Australian Terrier
Origin
The Australian Terrier was created in Australia by the British in the early 19th century. They were created from terriers imported from northern England and Scotland. The result of this cross was the Aussie, used for hunting snakes and small animals. They were also used to guard the mines and sheep. They were granted official recognition by the Kennel Club of Great Britain in 1936, and in 1958 the American Kennel Club accepted them.
Description
The Aussie is a lively outgoing terrier that loves human company. They are small but very sturdy, having been bred to be able to jump and run. There is a lot of character and terrier temperament in this small dog. They are busy little dogs that will do what they can to please. They differ from some other terriers in that they have a long neck and back. Their coats are harsh and straight on top and shorter and softer underneath.
| Size | Small |
| Colour | The Aussie can be blue and tan, steel blue, dark grey blue, solid sandy, red or solid black. There can be a change in coat colour when the puppy is about nine months old. |
| Coat Length | Short Medium |
| Weight/Height Range | The Aussie stands at approximately 25.4cms at the withers and weighs approximately 6.34kgs. |
| Breed Classification | The Australian Terrier is a member of the terrier group. They are small sturdy dogs, essentially used as working terriers, but can make excellent companion dogs. Today they are used in obedience and agility trials, but they also make great watchdogs and family pets. |
Feeding & Ownership
These dogs are not expensive to feed.
| Food Cost | $5 to $10 |
| Other Expenses | As they are a hardy breed and have very little grooming requirements, they are not an expensive breed to keep. |
Personality
The Aussie is an intelligent, friendly little dog, that is very good at obedience and agility. They are very anxious to please and make good watchdogs. They are not yappy, as some of the small dogs can be, but will bark if necessary. They have to be trained quite strictly as they can do their own thing otherwise. They can be stubborn but they do love to please and revel in lots of human contact and praise. They are an active, outgoing and fun-loving breed.
| Intelligence | They are very intelligent little dogs that need firm training. They like to be kept busy, and if you do not give them something to do they will find something themselves. They have a great sense of fun and are enthusiastic about life. They are wary of strangers but in general are not too suspicious. If they are brought up with cats and young children then they can all live together quite peacefully. |
| Energy | Medium |
| Suitability for Children | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | Medium |
| Overall Exercise Requirement | These dogs require an adequate amount of exercise, but at the same time they are quite happy to fit in with your lifestyle. They are dogs that have a lot of energy and do enjoy nothing better than a good long walk. |
| Suitability as a Guard Dog | High |
| Ease of Transportation | High |
| Level of Aggression | Medium |
| Other Animal Compatibility | Medium |
Grooming
An Aussie terrier in top condition will lose very little hair. They are easy to groom and have a weather resistant coat. These dogs should never be clipped and, if necessary should be plucked instead. They should be brushed and combed at least once a week and the ears checked for hair that may block the canals.
| Grooming Requirements | More than once a week |
| Amount of Hair Shed | Little |
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