Australian Terrier

Though one of the smallest terriers, the rugged Australian Terrier was developed in the harsh conditions of the Australian Outback, where he worked side by side with the pioneers -- controlling rats and snakes, alerting humans to intruders, even tending sheep. He's ready for any situation. With that easy self-confidence comes his readiness to enjoy a good friendship.

Australian Terrier breed facts

The Australian Terrier was the first Australian breed to be recognised and shown in its native land.

The Australian Terrier is adaptable to most climates.

The Australian Terrier has an affinity for children, the elderly and the handicapped.

Information you should know before owning an Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a small sturdy dog, full of spirit and courage stemming from his background as a versatile working dog from the outback of Australia.

The Australian Terrier's friendly and affectionate disposition make him a wonderful companion and friend.

The Australian Terrier was the first Australian breed to be recognized and shown in its native land, and was also the first Australian breed to be accepted officially in other countries. An Australian native-bred, broken-coated terrier made its first appearance on the show bench in Melbourne in 1868. In 1899 the breed was exhibited specifically as "Australian Terriers, Rough-Coated," and both sandy/red and blue/tan colors are noted in show records of that year. An Australian Rough-Coated Terrier Club, founded in Melbourne in 1887, made the first attempt at standardizing the breed, and by 1896 a Standard for the breed had been established. Exports to England and the United States soon followed, and in 1933 breed status was granted in England. The American Kennel Club admitted the breed to registry in 1960, its first terrier addition in 24 years and the 114th breed entered in the AKC Stud Book.

In 1977, the Australian Terrier Club of America became a member club of the AKC. Today the breed is officially recognized and shown in many countries worldwide.

This dog, one of the smallest of the working terriers, was bred to be both helper and companion in rough times and terrain. A native dog known as the Rough-Coated Terrier, a close relative of the old Scotch dog of Great Britain (not the present-day Scottish Terrier), had been in Tasmania since the early 1880s. These terriers are believed to have been cross-bred with a number of other breeds of British terrier stock to produce the fast, sturdy, rough, weatherproof, fearless little dog which the settlers needed as they expanded the frontiers of their country - helping to control rodents and snakes on the waterfronts, farms, sheep, and cattle stations in the outback, sometimes tending sheep, sounding an alarm when intruders appeared, and being a companion. The breeds chosen for crossbreeding were selected to promote specific desired traits. Although there are differences among writers of the histories of the Australian Terrier breed, there is consensus of opinion that the breeds used included the precursors of the Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Yorkshire, and the old Black-and-Tan Terriers (today's Manchester) with perhaps the Irish and Cairn Terriers. Fortunately, the various crossbreedings produced a handsome dog which the prosperous settlers were proud to show at home or in public.

The Australian Terrier is an excellent choice for show, city, home, or farmland. He is very spirited, with an air of self-assurance and inquiry into all that goes on about him. His excellent hearing and good eyesight make him a fine watch-alert dog to warn of any kind of disturbance. He is generally adaptable to any climate and terrain, and his weatherproof double coat, which sheds little, keeps him comfortable year-round.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	No
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Small
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	1 hour a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Medium
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	More than once a week
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Either
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Flat
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	Small garden

	General Appearance A sturdy low-set dog rather long in proportion to height. Untrimmed, harsh coat with definite ruff around neck extending to breastbone, assists hard bitten and rugged appearance.
	Characteristics Strong terrier character; alertness, activity and soundness. Essentially a working terrier, it is equally suited as a companion dog owing to its loyalty and even disposition.
	Temperament Friendly, extrovert, obedient and anxious to please. Lives happily in town or country. Not aggressive but courageous if attacked.
	Eyes Small with keen expression and of dark brown colour, set well apart and not prominent.
	Mouth Jaws strong and punishing, scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
	Neck Long, slightly arched, shapely and strong, blending into long, well laid shoulders.
	Forequarters Forelegs well boned and perfectly straight, parallel when viewed from front. Pasterns strong without slope, slightly feathered to knee.
	Body Long in proportion to height, strongly constructed, with well sprung ribs and chest of moderate depth and width. Level topline. Loins strong. Flanks deep.
	Hindquarters Moderate length of quarters, broad with strong muscular thighs, stifles well turned and hocks well bent and let down. Viewed from behind, parallel, neither too wide nor too close.
	Feet Small, well padded, toes closely knit and moderately arched, turned neither in nor out, with strong black or dark toenails.
	Tail Customarily docked. Docked: Set high and carried erect but not over back. Undocked: Set high and carried upright as straight as possible, giving good overall balance.
	Gait / Movement A sturdy low-set dog rather long in proportion to height. Untrimmed, harsh coat with definite ruff around neck extending to breastbone, assists hard bitten and rugged appearance.
	Coat Body coat consists of harsh straight dense top coat, approximately 6.35 cms (21/2 ins) long with short, soft-textured undercoat. Muzzle, lower legs and feet free from long hair.
	Colour (a) 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 (puppies excepted). The richer the colour and more clearly defined the better. ‘Top-knot’ blue or silver of a lighter shade than head colour. (b) Clear sandy or red, smuttiness or dark shading undesirable. ‘Top-knot’ a lighter shade.
	Size Height: approximately 25.5 cms (10 ins) at withers. Weight: approximately 6.5kgs (14 lbs).