The Australian Terrier is descended from rough-coated terriers brought over to Australia from the UK in the early 19th century. Its role, as with most terriers, was to hunt and kill mice and rats, but also to be a companion dog. Its ancestors include the Cairn Terrier, Shorthaired Skye Terrier, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. During the breed's development it has also been bred with Yorkshire Terriers and Irish Terriers.
This terrier became the focus of breeding programs in Australia around 1820. Its original name was Rough Coated Terrier. It was formally renamed the Australian Terrier in 1892. The breed was slow to gain a foothold in the US, but The American Kennel Club finally recognized it in 1960, with the United Kennel Club following suit in 1970.
These dogs are typical terriers in temperament - feisty, vocal, and ruthless in the pursuit of rodents. They also make very good house pets - they were partly bred for bred for companionship, and are therefore very friendly, if well trained. They are great with small children, and people with disabilities.
Australian Terriers are spirited and self confident. They love people and can form tight bonds with their family. This love should be rewarded through regular walks and play sessions. They are usually good with other pets (especially if they've known them since puppyhood) and are calm and patient with strangers too. It is important to socialize these terriers early so that they grow into rounded, calm little personalities.
Australian Terriers are always alert and make good watchdogs.
Possible problems include luxating patella (dislocation of the kneecap), diabetes, allergies, tumors, and eye disease.
- Status: Common
- Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years
- Weight: 12 - 16 lb
- Height: 9 - 11"
- Rare: No
- Coat: Medium
- Grooming Requirements: More than once per week
- Town or Country: Either
- Minimum Home Size: Flat
- Minimum Garden Size: Small to Medium Garden
- Breed Type: Pest Control Dog
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: High
- Exercise Required: Up to 1 hour
Latest Reviews For Australian Terrier
There are not yet any reviews for this breed. Click here to write one.