Last Updated on August 6, 2023 by Pets Feed
The Australian Terrier, also known as Aussie, is a small but robust dog, very similar to the Yorkshire terrier and the Australian Silky Terrier. This dog comes from the island of Tasmania, has a determined character and is much quieter and barks less than other terrier dogs, although if this bad behavior is encouraged, it can become a dog that barks excessively.
Due to its size and the little physical activity it needs, the Australian Terrier is an excellent pet for slightly older children because it can perfectly live in a small house or apartment. If you want to adopt an Australian terrier and do not know anything about this breed, do not miss this article of Pets Feed in which we will explain everything you need to know.
Australian Terrier photos
Physical characteristics
The Australian Terrier is a sturdy little dog with good proportions, a coarse coat and a collar around its neck. Outwardly it looks a bit disheveled, but that’s what gives it its charm. Sexual dimorphism is low. Height at the withers of about 25 cm, with a weight of 6 to 7 kg.
Distinctive features
- Head: The head is of medium size, proportional to the size of the body. The skull is strong, rounded at the back of the head. The judgment is pronounced. The muzzle is of medium length, tapering towards the nose.
- Teeth: scissor bite. The jaws are powerful.
- Ears: Straight, triangular in shape, broad at the base and tapering towards the tip. The ears do not crop.
- Eyes: The eyes are small, set normally, rounded. The color is preferably dark.
- Body: The chest is wide, the belly is slightly upturned. The back is straight, the loin is narrow. The neck is wide, smoothly passes down the back. The body is quite long, but proportionally corresponds to the size of the dog.
- Limbs: short but strong forelegs. The hind legs are longer than the front ones. The legs are rounded, the claws are hard, usually dark
- Coat: The coat is hard, about 6 cm long, dense. A mane forms around the head and on the neck. The color can be different: grey, red, sand. Small puppies have a black coat that changes color over time.
Character and behavior
The Australian terrier is a friendly and sociable dog, is eager to please and likes human contact and flattery. Therefore, in general, it is easy to train, unlike some burrows! He is not aggressive, but will remain in his thirteen years if another dog challenges him. It is not an outrageous dog breed, but it barks when necessary.
This dog is, in essence, a working terrier and therefore has a courageous and determined temperament. However, it is more stable and calmer than most other terriers and, therefore, is also an excellent companion dog.
The Australian terrier needs a lot of family company, but it tends to be booked with strangers. It can also be aggressive with same-sex dogs and with small animals, but it is not as aggressive as other terrier breeds. Either way, it’s important to socialize the dog for people, dogs, and other animals from an early age.
Although the breed was developed primarily for hunting small animals, the Australian terrier is very versatile and can be an excellent pet, but not specifically for very small children, as they can mistreat the dog and the dog can defend itself by biting. However, it is an excellent pet for older children who know how to respect the dog.
Health
Most dogs of this breed are healthy, but the breed also suffers from hereditary diseases that occur with varying frequency:
- Diabetes;
- Diseases of the eyes (cataract, progressive retinal atrophy, persistent pupillary membrane, retinal dysplasia);
- Dislocation of the patella;
- Cruciate ligament rupture;
- Allergic dermatitis;
- Ear infections.
To maintain the health of the Australian Terrier and to prevent many diseases, timely vaccination, treatment against external and internal parasites is needed.
Life expectancy
Care
The Australian Terrier needs to be brushed about twice a week, the dog needs to be bathed at least once a month or more often. The claws are trimmed 3 times a month, the ears are cleaned 3 times a week, the eyes are cleaned daily.
Exercice
History of the breed
Great Britain is considered the birthplace of the breed. It’s not entirely clear what England has to do with it. However, everything is simple: many years ago, people from the country went to explore a new continent. They took with them four-legged pets related to terriers.
Australia met the settlers with rats, snakes and burrowing predators. All these “natives” vexed the British. It was decided to breed a universal dog. To fight snakes, hunt small predators, and deal with rats.
The history of the origin has become overgrown with legends. There is no documentary evidence. Legends say that the distant ancestor of the breed was the Yorkshire Terrier. The Dandy Daimont Terrier and the Cairn Terrier took part in its formation.
It is known for certain that two lines were formed. The first is the Australian Silky Terrier. And the second is a wire-haired and very strong-willed dog known as the Australian Terrier.
Representatives of the breed are the result of painstaking selection work. They have the blood of Skye Terriers, Cairns, Scottish and Manchester. First presented at an exhibition in 1868. After 28 years, the first breed standard was developed.
