Overview
The Australian Terrier is a small terrier developed in Australia from rough-coated terriers brought from Great Britain. It was bred to deal with mice, rats and snakes and to be a watchful companion.
At home it is an alert, lively and loving pet. It is compact and hardy, so it suits both country and town life.
History
The breed descends from rough-coated terriers brought to Australia from Great Britain in the early 19th century. It shares ancestry with the Cairn, Skye and Dandie Dinmont, and Yorkshire and Irish Terriers were also crossed in.
Development began around 1820, when the dogs were called Rough Coated Terriers. The breed was recognised in 1850 and renamed the Australian Terrier in 1892. It was first shown in Melbourne in 1906.
Appearance
A small, sturdy dog with short legs, weighing around 6.5 kg and standing about 25 cm at the withers. It has a medium-length, harsh double coat with a ruff around the neck and a lighter topknot.
Colours are blue or silver with tan, or solid red or sandy. The tail was traditionally docked, although this is now banned or restricted in many countries.
Temperament
The breed standard calls the Australian Terrier spirited and alert, with the natural boldness of a ratter. It is intelligent and ranks well in Coren's list for trainability.
It is affectionate with its family and a good watchdog, but may chase small animals and can be assertive with other dogs.
Care and exercise
A daily walk and some play are plenty for this adaptable little dog. It enjoys games, digging and exploring, so a secure garden is best.
The coat is easy to look after, needing weekly brushing and occasional tidying. It is not normally trimmed.
Health
Known to be susceptible to a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like auto-immune syndrome. A 2002 survey found diabetes mellitus, luxating patella, ear infections and cataracts among the more common conditions. Median life expectancy is around 11 to 12 years, with females living roughly a year longer.
