Dog Breeds - Australian Terrier

Australian Terrier

ATTRIBUTES: Courageous, Affectionate, Spirited

GROUP: Terrier Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Energetic

BARKING LEVEL: Frequent

COAT TYPE: Rough, Double

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Infrequent

SIZE: Small

TRAINABILITY: Agreeable

CHARACTERISTIC: Smallest Dog Breeds, Best Dogs For Apartment Dwellers, Best Dog Breeds For Kids

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of warmth and fondness a breed is expected to display towards its family members or familiar individuals. Certain breeds may exhibit detachment towards everyone except their owner whereas other breeds treat all acquaintances as if they were their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The extent to which a breed can tolerate and exhibit patience towards the behavior of children as well as its overall suitability for families. It is important to always supervise dogs around young children or children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The inherent friendliness of a breed towards other dogs. While it is necessary to supervise interactions and introductions between dogs some breeds tend to have a natural inclination to get along with other dogs both in home environments and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The breed is likely to shed a substantial quantity of fur and hair. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more often, have an increased likelihood of causing specific allergies and will necessitate more frequent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
Assess the grooming requirements of the breed such as bathing brushing trimming and other coat maintenance tasks. Factor in your time availability, patience and budget to gauge the grooming effort needed. Remember that regular nail trimming is obligatory for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Assess the likelihood of the breed to drool excessively. If you value cleanliness, dogs that tend to leave strands of slobber on your arm or leave prominent wet marks on your clothes may not be the best fit for your requirements
COAT TYPE +
Rough, Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The propensity of a breed to welcome strangers can vary. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious when encountering unfamiliar individuals irrespective of the setting. Regardless of the location these breeds may exhibit wariness or a desire to maintain distance from strangers. On the other hand, there are breeds that display a friendly and enthusiastic demeanor towards new people regardless of the circumstances. These breeds tend to be happy and eager to meet and interact with humans whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The enthusiasm for play in a breed can vary even past the puppyhood stage. While some breeds maintain a strong inclination for play including activities like tug-of-war or fetch throughout adulthood others tend to be more laid-back and prefer relaxation. There are breeds that retain a playful nature and continue to enjoy interactive games well into their adult years. These breeds may have high energy levels and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to satisfy their playfulness.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Some breeds naturally possess a heightened ability to detect and notify their owners about the presence of strangers. These breeds tend to be more alert and responsive to potential threats regardless of whether it's the arrival of the mailman or a squirrel outside a window. Additionally, these breeds are more inclined to become comfortable with unfamiliar individuals who enter their home and are welcomed by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The ease with which a breed copes with change can be observed by assessing its ability to adapt to diverse living conditions, noise levels, weather patterns, daily routines and other modifications experienced in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The training process and the dog's receptiveness to learning new things differ across breeds. While some breeds are highly motivated to please their owners, others show a preference for independence, opting to behave as they wish wherever they please, disregarding external expectations.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements vary for each breed. High-energy breeds exhibit great enthusiasm and are always eager for their next exciting escapade. They enthusiastically engage in vigorous activities such as running, jumping and playing for extended periods throughout the day. Conversely low-energy breeds can be likened to contented couch potatoes as they find joy in lounging and peacefully dozing away their time.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency at which this breed vocalizes, whether through barks or howls, can vary significantly. While certain breeds tend to bark at any sight of a passer-by or even birds near the window others reserve their barking for specific situations. It's worth noting that some bark-less breeds may still communicate vocally using alternative sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
To ensure the happiness and overall well-being of a breed, it is essential to provide an adequate amount of mental stimulation. Purpose-bred dogs often possess qualities that require regular decision-making, problem-solving concentration and other mentally engaging activities. Without sufficient mental exercise they may resort to creating their own projects to keep their minds occupied. Unfortunately, these self-created projects might not align with the preferences of their owners. Hence, it is crucial to provide them with appropriate mental stimulation to prevent unwanted behaviors and promote a healthy state of mind.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of warmth and fondness a breed is expected to display towards its family members or familiar individuals. Certain breeds may exhibit detachment towards everyone except their owner whereas other breeds treat all acquaintances as if they were their closest companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The extent to which a breed can tolerate and exhibit patience towards the behavior of children as well as its overall suitability for families. It is important to always supervise dogs around young children or children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The inherent friendliness of a breed towards other dogs. While it is necessary to supervise interactions and introductions between dogs some breeds tend to have a natural inclination to get along with other dogs both in home environments and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The breed is likely to shed a substantial quantity of fur and hair. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more often, have an increased likelihood of causing specific allergies and will necessitate more frequent vacuuming and lint-rolling.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

