Australian Terrier at a glance
About the breed
Personality and traits out of 5
Friendliness and suitability
These intelligent little dogs are very active and energetic, always like to be busy, and if you do not give them something to do then they will find something themselves. Australian Terriers have a great sense of fun and are enthusiastic about life.
The American Kennel Club states that they have a keen and intelligent expression and their manner is spirited and self-assured.
Origin & History of Australian Terrier Dog Breed
The origin of the Australian Terrier, as the name says lies in Australia. These breed were brought to Australia from Great Britain in the early
18th century. They were first bred in Tasmania and were used to hunt snakes and other small animals and also to guard the mines and sheep.
This breed is a result of crossbreeding between various kinds of rough coated terrier including Skye Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Irish Terrier .The Australian Terrier was first called as the rough coated terrier.
Are The Dog Child Friendly ?
The Australian Terriers are known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around people. They make a wonderful family pet but not well suited for children.
But they often tend to bark and can exert dominance over small children. So, Australian Terrier may not be friendly with your child when they first experience them.
Behavior, Temperment and Apperence
Australian Terriers are small, sturdy dogs with classic features. They have long heads, erect ears and impressive eyes and deep chests. They have a soft undercoat and a thick, coarse outer coat that feels rough while touching. They have long hair which is about two inches which grows longer around the head and chest. Their tails are docked and stand.
The Australian Terrier is the quietest breed of terrier. Always eager to please. Small in size but are sturdy and always vigilant and this makes them excellent watchdog.
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Australian Terriers can be scrappy and sometimes aggressive with other dogs of the same sex, but most Australian Terriers are willing to coexist peacefully with other pets.
Like other breeds of Terriers, Australian Terrier will also bark bark early and very often, but tend to bark less than other breeds.
Trainability
The Australian Terrier is an intelligent little dog with an innovative outlook. They are active breed and needs daily exercise. A daily walk is sufficient to keep your dog healthy both physically and mentally.
The Australian Terrier training should be started the moment you bring your puppy home. If you use the wrong teaching method, your puppy will start making decisions about how he wants you to fit into his life, and that will result in bad behavior.
They are very smart and can learn very fast but can get bored by repetition, so short training sessions with lots of rewards will be best for them.
Essential Facts That You Need To Know
- Australian Terrier is known to be an excellent watchdog as they are very active and can easily detect strangers on its territory and uses loud barking to inform its owner about their presence.
- They are always packed with energy and ready to entertain its owners all day. They are friendly especially with children, elderly, and disabled people.
- Australian Terrier can also be used as a therapy dog. Some studies have shown that they can lower blood pressure, relief tension and accelerate recovery of sick people by giving them a good company and make them happy.
- They are suitable for families who stay in apartments and houses with
backyards. - Australian Terrier usually gives birth to four puppies at a time.
Common Health Problems
| General Health | Healthy | |
| Common Health Issues | Thyroid, Diabetes, Allergies, Cataracts, Bloat | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | |
| Vaccination Required | Kennel Cough, Rabies, Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Canine Parainfluenza, Canine Coronavirus | |
| Shedding | None to Minimal Shedding | |
| Drooling | Low | |
| Grooming | Average | |
| Weight Gain Potential | Average | |
| Separation Anxiety | Moderate Chance | |
| Allergies | Skin allergies | |
| Diets and Supplements | Protein-18% Fat- 5% Fish Oil |
The Australian Terrier are certainly a healthy dog with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. But sometimes they may prone to health issues like:
- Allergies – The common symptoms of allergies are itching of the skin. This symptom may affect the digestive system resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.
- Diabetes – The symptoms of diabetes of dogs are excessive thirst, increased urination, and weight and an increase in food consumption.
- Thyroid issues: The symptoms of Thyroid issues are Cold intolerance. Changes in coat and skin, increased shedding, hair thinning, and hair loss. Thickening of the skin. Reproductive disturbances in intact dogs.
Coat Colour Of Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are found in three colors –
- Sand
- Blue & Tan
- Red
Puppies
The puppies of Australian Terrier breed are even more cuter than the adult ones. This breed are more active and curious to learn tricks during their puppy age.
The Australian Terrier are born weighting around 5 ounces and look quite a bit like baby otters. They are very well socialized even before they open their eyes. They open their eyes at about 2 weeks old and their ears are also closed until they are 2 weeks old.The puppies love to play and wrestle with toys.
Which Dogs Are Similar To Australian Terrier?
Dogs similar to Australian Terrier breed are :
- Silky Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Norwich Terrier
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Australian terriers are very mild for terriers, but they do have a personality and attitude and that’s what makes them special.
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