The Australian Terrier is a breed hailing from the land down under. Known for its high-spirited attitude and a fearless streak, this true-blue terrier is a sight to behold at work and play. Read on to learn more about this charming canine!
1. This Breed Originated from Australia
As its name implies, this breed originates from the heart of Australia, with some sources claiming to be developed on the island of Tasmania. This breed descends from a group of terriers brought by British ships during the 19th century. While the records of the creation of this breed are rather unclear, these dogs were also believed to be the same ancestral lines of other terrier-type breeds such as the Yorkie, the Cairn Terrier, and even the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
Like other terriers, the Australian Terrier was bred to pursue and eradicate vermin on farms and other properties. It is believed that this breed was developed sometime around 1820 when it was called the Rough Coated Terrier due to its rough, coarse fur coat.
Around 30 years after this breed’s development, the dog was finally recognized as a breed in 1850 and was renamed the Australian Terrier in 1892. The Australian Terrier would be the first Australian breed of dog to be both recognized and shown in the dog show ring. Eventually, the American Kennel Club (AKC) would recognize this breed in 1960.
2. This Terrier Was Bred for Hunting
As noted, the Australian Terrier was bred to hunt every mouse, rat, or other animal that caused trouble on the farm. As rodents were responsible for crop damage, disease, and were overall a nuisance, farmers in Australia needed a dog that was suited to dispatch vermin in even the toughest of environments. Breeders selectively bred for terriers that were hardy enough to navigate and withstand rough terrain, and their double coats provided protection against the elements.
The Australian Terrier also pursued highly venomous snakes with ease. School teachers were even reported to keep Aussies to eliminate snakes and rodents in classrooms. Mines and waterfront areas also utilized this terrier for controlling rodents. As a dog with multiple skills, Australian Terriers were ideal as they were very versatile with the tasks they could perform.
3. These Dogs Look Like Yorkies (But Aren’t!)
While the Australian Terrier looks very similar to the related Yorkshire Terrier in many ways, this breed is anything but. Both breeds originate from different parts of the world (England and Australia respectively). The Yorkie is usually a bit smaller in size than the Aussie, and due to being less than 15 pounds on average, it is categorized as a toy breed. The Australian Terrier, meanwhile, is not a toy breed as it is slightly heavier on average.
The Yorkshire Terrier’s fur is single-coated and soft, whereas the Australian Terrier’s is rough and double-coated. On average, an Australian Terrier’s prey drive is also higher than the Yorkie’s, despite both being historically used as ratters. The Australian Terrier is also reportedly more intelligent than the Yorkie, though dog intelligence is subjective.
Fun fact: both Yorkies and Australian Terriers were bred together to create a separate breed: the Australian Silky Terrier (though simply called the Silky Terrier in North America). Unlike its rough-coated ancestors, Silky Terriers were bred to be companions, not workers.
4. These Dogs Have Some Health Issues
The Australian Terrier is known for its resilience and hardiness. While a generally healthy breed, this canine is prone to some common health problems.
One ailment is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which affects your dog’s hip joints, causing malalignment and degeneration. Signs usually show early in the dog’s life and can usually be corrected early with surgical intervention.
Like other smaller dog breeds, the Australian Terrier is also prone to luxating patellas, or floating kneecaps. This occurs when your dog’s kneecaps pop out of place, causing problems with mobility. While this can be alleviated through a management plan set up by your veterinarian, extreme cases may require surgery.
This breed is also known to develop skin allergies. As some of these conditions are hereditary, reputable breeders will genetically screen their dogs to prevent them from spreading any detrimental traits down to their puppies. If the breeder doesn’t screen for all genetic issues, avoid purchasing puppies from them. This is a huge red flag!
As with all other dog breeds, you should have your Australian Terrier examined annually by a veterinarian to troubleshoot any issues that arise. If you’re concerned about the cost of keeping your dog healthy, consider purchasing pet insurance. This can offer coverage in the event of a veterinary emergency, along with covering the cost of basic vaccinations, such as for rabies.
5. Grooming Is Relatively Easy
The Australian Terrier’s harsh coat is relatively easy to maintain, usually requiring a weekly brushing session and occasional trimming. The long hairs around an Aussie’s face can become bothersome and irritating if left alone, but plucking or trimming is enough to keep them at bay. Bathing should only be done if necessary, as this can cause coat damage.
The Australian Terrier’s rough fur already does a decent job repelling dirt and mud, so it’s not a big deal if your dog is rarely bathed. Frequently bathing may also cause your dog’s skin to dry and flake easily, becoming itchy and causing discomfort. As with all double-coated dog breeds, NEVER shave your furry friend.
Your dog’s ears should be cleaned frequently to ward off earwax buildup and infection. You should also have your dog’s nails trimmed every few weeks to prevent them from overgrowing. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort for your dog as they walk. As the Aussie is prone to dental issues, it is highly recommended to brush its teeth every day to maintain proper dental hygiene. Dental treats are often enjoyed by many dogs, but they shouldn’t replace teeth cleanings.
6. The Australian Terrier NEEDS Exercise!
The Australian Terrier is a high-energy breed that requires daily exercise. Physical activity provides your dog with an outlet to not only release pent-up energy but also offer mental stimulation.
As with all other dogs, a bored dog is a destructive one, and this rule especially applies to the Australian Terrier. Playtime and long walks are both great ways to allow your dog to exercise. As this dog has a high prey drive, always keep them on a leash as they’ll chase down anything that moves fast. This can include other animals, children, or even an oncoming car! Letting your dog run around in a secure, fenced-in yard is also a great way to exercise your dog, but always supervise them!
The Australian Terrier is also a great candidate for various breed-specific sporting competitions. Agility trials allow your dog to navigate through various obstacles within a time frame, ranging from hurdles and tunnels to seesaws and weave poles. Earthdog trials allow your terrier to exercise this breed’s inner instincts, simulating a ratting session as they must search for a cage containing a live rat in a simulated den.
7. These Dogs Can Make Excellent Companions
The Australian Terrier is a highly intelligent and affectionate canine that can make a fantastic companion in various household settings, provided that its fundamental needs are satisfied. Being a terrier, this breed is highly intelligent and may even lean a bit on the stubborn side.
The Aussie is known to also get bored and distracted relatively easily, so a consistent and varied training schedule is highly recommended for this breed. Training and socialization must begin early in puppyhood to curb unwanted behaviors as your dog grows, and this terrier needs an owner who is firm yet gentle and patient. Positive reinforcement training is best.
This dog may not get along with other small animals, including other dogs due to its high prey drive and territoriality. This is important to consider if other pets also live in the household. As the Australian Terrier has a strong work ethic, it constantly needs to be motivated and mentally engaged to keep this dog occupied and satisfied. This breed is adaptable and can even live in smaller household settings (such as apartments) if it gets enough exercise.
As mentioned earlier, digging can be another issue in this breed, but this can be mitigated through training or even giving your dog its very own sand pit to dig in and away from everything else. Always obtain your dog from a reputable breeder or a rescue group.
