Group 2: Terriers
Height:
Male approx. 25 cms
Female slightly less
Weight:
Male approx. 6.5 kg
Female slightly less.
Energy Level: Medium – high
Original Function: Ratter, herder, companion and watchdog
Lifespan: 10 – 12 yrs
Recommended for: Most people
Note: These dogs can be avid hunters.
Developed over the past 150 years in Australia as a working terrier, the lively little Australian Terrier is a mix of breeds crossed such as the British Terrier, Cain Terrier, Yorkshire and Norwich Terriers. Early free settlers in Australia needed a small, hardy, alert dog, keen enough to hunt and kill its own food, for killing vermin, such as snakes, rats and rabbits, and to act as a guard dog. These days we have them more as a much-loved family pet.
They are smart and keen, making them easy to train and they are always eager to please. They like to be around children. Even tempered, very agile and good company for young and old, they love human companionship. Small & tough, they are equally at home on a farm or in a suburban backyard and can make a good house dog. They don’t normally bark just when there is a need.
Appearance: Sturdy low-set dog with alert eyes, erect ears, well-muscled & angulated hindquarters & high set erect tail. Rugged appearance.
Temperament: Bold, Good-natured, friendly.
Characteristics: Essentially a working terrier, but its loyalty & even disposition make it equally suitable as a companion dog.
Colour: Blue, steel blue or dark grey blue, with rich tan (not sandy) on face, ears, under body, lower legs and feet and around the vent. Clear sandy or red.
Coat: The body coat consists of a harsh straight dense topcoat approximately 6 centimetres (approximately 2½ ins.) long with short soft textured undercoat. The muzzle, lower legs and feet to be free from long hair.
Grooming: Their shaggy coat is easy to maintain, simply brush several times a week. Give a bath when necessary, at least once a month. Be sure to clip their nails regularly.
Exercise: A very adaptable little dog and happy to enjoy whatever exercise you can give them.
Health: Tough and hardy little dogs, but some may suffer from dislocating kneecaps, deterioration of the hip joints and skin problems.