Australian Terrier

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  • Australian Terrier Dog
  • Australian Terrier in the UK
  • Australian Terrier
  • Australian Terrier Dogs
  • Australian Terriers in Great Britain
  • Australian Terrier Breed
  • Australian Terrier Dog Breed
  • Australian Terrier in Great Britain
  • Australian Terriers
  • Australian Terriers in the UK
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Trainability:
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Good with Children:
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Affectionate:
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Height: 22 - 25cm M | 22 - 25cm F
Weight: 6 - 7kg M | 5 - 6kg F
Life Expectancy: 11 - 15 Years

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Introduction

The Australian terrier is the smallest working terrier that was bred to hunt and kill snakes and rats. A small but sturdy dog with high energy level, the Australian terrier easily gets bored with routine. Whilst general obedient, this small-sized dynamo has a stubborn streak so a firm and consistent training approach is necessary.

Known for being alert and quick, the Australian terrier is a great watchdog. Whilst smart and easy to train, the Australian terrier will instinctively chase small critters or go on a digging spree.

The Australian terrier’s shaggy double coat is weather-proof so it’s relatively easy to maintain. Once-a week brushing is enough to keep the Australian terrier’s coat neat and healthy.

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History

The smallest of the working terriers, the Australian terrier is said to have descended from a native dog called a rough-coated terrier. This type, also related to the old Scotch dog from Great Britain, was crossed with other British terriers in Australia. These included the Skye, the Yorkshire, and the black and tan terriers. Not to be confused with the Australian shepherd, the Aussie was bred to hunt and eradicate snakes and rats. The breed was also used as a shepherd, watchdog, and companion dog.

The Aussie is the first native breed recognised and included in shows in the land down under in 1868. It was under the name Australian rough-coated terrier, which was renamed to Australian terrier in 1897. The Kennel Club officially recognised it in 1933.

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Appearance and Grooming

The Aussie weighs around 14–16 pounds and stands 24–26 centimetres at the withers. This small and sturdy pooch is long in proportion to its height. It has a long head with a flat skull and a slightly-arched neck. It has small prick ears free from long hair.

The Australian terrier has a shaggy and rough weatherproof double coat that resists tangles and easily repels dirt and mud. The hair on the chest and head is longer than the rest of the body. It sheds very minimally and can be groomed easily. It can be brushed once a week and bathed only as needed. Once every three months is optimal as bathing it frequently will cause dryness and ruin the breed’s coarse terrier coat.

Apart from taking care of your dog’s coat, make sure that its teeth are brushed regularly because small breeds are prone to dental issues. Also trim its nails, as well as look out for flees, skin irritations, and other abnormalities.

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Temperament and Intelligence

The Aussie is intelligent, confident, silly, and active. It has inherited most of the characteristics of a typical terrier, which can be off-putting for some. It has a tendency to bark, chase, and dig. It also loves escaping and running away. It is bossy, stubborn, and persistent. If you want a laid-back and/or submissive dog, this breed is not for you. If you want a small yet effective guard dog, then this is a good choice.

It can act dominant, so it is best to establish early that you are the pack leader. However, you will be pleased to know that it has empathy towards the elderly, disabled, and children. As with other dogs, close supervision is needed with young unruly kids. Learning can be easy for an Aussie, but repetitive lessons can become boring. Keep your training fun and challenging. Positive reinforcements will also help make training easy.

There may be a particular predisposition when it comes to a breed’s intelligence and personality. However, environment, training, and socialisation can also influence in raising a well-rounded dog.

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Nutrition and Feeding

A typical serving for this small dog is 1/2–1 cup of excellent-quality dry dog food per day. It is important to measure its food and avoid free-feeding to ensure a trim body size. Like in every breed, the amount of food and feeding frequency depends on your pet’s age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism.

Typical calorie needs of an adult Australian terrier per day:

  • Senior and less active: up to 460 calories daily
  • Typical adult: up to 500 calories daily
  • Physically active/working dog: up to 600 calories daily

The Australian terrier as a small dog has specific needs different from large breeds. Choose high-quality brands specifically made for small breeds. Experts recommend dry food as it promotes chewing to maintain good oral health and keeps stool firm. This breed has a sensitive stomach and skin, so an inadequate diet can result in kidney and liver complications, intense itching, dry skin, and ear infections. Its diet should be mainly composed of high-quality meat such as lamb, beef, and chicken. Since all dogs require carbohydrates, avoid sources that contain gluten like corn, wheat, and soy.

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Health and Exercise

The average lifespan of an Aussie is twelve to fifteen years. It is generally healthy but prone to certain diseases and conditions. These include allergies, patellar luxation, diabetes mellitus, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

As an active and energetic dog, it needs a significant amount of physical and mental exercises. Aside from long walks, playing in a securely fenced yard is needed. Make sure that it is not alone as it has a tendency to dig and ruin your garden, as well as chase and/or kill small animals. It is also an escape artist that can be challenging to catch.

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Cost of Ownership

The love and loyalty that owners receive from their dogs are priceless. However, the reality is that dog ownership is costly. A rough estimate to care for an Australian terrier will be £60–£100 per month. The amount depends on the insurance coverage you choose, which can be around £17 for basic and £40 for a lifetime. Food and treats cost about £45 a month. Essential equipment like crates, beds, leads, collars, bowls, and others will be an additional £200.

In terms of maintaining the well-being of your dog, veterinary costs for initial and booster vaccination, regular health checks, and neutering/spaying can go as high as £900 per year. This does not include major veterinary procedures and long-term treatments in case your dog needs them.

Australian Terrier Breed Highlights

  • The Australian terrier is a small dog that takes up less space.
  • It easy to groom because of its shaggy and rough weatherproof coat that resists tangles and repels dirt.
  • It is an intelligent, confident, and silly dog.
  • It may be stubborn, but has empathy towards the elderly and kids.
  • The breed is active and has high exercise needs.
Australian Terrier

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Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
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