Australian Terrier 

What Does an Australian Terrier Look Like? 

According to the FCI standards, the Australian Terrier is “one of the smallest working terriers”. At first glance, it may seem like a bolder, wilder, and somewhat larger version of a Yorkshire Terrier. 

Build 

This robust canine stands around 25 centimetres tall at the shoulder and sports an elongated silhouette. Females are typically a tad smaller. The Aussie tips the scales at approximately 6.5 kilograms. 

It has a long, flat skull, moderately broad with a slight stop. The eyes are small, oval, and dark brown. The ears of the Australian Terrier are also small, standing erect and sharply pointed. 

Tails were often docked in the past, a practice which is now, fortunately, banned in most European countries. According to the FCI breed standard, the tail should be set high and carried high but not curved over the back

Coat 

The Aussie possesses a coarse coat about six centimetres long, with a short, soft undercoat. There’s a notable ruff around the neck where the hair is longer. 

This breed comes in two colour variants: various shades of blue with tan, and sandy/red. According to the standard, shading and white markings are undesirable. 

Temperament: a Terrier with Charm 

Though boasting a strong personality as is typical for terriers, the Australian Terrier is affable and adaptable. 

Versatile Little Thing

Cheerful, playful, sociable, and always up for joint activities, the Australian Terrier is a friendly and robust dog. It forms a close bond with its human and is open to interactions with other bipeds. 

Despite its size, the Australian Terrier is confident, sometimes even daring. If well socialised from puppyhood and adolescence, these typical terrier traits should not pose any issue during controlled encounters with their kind. 

Like all terriers, the Aussie is by no means a lap dog. As a working breed, it needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation to be content. 

Training Intelligent Terriers 

Characterised as small and smart, the Australian Terrier quickly grasps what its human desires. It is easily trained and happily adjusts to its owner’s everyday life, as long as it can participate. Naturally, one must take into account the typical terrier stubbornness that comes with such a strong personality. 

Given that Australian Terriers are alert and especially the males can exhibit territorial behaviour, their barking should be managed from a young age. 

Their ancestors were skilled rat and snake hunters, something to keep in mind during off-leash activities. Mouse holes or rats can make the terrier forget its manners in a flash. 

Here you’ll find helpful advice on anti-hunting training. 

Keeping Aussies 

The Australian Terrier brings delight even to novice dog owners. The once working breed has evolved into an authentic companion and family dog. 

Who Does the Australian Terrier Suit? 

This pooch from down under has many traits that make it appealing to a variety of dog lovers. Therefore, it suits families just as well as those living in single-person households. 

It can live in harmony with cats. However, small animals like guinea pigs should be protected from this passionate rat hunter. 

City or country? [Flat or house?] The Australian Terrier doesn’t mind. The main thing is that it has enough exercise and stimulation! Even active seniors can keep an Australian Terrier wonderfully, as long as they offer it plenty of mental and physical activity. 

Prospective owners should always remember that this dog was originally a working breed, however cute it may look. Therefore, older members of the breed may be more suitable for more sedate people, young or old. 

Is the Aussie Good with Children? 

The small terrier generally gets along very well with children. It’s essential, no matter how small the Australian, to never leave it unsupervised with a baby or toddler. When older children treat it with consideration, dog and child can become a true dream team.

How Demanding is Coat Care in the Australian Terrier?

The Australian Terrier has coarse fur with a soft undercoat that should be plucked into shape regularly. Alternatively, you can have it professionally trimmed at the dog groomers every few weeks. Brush the Aussie once a week to prevent tangles. Also, ensure that longer hair is free from nature’s souvenirs from the woods and fields. A significant advantage: This breed sheds very little. 

Overall, compared to many other small dogs, the Aussie is very easy to care for. Some of them might be prone to ear infections, so do check their ears regularly and clean them if necessary. 

Here you can find more information about coat care for dogs. 

© Mikkel Bigandt / stock.adobe.com

Keeping an Aussie occupied 

The Australian Terrier loves to lounge with you on the sofa – provided it’s had its fill of exercise. Despite its small stature, this isn’t a dog for the sedentary. It enjoys long walks. Also, ensure not to neglect mental stimulation for this clever little brain. 

Back in its homeland, the terrier was even used as a herding dog, demonstrating its resilience and commitment. Many dog sports are suitable for this bundle of energy, including agility for small dogs, nose work, or learning tricks. 

Australian Terrier: Health overview 

Australian Terriers are robust dogs that sometimes can be predisposed to certain conditions. These include diabetes, allergic skin diseases, progressive retinal atrophy, and patellar luxation.

Life expectancy of Australian Terriers

The little Aussies have an average life span of 11 to 15 years. Providing a dog-friendly diet is instrumental in ensuring a long and healthy life. 

Aussie History and Origin 

Unlike its American counterpart, the Australian Shepherd, the Australian Terrier indeed hails from Australia. Its roots date back to Europe: The breed’s ancestors arrived on the fifth continent with Scottish settlers, becoming versatile four-legged helpers. Guarding, herding, killing snakes – these small dynamos did it all with aplomb. 

The Australian Terrier first appeared in a show in Australia in 1880. Official breeding started in 1921 with the founding of the Australian Terrier Club and the establishment of breeding standards. 

In Europe, this breed remains something of an insider tip. The first examples arrived in Germany about 50 years ago, where the four-legged friend is still very rare today. 

© Mark Herreid / stock.adobe.com

Breeding and Purchase 

Interested in an Australian Terrier? We offer tips on purchasing and alternative breeds. 

Where can I buy an Australian Terrier? 

If you’re keen on bringing an Australian Terrier into your home, it’s best to turn to breeders conforming to FCI guidelines. This ensures that the parents have a pedigree and that only breed-typical, healthy animals are used in breeding. 

Conclusion: A delightful Terrier 

For those seeking a congenial and utterly engaging little terrier, the Aussie is a tremendous choice. Dog lovers should not underestimate the working drive of this small-sized breed; in doing so, they will find an exceptional companion. 

Other Terrier Breeds You Might Like 

If you’re a fan of the Australian Terrier, these terriers might also pique your interest: 

• Sealyham Terrier 
• Yorkshire Terrier 
• Scottish Terrier
• Norfolk Terrier 
• Norwich Terrier