Leslie Massey
The Australian Terrier is a small, spirited breed of dog, known for its wiry double coat and lively, affectionate personality. The breed originated in Australia in the 19th century, descended from working terriers brought over by British settlers. Australian Terriers are typically healthy, with a life expectancy of 11-15 years, but they are prone to some health issues, including luxating patella and eye problems. They are intelligent, energetic, and quick to learn, making them well-suited to active families with children who can provide consistent exercise, mental stimulation, and socialisation. With their high prey drive, these dogs may not be ideal for homes with small animals but can make excellent guard dogs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 6.5 kilograms (14 pounds) |
| Height | 25 centimetres (9.8 inches) at the withers |
| Coat | Medium length, shaggy, harsh, double coat, wiry, coarse outer coat 2–3 inches long, soft undercoat |
| Coat Colour | Blue, silver, tan, sandy, red |
| Tail | Traditionally docked |
| Legs | Short |
| Intelligence | High |
| Energy | High |
| Training | Responds well to positive reinforcement-based training, structure, routine, and consistency |
| Socialising | Should be socialised early and often |
| Health | Prone to Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, diabetes, luxating patella, ear infections, cataracts, flea allergy dermatitis, ruptured cranial cruciate ligament, hypothyroidism, eye problems, bladder or kidney stones, joint-related issues |
| Life Expectancy | 11–15 years |
| Prey Drive | High |
| Ideal Household | Active families, without small pets |
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What You'll Learn
Australian Terriers are small, spirited, and energetic
The breed was originally developed in Australia in the 19th century, with ancestral dogs originating from Great Britain. Australian Terriers were bred to hunt vermin and small prey, which has led to their strong prey drive and independent nature. They are active and playful, always up for new activities and adventures. Their high energy levels and intelligence make them well-suited for canine competitions such as agility and Earthdog courses.
Australian Terriers have a medium-length, coarse outer coat that is typically blue, tan, red, or sandy in colour. The fur is shorter on the muzzle, lower legs, and feet, and they have a ruff around their necks. Their coats are low-maintenance, requiring minimal grooming, and they do not typically need professional grooming or frequent bathing.
Despite their small size, Australian Terriers are spirited and confident, with a penchant for barking at unfamiliar sights and sounds. They are loyal and affectionate towards their human companions and thrive when given consistent exercise, mental stimulation, and close companionship. They do well in active families who can provide the necessary training, socialisation, and attention they require. Australian Terriers respond well to structure, routine, and positive reinforcement-based training methods.
Overall, Australian Terriers are small, spirited, and energetic dogs that make great family pets, especially for those who can provide the necessary time and energy for their care and training. With their playful personalities and intelligence, they are sure to keep their owners entertained and engaged.
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They have a wiry, low-maintenance coat
The Australian Terrier has a wiry, low-maintenance coat. This breed is known for its double coat, which is medium in length and shaggy. The outer coat is coarse and typically measures 2–3 inches long, while the undercoat is soft. The fur is shorter on the muzzle, lower legs, and feet, and there is a ruff around the neck. The coat colours can be blue or silver and tan, with a lighter-coloured topknot, or solid red with a sandy variation. Markings on the face, ears, body, and legs should be "tan, never sandy", according to the breed standard.
The Australian Terrier's coat is relatively easy to groom, and many owners handle this themselves. Brushing once a week with a stripping comb or knife is recommended to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Unlike some other breeds, Australian Terriers do not require frequent haircuts or the assistance of a professional groomer to maintain their coat's shape and cleanliness.
Bathing is also not necessary on a regular basis. In fact, frequent bathing is not recommended for this breed, as it can cause their skin to become overly dry and flaky. Bathing every few months or only when the dog becomes particularly dirty is generally sufficient.
Despite their low-maintenance coats, Australian Terriers were originally called "Rough Coated Terriers" when the breed was first developed in Australia around 1820. The breed was officially recognised in 1850 and renamed the "Australian Terrier" in 1892. Today, they are known for their relatively easy-to-care-for coats, which contribute to their overall low to moderate care needs.
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They are intelligent, confident, and playful
Australian Terriers are intelligent, confident, playful, and always up for new activities. They are quick to learn and eager to please, making them good training pupils. They respond well to structure and routine, and keeping them on a schedule can make training easier. Positive reinforcement training, with lots of treats and praise, is the recommended approach. They are also spirited, with plenty of energy to play with and a lot of intelligence.
