Fast Facts
| Group classification: Terrier | Country of origin: Australia | Date of origin: 20th century |
| Weight (M): 12 - 14 lb | Height (M): 10 - 11" | Life expectancy: 12 - 14 years |
| Weight (F): 12 - 14 lb | Height (F): 10 - 11" |
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General Description of the Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is a small, medium-boned dog that is significantly longer than it is tall. The breed’s coat is tan, sandy, blue or red and has a very rough texture. The Australian Terrier has a long head with a muzzle of approximately the same length as the skull. A velvety topknot adorns the dog’s head and small, black or dark brown eyes carry an intelligent expression. The Australian Terrier has small, pointed ears that stand erect and are high-set. The dog’s nose is black and the jaws have a powerful appearance. The tail is set high and carried vertically like a mast; it may also be docked to just under half its natural length.
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Australian Terrier Temperament
Although instinctively aggressive toward vermin and small rodents, the Australian Terrier is generally a loving and affectionate companion that is good with children. The breed is a courageous, natural watchdog that is also obedient when well trained. This dog loves to please its owner and will work relentlessly to do so. The Australian Terrier is among the more biddable terriers, and gets along better with dogs and other pets better than most of his kin.
Caring for an Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier needs a good bit of exercise every day, lest it become bored and destructive. The dog’s favorite kind of exercise involves playing a game in a field and exploring rodent holes. Long hairs growing between or in front of the eyes should be plucked to avoid potential irritation, as should any hairs extending past the outer edges of the ears. The dog should be washed occasionally at its owner’s discretion. As with most breeds, it is important to trim the nails fairly regularly to reduce the chance of injury. The Australian Terrier does not respond well to negative training techniques or severe reprimand and can easily grow tired of repetition, so shorter, more frequent training sessions with a positive, rewarding environment are preferred. Hereditary illness in the Australian Terrier is minimal, though occasionally one will see diabetes, patellar luxation and Legg-Perthes in the breed.