often enjoy agility and other canine sports.
The Australian Terrier doesn’t need much space although they will appreciate a garden where they can sniff, explore and dig! Fencing must be secure as an Australian Terrier can squeeze through small spaces and also tunnel underneath fences.
Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.
An Australian Terrier dog in top condition will lose very little hair. They are easy to groom and have a weather- resistant coat that is around 6.35cm long. The undercoat is short and soft. They should be brushed and combed at least once a week and the ears checked for hair that may block the canals. Hair should be plucked if necessary, not clipped and this should be done by a professional groomer - or else the breeder should be able to show you how to do it yourself.
The Aussie is easier to train than many terriers and with an owner who can motivate this little dog with reward-based, consistent methods, they can reach a high standard of training - and will thoroughly enjoy doing so. Take care around cats and small furries.
The Australian Terrier can make a good family dog where there are older sensible children who enjoy the character of a terrier, but in a young family they can get overly excited with a lot of noise and movement.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
The Australian Terrier is a fearless little dog who would frequently attack and kill poisonous snakes. They developed a strategy of engaging the snake, before then performing a leap, twist and pounce technique to be able to kill the snake from behind and stay out of the way of those highly venomous fangs.
This terrier is known as Australian’s national dog breed!
They were originally known as Toy, Blue and the Rough-coated Terrier.
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