Australian Terriers are a small breed of dog, weighing around 6.5 kilograms (14 pounds) and standing about 25 centimetres (9.8 inches) tall. They have short legs, a wiry, medium-length, shaggy, harsh double coat, and a soft undercoat. The fur is shorter on the muzzle, lower legs, and feet, and there is a ruff around the neck. Their coats come in blue or silver and tan with a lighter-coloured topknot, and with markings on the face, ears, body, and legs of a colour described in the breed standard as "tan, never sandy", or a solid red with a sandy variation.
They are generally healthy, with an average lifespan of 11–15 years, but they are prone to some joint-related issues and eye conditions. They are also susceptible to the auto-immune disease Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome. They are known to be strong-willed and independent thinkers, with a high prey drive, and they respond well to positive reinforcement-based training. They require consistent exercise and mental engagement, as well as close companionship with their humans, and they do not do well with a solitary lifestyle. They are quick to bark at unfamiliar sights and noises, and they are not the most welcoming to strangers. However, with patient training and socialisation, they can be taught to respect other animals and channel their zest and confidence.
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They are prone to certain health issues, like luxating patella
Australian Terriers are generally healthy, with an average lifespan of 11–15 years. However, they are prone to certain health issues, including luxating patella. Luxating patella, also known as patellar luxation, is a common orthopedic condition in dogs, affecting about 7% of puppies. It occurs when the kneecap (patella) shifts sideways or luxates from its normal position at the front of the knee, causing a limp and rubbing against the bone. This can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
The condition can vary in severity, with four grades of patellar luxation. In Grade 1, the kneecap is loose but stays in place during movement, only dislocating when forced. Grade 2 involves occasional dislocation, but the kneecap usually returns to its correct position by itself. Grades 3 and 4 are more severe, with the kneecap becoming dislocated more frequently and requiring manual manipulation or surgery to correct.
Australian Terriers, being a small breed, are more prone to luxating patella than larger breeds. It is important to maintain a healthy weight for your Australian Terrier, as obesity can increase the risk of joint issues and exacerbate arthritis if patellar luxation occurs. Regular exercise is essential, but strenuous activities like chasing or jumping should be avoided to reduce the risk of injury and flare-ups.
If you suspect your Australian Terrier is experiencing patellar luxation, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory medications, weight management, exercise restriction, and, in severe cases, surgery. The cost of surgery can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per affected knee, and the recovery period is at least eight weeks.
In addition to luxating patella, Australian Terriers may also be prone to other health issues such as diabetes mellitus, ear infections, cataracts, and flea allergy dermatitis. Overall, with proper care and nutrition, Australian Terriers can be hearty and healthy companions.
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They are good family dogs but need attention and exercise
Australian Terriers are small, spirited, and playful dogs with plenty of energy and affection to give. They are intelligent, strong-willed, and independent, with a penchant for chasing small animals and digging. While they can adapt to various living environments, they require consistent exercise, mental stimulation, and close companionship with their humans, making them well-suited to active families.
Australian Terriers respond well to structure and routine, and they are quick to learn and eager to please, making them good pupils for training. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, are recommended for training these dogs. They are also known to be loyal and brave, making them excellent guard dogs.
As a breed, Australian Terriers have moderate care needs. Their grooming requirements are relatively minimal, as their coarse, wiry coats are low-maintenance and do not usually require trimming. Brushing once a week with a stripping comb or knife is recommended to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Nail trimming is typically needed about once a month, and ear cleaning and checking for ear infections should also be incorporated into their grooming routine.
Australian Terriers are generally healthy, with an average lifespan of 11-15 years. However, they are prone to some health issues, including luxating patella (dislocated kneecap), Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (degeneration of the hip joint), diabetes, allergies, and eye problems such as cataracts and dry eye. Therefore, it is important to choose a breeder who conducts various health tests to ensure the healthiest possible dog.
Overall, Australian Terriers make excellent family dogs, especially for active households with the time and energy to provide the necessary exercise, training, and socialization. They get along well with children who know how to handle them gently and can be taught to respect other animals in the household. However, due to their high prey drive and tendency to bark, they may not be suitable for homes with small animals or frequent visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian Terriers are small dogs, weighing around 6.5 kilograms (14 lb) and standing about 25 centimetres (9.8 in) tall.
Australian Terriers have coats that come in blue and tan, solid sandy, and solid red. The fur is shorter on the muzzle, lower legs, and feet, and there is a ruff around the neck.
Australian Terriers have a medium-length, wiry, shaggy, coarse outer coat with a soft undercoat.
Australian Terriers have markings on their face, ears, body, and legs. The breed standard describes the colour of these markings as "tan, never sandy".
