Australian Terrier

Suppose you want to adopt the Australian Terrier dog breed but don’t know anything about them besides hearing all the awesome stories on the internet. You are at the right place because here we hide nothing!

In this 5-minute read, you will learn everything you need to know about this furry buddy—the Australian Terrier. So, without further ado, let’s woof right into it!

Overview

Origin of the Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier dog breed, or as we will be referring to them as, the Aussies, is believed to have descended from a mixture of British terrier breeds. It all began in the 19th century when the settlers brought breeds like Cairn Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Skye Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier. Now, if you are also wondering what the motivation behind crossing these breeds was, then the answer is quite simple! The Australian Terriers are extremely versatile working dogs and have successfully gained the genes of their hunter ancestors. 

The primary reason for developing the Aussies was to have a small, agile, intelligent dog with keen hunting instincts. And there you have it! However, hunting was not the only reason why these dogs became popular. Besides getting recognition from big dog clubs and organizations, Australian Terriers also gained admiration as good family pets. Thanks to their affectionate and loyal nature, these dogs are valued today as both working and beloved family pets around the world. 

Appearance of the Australian Terrier

Below is everything you need to know about the appearance and physical characteristics of the Australian Terrier dog breed:

1. Size and body

If we had to give you an estimate of how small these small dogs are, then you would be surprised to know that these Aussies are 9-11 inches tall and weigh about 14-16 pounds. This is literally lighter than a watermelon! 

2. Coat

When it comes to their fur, the Australian Terrier dog breed has a double coat that protects them from harsh weather conditions. The undercoat is soft and dense, while the outer coat is harsh and wiry. As for the coat colors, their coat comes in various shades of blue, tan, silver, rich chestnut, and brown.

3. Special features

Moreover, these doggos have the cutest little ears that are always erect. They give Australian Terriers a perky and alert appearance that often seems comical on a small body like theirs. 

Personality and Temperament

What sets an Australian Terrier apart from other dog breeds is their temperament and personality, which are mentioned below:

1. Curious

One thing about the Australian Terrier dog breed that is rare in other dogs is their curiosity. These dogs love to do adventurous things and often end up putting themselves in risky situations (but that is for you to handle!). Also this only trait also makes Aussies great and eager learners. 

2. Affectionate

Another personality trait of the Australian Terrier dog breed is that they are very affectionate and emotional with their human families. In fact, they are so good at being pets that they often try to please and hold the attention of family members. So, undoubtedly, Aussies are good family dogs. 

3. Energetic

After reading about the Brazilian Terrier, Border Terrier, Boston Terrier, Black Russian Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, and all such terriers, one thing is clear: terriers are the epitome of energy! These dogs thrive on physical activity, and with their playful demeanor, they love participating in interactive games.

4. Stubborn

Quite contrary to their affectionate and pleasing nature, the Australian Terrier dog breed might as well show stubbornness. This can mainly happen if they sense a lack of leadership. As they have a strong independent streak, they may try to assert dominance over their owners. 

Australian Terriers have been known to outsmart their owners by pretending to be asleep when it’s time for a bath.

Grooming Needs of the Australian Terrier

These little fluffy balls are low-maintenance dog breeds that any new dog owner can take care of. So here are the grooming needs of the Australian Terrier dog breed:

1. Brushing

As these terriers have a double coat with a harsh coat, they require regular grooming and brushing. However, don’t worry! These are not so hard to maintain. You only need to brush them once or twice weekly to prevent matting. 

2. Bathing

When it comes to bathing the Australian Terrier dog breed, you only need to shower them once every 1-3 months. However, the key here is to use the right supplies and shampoos that do not strip off the natural oils.

3. Overall hygiene

Besides brushing and bathing, do not forget to:

• Clean eye boogers and ear wax
• Remove debris
• Take them to regular dental checkups
• Trimming nails and cleaning the dirt

Exercise and Training Needs

You only need to give the Australian Terrier dog breed 30 minutes to 1 hour of training daily. This can include exercises such as:

1. Socialization training

Usually, these dogs are pretty sociable and friendly, but you should give them early socialization training to keep them on their best behavior. This also includes teaching them basic commands and obedience that will help them be more mannered. 

2. Walking

One thing that you should never skip is taking Australian Terriers on walks. It is because it is not only good for your dog’s health, but it is also beneficial for you. 

3. Mental stimulation

Lastly, as Australian Terriers are active dogs who love physical exercise, remember that mental stimulation is equally important. For this, you can organize interactive games like puzzles, crate training, or hide and seek to keep things fun for your pooch. 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, we can say if you are a training enthusiast who loves dogs but can’t fit in a large dog—the Australian Terrier will be your buddy! These dogs are also perfect for first-time owners as they are low maintenance and easy to train. Moreover, don’t be fooled by their size; these dogs are highly energetic and require proper nutritional and medical checkups as a big dog would. 

Frequently Asked Questions