Australian Terrier

Australian Terrier was the first Australian dog breeds to be recognized and exhibited in its native land. This dog breed made its debut in 1868 and was specifically designated as the Australian Terrier in 1899.

Rugged little Australian Terrier dogs were bred from the Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Yorkshire, and the old Black and Tan (today’s Manchester) or their predecessors. The Irish and Cairn Terriers may also have been used. The Australian Terrier dog breed’s purpose was to help control rodents and snakes and serve as watchdogs.

Australian Terrier FAQs Frequently Asked Questions:

Let us seek some answers related to the Australian Terrier breed. Are they hypoallergenic (non-shedding), or do they shed a lot? Do they bark a lot? Are they good guard dogs? Are they good family dogs? Good with children? And many more questions that a potential Australian Terrier owner may be concerned about.

Is the Australian Terrier a hypoallergenic (non-shedding) breed?

Many coarse-haired terriers shed less than other groups, making the wiry-coated breeds a smart choice for allergy sufferers. The Australian Terrier (Aussie) sheds minimally, and it’s easy to groom this breed. Brush him once a week, trim his toenails once a month, and bathe him as needed. Frequent bathing isn’t recommended because it softens the coarse terrier coat.

Do Australian Terrier dogs bark a lot?

Yes, they tend to be yappy. Aussies can be prone to excessive barking. However, you can train your Australian Terrier to know when enough barking is sufficient.

Is Australian Terrier a good family dog?

The Aussie makes a wonderful family dog, well suited to families with kids. This breed loves to play but, like all dogs, should be properly socialized and supervised around very young children. He prefers to be with his family and can become destructive when left alone for too long.

Are Australian Terriers affectionate? Good with kids?

They are very affectionate with family members and are great with children, as long as they do not tease the dog. They are seldom snappish. Australian Terriers are more eager to please their owners than most other terriers, making obedience training a pleasant and simple experience.

Are Australian Terriers good watchdogs?

Australian Terriers are alert and love to bark at anything suspicious. This breed makes a great watchdog, but they cannot be good guard dogs due to their small size.

Are Australian Terriers aggressive dogs? Do they bite?

Yes and No. Aussies are not aggressive towards people. The Australian Terrier is a happy dog by nature, known for his clever sense of humor and affection for people. An Australian Terrier should not snap or bite; it is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping is to invite you to play with them.

However, this terrier breed can be aggressive and bossy to other dogs in his household. Since this dog breed was developed as a working terrier, the Aussie has a strong instinct to chase and kill small animals, including squirrels, rabbits, mice, and cats.

Can Australian Terriers swim? Do they like it?

Yes, Aussies can swim—many Australian Terriers like water. Most will swim or take a dip if the weather is hot outside.

How much do Australian Terriers cost? How much is an Australian Terrier puppy?

Australian Terrier puppies cost about $1,200 to $1,500 from a reputed breeder. Some breeders may charge more for an Australian Terrier with top breed lines and a superior pedigree. The cost to buy an Australian Terrier varies greatly and depends on many factors. Expect to pay less for a puppy without papers; expect to pay a premium for a puppy advertised as show quality with papers.

The cost to adopt an Australian Terrier is around $300 to cover the dog’s expenses before adoption.

How long do Australian Terriers live?

The average life expectancy is about 12 to 15 years.

Ok, so let’s assume you have chosen the Australian Terrier as the best dog breed suitable for yourself. You have decided to find yourself an Australian Terrier puppy as your next family member. How will you choose the best pup? Let us look at some standard characteristics of the Australian Terrier dog breed which will help you select the right puppy.

Choosing a good Australian Terrier puppy

The definition of the best Australian Terrier puppy depends on your requirements. Your expectations from an adult Australian Terrier can be broadly categorized as follows: Confirmation for show or breeding; obedience; smart guard dog; companion; homely pet.

Although it is tempting to look for all these qualities in one Australian Terrier puppy you are planning to buy, it is seldom possible to find all qualities in a single pup.