Assess the grooming requirements of the breed such as bathing brushing trimming and other coat maintenance tasks. Factor in your time availability, patience and budget to gauge the grooming effort needed. Remember that regular nail trimming is obligatory for all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

Assess the likelihood of the breed to drool excessively. If you value cleanliness, dogs that tend to leave strands of slobber on your arm or leave prominent wet marks on your clothes may not be the best fit for your requirements

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Rough, Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The propensity of a breed to welcome strangers can vary. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious when encountering unfamiliar individuals irrespective of the setting. Regardless of the location these breeds may exhibit wariness or a desire to maintain distance from strangers. On the other hand, there are breeds that display a friendly and enthusiastic demeanor towards new people regardless of the circumstances. These breeds tend to be happy and eager to meet and interact with humans whenever the opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The enthusiasm for play in a breed can vary even past the puppyhood stage. While some breeds maintain a strong inclination for play including activities like tug-of-war or fetch throughout adulthood others tend to be more laid-back and prefer relaxation. There are breeds that retain a playful nature and continue to enjoy interactive games well into their adult years. These breeds may have high energy levels and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to satisfy their playfulness.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Some breeds naturally possess a heightened ability to detect and notify their owners about the presence of strangers. These breeds tend to be more alert and responsive to potential threats regardless of whether it's the arrival of the mailman or a squirrel outside a window. Additionally, these breeds are more inclined to become comfortable with unfamiliar individuals who enter their home and are welcomed by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The ease with which a breed copes with change can be observed by assessing its ability to adapt to diverse living conditions, noise levels, weather patterns, daily routines and other modifications experienced in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The training process and the dog's receptiveness to learning new things differ across breeds. While some breeds are highly motivated to please their owners, others show a preference for independence, opting to behave as they wish wherever they please, disregarding external expectations.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation requirements vary for each breed. High-energy breeds exhibit great enthusiasm and are always eager for their next exciting escapade. They enthusiastically engage in vigorous activities such as running, jumping and playing for extended periods throughout the day. Conversely low-energy breeds can be likened to contented couch potatoes as they find joy in lounging and peacefully dozing away their time.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Frequent

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

To ensure the happiness and overall well-being of a breed, it is essential to provide an adequate amount of mental stimulation. Purpose-bred dogs often possess qualities that require regular decision-making, problem-solving concentration and other mentally engaging activities. Without sufficient mental exercise they may resort to creating their own projects to keep their minds occupied. Unfortunately, these self-created projects might not align with the preferences of their owners. Hence, it is crucial to provide them with appropriate mental stimulation to prevent unwanted behaviors and promote a healthy state of mind.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Blue & Tan	044
Red	140
Sandy	168

PATTERNS

About The Breed

The Australian Terrier is a lively and spirited breed known for its pluckiness. With a curious and determined nature, these cheeky and self-assured dogs approach life with enthusiasm. These terriers are sturdy and confident, despite being smaller in size. They have a slightly elongated torso and distinctive coat furnishings that provide protection to the neck and forequarters. Their coat is primarily harsh in texture, but they have a soft and silky topknot that creates a contrasting look. Australian Terriers come in various coat colors, including blue-and-tan, solid red, or sandy. With their elegant neck and sparkling dark eyes, these rough-and-ready terriers display intelligence and keenness.

