Little Pawz -- Australian Terrier -- Small Dogs -- Small Dog Breed Information -- Toy Dogs -- Miniature Dogs -- Dog Breeds

The Australian Terrier is a loyal and devoted dog, game, hardy, and utterly reliable with toddlers. It has no human enemies, but will give a good account of itself when called to do battle with other dogs. It is an exceptionally alert watchdog but, having given the alarm, is more likely to kill intruders with kindness. It makes an excellent companion, and it's alertness and speed combine to make it an excellent ratter. The Australian Terrier's coat is weather resistant, so it can be kept either in the home or in an outdoor kennel.

Size
Height: 10 inches at the withers (25 cm)
Weight: 10 – 11 lbs. (4.5 – 5 kg)

Coat and Colour
The body coat consists of a harsh, straight dense topcoat approximately 2-1/2 inches (6 cm) long, with short soft textured undercoat. The muzzle, lower legs and feet to be 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. Topknot blue, silver or a lighter shade than head colour. (b) Clear sandy or red, smuttiness, or dark shadings undesirable. Topknot a lighter shade.

Exercise
This is an active and keen scenting dog with the skill and courage to hunt and attack food for itself. Nowadays it is rarely asked to use these abilities, but it should have the opportunity to unleash its energy with regular walks and off-the-lead scampers. Nonetheless it will adapt to apartment living.

Grooming
Regular grooming with a bristle brush will stimulate the skin and encourage a good coat growth. If you are planning to show your Australian Terrier, bath it at least two weeks befor a show, but during spring and summer, when show dates may be close together, don't bathe on each occasion, as frequent washing will soften the coat.

Feeding
About 1/2 – 3/4 can of a name-brand dog food (13.3 oz 376 g size), with a biscuit; or 1 1/2 cups of dry dog food. Always give your dog plenty of fresh water. Fat is important for a healthy coat in this breed. If your food is low in fat content, a teaspoonful of corn oil shoiuld be added to the daily feed.

Origin and History
The Australian Terrier was known by various name until 1889, the year in which a club was formed in Melbourne to foster the breed, which had been evolved from several varieties of British terriers brought to Australia by settlers.

The dogs of the settlers were all derived from British stock. Sporting types, capable of hunting and killing vermin, were highly prized. There was, however, the need for a small, game watchdog to guard remote homesteads.

It is believed that the development of the purebred Australian Terrier derived from the progeny of a Yorkshire Terrier bitch smuggled aboard a sailing ship in a lady's muff and mated to a dog resembling a Cairn Terrier.