If you want your Australian Terrier puppy to grow up to be a champion in the show ring, you should look for confirmation of the Australian Terrier dog breed standards. We have put together a general guideline for selecting an all-around good puppy for you. Our guideline includes breed standards and gives importance to temperament, appearance, physical details, gait, health issues, grooming needs, and maintenance.

Look for the following characteristics while choosing an Australian Terrier puppy.

Australian Terrier’s General Appearance

A sturdy, low-set dog rather long in proportion to height with strong Terrier character, alertness, activity, and soundness. Its untrimmed harsh coat, with a definite ruff around the neck, extending to the breastbone, assists its hard-bitten and rugged appearance. Essentially a working terrier, it is equally suited as a companion dog owing to its loyalty and even disposition.

Australian Terrier’s Size

Weight The desirable weight is approximately 14 lb. (6 kg). Height The desirable height is approximately 10 inches (25 cm).

Australian Terrier’s Coat and Colour

The body coat consists of a harsh, straight dense topcoat approximately 2-1/2 inches (6 cm) long, with a short soft textured undercoat. The muzzle, lower legs, and feet to be free from long hair.

Australian Terrier’s Colours

(a) Blue, steel-blue or dark grey-blue, with a rich tan (not sandy) on the face, ears, underbody, lower legs and feet, and around the vent (puppies excepted). The richer the color and more clearly defined, the better. Topknot blue, silver, or a lighter shade than head color.

(b) Clear sandy or red, smuttiness, or dark shadings undesirable. Topknot a lighter shade.

Australian Terrier’s Head

Long with a flat skull of moderate width, full between the eyes, with a slight but definite stop. The muzzle, strong and powerful, of equal length to that of the skull, covered with a soft, silky topknot. Nose black, of moderate size; the leather extending to the bridge of muzzle. Jaw strong and punishing, teeth large and evenly spaced, the upper incisors fitting closely over the lower; lips black, tight, and clean. The eyes are small, with keen expression and dark brown color, set well apart and not prominent. The ears are small, erect, pointed, well carried, set on moderately wide, free from long hair, and sensitive in their use (puppies under six months excepted).

Australian Terrier’s Neck

Long, slightly arched, shapely, and strong.

Australian Terrier’s Forequarters

Shoulders long and well laid. Forelegs well boned and perfectly straight, parallel when viewed from the front. Pasterns strong, without slope (slightly feathered to the knee).

Australian Terrier’s Body

Topline level. Long in proportion to height, strongly constructed, with well-sprung ribs and chest of moderate depth and width. Loins strong, flanks deep.

Australian Terrier’s Hindquarters

Moderate length of quarters, broad with strong muscular thighs. Stifles well turned and hocks well bent and let down. Viewed from behind, they should be parallel, neither too wide nor too close. Feet small, well-padded, toes closely knit and moderately arched turned neither in nor out, with strong black or dark toenails.

Australian Terrier’s Tail

Docked: tail set on high, well carried, docked in balance with the overall dog, a good hand-hold when mature.

Undocked: tail set on high, well carried, maybe slightly arched but not lying on the back, well covered with hair but free of fringing.

Australian Terrier’s Gait

The action to be free, springy, and forceful. When viewed from the front, the forelegs should move truly without looseness of shoulder, elbows, or patterns. The hindquarters to have drive and power, with free movement of stifles and hocks. Seen from the rear, the legs from the hocks to the ground to be parallel, neither too close nor too wide.

Faults that are observed in the Australian Terrier breed.

Flesh-colored or butterfly nose. White or light-colored toenails. Soft, woolly, or wavy coat. Black and tan (puppies excepted). Sandy marking in place of tan. Tan smut in a blue coat. Shading or smut in sandy or red. Crooked forelegs. Unsoundness. Light eyes. Under or oversize. Under or overshot mouth. Over gay tail. White markings on chest or feet.

Australian Terrier Videos

We hope you enjoyed reading about the Australian Terrier dog breed. You may consider sharing your views in the comments section below. Inputs and priceless experiences from dog owners, Australian Terrier breeders, and dog lovers, in general, help us better understand our most loyal friends. Thank you for your interest.