Australian Terrier

The hardy Australian Terrier dog breed was created in the early 19th century to work in rugged conditions, hunting snakes and rodents on ranches and down gold mines, and being an all-purpose farm dog. The breed was created from a wide combination of terriers imported from northern England and Scotland – including the Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Scottish, Irish and Yorkshire Terriers. The result was this small, shaggy, tenacious little dog, who had its first breed club established in Australia in 1887 and came to the UK around 1933. 

The feisty little Australian Terrier needs an owner who can temper that spirit with a good dash of calm and sense. Someone who enjoys training, has plenty of energy and loves a good long walk.  Some previous experience with terriers is recommended, and an owner who is home most of the day or can take their Aussie with them would be ideal. 

About an hour's exercise is needed a day, though they will happily accept more – after all, this dog was a working terrier as well as a companion! As well as walks and terrier-specific games, they are clever and trainable and will often enjoy agility and other canine sports. 

The Australian Terrier doesn’t need much space although they will appreciate a garden where they can sniff, explore and dig! Fencing must be secure as an Australian Terrier can squeeze through small spaces and also tunnel underneath fences. 

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

An Australian Terrier dog in top condition will lose very little hair. They are easy to groom and have a weather- resistant coat that is around 6.35cm long. The undercoat is short and soft. They should be brushed and combed at least once a week and the ears checked for hair that may block the canals. Hair should be plucked if necessary, not clipped and this should be done by a professional groomer - or else the breeder should be able to show you how to do it yourself. 

The Aussie is easier to train than many terriers and with an owner who can motivate this little dog with reward-based, consistent methods, they can reach a high standard of training - and will thoroughly enjoy doing so. Take care around cats and small furries. 

The Australian Terrier can make a good family dog where there are older sensible children who enjoy the character of a terrier, but in a young family they can get overly excited with a lot of noise and movement. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.