They move gracefully with a free and easy gait, reflecting their working dog heritage. Australian Terriers are known for being alert watchdogs and quick learners during training. They excel in various performance events. Being true terriers, Aussies have a natural love for play and may still possess the instinct to chase small creatures. They adapt well to different environments and make loyal companions and wonderful pets, providing devotion and affection to their owners.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Australian Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The Australian Terrier is typically a robust breed that is not prone to many health issues. However, responsible breeders will still conduct health tests on their breeding stock to identify and avoid potential problems. Some of the health conditions that breeders may test for in Australian Terriers include luxating patella which is a dislocated kneecap commonly known as a "trick knee" in humans as well as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a hip joint malformation that can be corrected through early surgical intervention. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Patella Evaluation Thyroid Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Australian Terrier's dense and resilient double coat serves as a highly effective shield against dirt and mud and maintenance is a breeze. Generally, a quick brushing session per week suffices to preserve its optimal condition. It is worth noting that the lengthy hairs around the eyes can be bothersome if left unattended. Fortunately, removing them is a straightforward task that can be accomplished using tweezers or fingers. Bathing an Australian Terrier should only be done as needed since the shampooing process tends to weaken the coat's ability to repel dirt, making it less efficient. Additionally, excessive bathing can result in dry and flaky skin for these dogs. Just like any other breed, regular nail trimming is essential for an Australian Terrier's well-being.

Exercise

	Terriers, including the Australian Terrier, possess a considerable amount of energy, necessitating regular exercise to prevent boredom and unhappiness. Failing to engage them adequately can result in undesirable behavior. Daily play sessions, whether indoors or outdoors promote a content and well-balanced Aussie. Nonetheless, it is imperative that these activities occur within a securely fenced yard and while on walks or hikes the Aussie should always be kept on a leash. Allowing an Aussie to roam freely can be risky since their hunting instincts are quite strong, and they may easily get tempted to chase after cats or squirrels, possibly wandering too far from home and losing their way back.

Training

	Similar to other terriers, Australian Terriers, or Aussies, greatly thrive from participating in puppy training classes and introductory obedience sessions using treats, toys, or praise as rewards. Due to their tendency to become easily bored with routine training sessions should be kept short whether the owner intends for it or not. As independent thinkers Aussies require a firm and consistent approach in their training. When introducing another dog into the household careful consideration should be taken.

Nutrition

	Australian Terriers it is recommended to provide them with high-quality dog food whether commercially manufactured or prepared at home in consultation with your veterinarian. It is important to select a diet that corresponds to your dog's specific life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). While some dogs have a tendency to gain weight easily it is essential to monitor both their calorie intake and weight level. While treats can aid in training, excessive consumption can lead to obesity. Educate yourself on which human foods are safe for dogs and which ones should be avoided. In case you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet do not hesitate to seek advice from your vet. Last but not least make sure your Aussie always has access to clean and fresh water.

Historiography

During the 19th century, British settlers in Australia introduced various breeds of working terriers, which played a notable role in the development of the Australian Terrier. It is believed that interbreeding occurred with well-known British terrier breeds such as Cairn Dandie Dinmont, Norwich, Scottie, Skye, and Yorkshire terriers. Observant individuals can identify traits from these and other terrier breeds in the Australian Terrier's genetic makeup. Aussies were selectively bred to be fearless and versatile exterminators, adept at tackling small mammals and snakes. According to a breed historian they employed a strategy known as "leap-twist-and-pounce" when dealing with snakes.

Living in the remote regions of Australia with minimal companionship forged a strong bond between Australian Terriers and their human counterparts. Despite being among the smallest working terriers, these resilient dogs demonstrated their affectionate and unwavering loyalty as beloved pets once the day's work was complete. Even today, outgoing Australian Terriers remain people-oriented companions who thrive on being an integral part of the family unit. Neglecting them leads to unfavorable outcomes as they strongly desire human interaction and attention.

The Australian Terrier holds a legitimate claim to being "Australia's Dog." It became the first native breed to gain official recognition in its homeland and also the first Australian breed to achieve recognition in other countries. The initial club dedicated to the breed was established in Melbourne in 1887, accompanied by the development of a breed standard and subsequent importation of the breed to America and Britain. In 1933, the Kennel Club in England granted official breed status to the Aussie and the American Kennel Club (AKC) followed suit in recognizing the breed in 1960.