Australian Terrier

Australian Terrier affectionately known as "Aussie" is one of the smallest in the Terrier group. In general, it stands between 23 to 28 cm (9 - 11 inches) and typically weighs between 4 to 6 kg (9 - 14 lb). Its weatherproof coat reaches about 5 to 6.5 cm (2 - 3 in) long that normally comes in solid red, sandy or blue with tan markings on the head and legs. The Aussie though small has a sturdy structure. Its body is in proportion to its height with small oval-shape eyes that may be dark brown or black. It has small, erect and pointed ears and has black nose with tight and dark brown or black rimmed lips. Like many terrier breeds, Australian Terrier also has a 'scissors bite' with teeth of good size. Its tail that is customarily docked is set on high and carried in an upright position. This kind of breed has small, clean and catlike feet with short and black nails.

The Australian Terrier is one of the smallest of the terrier breeds developed in Australia. It was believed that in the United Kingdom in the early 1800s, a native dog known as "rough-coated terrier" and a close relative of the Old Scotch dog of Great Britain have been cross-bred with chosen breeds to create a fast, robust and courageous little dog. It was not until 1933 that it was recognized that the terrier breeds used to create Australian Terrier includes the precursor of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Skye, the Yorkshire, Irish, Cairn, Norwich, the old Black and Tan Terrier. The goal was fulfilled on the birth of another new terrier breed, the Australian Terrier, and was shown to the public as the Australian Rough-Coated Terrier in 1868 in Melbourne, Australia. Aussie was then used as a watchdog, as a shepherd, and as a companion. Today, Australian Terrier serves as great companion dog.

The Australian Terrier was bred as a watchdog and a companion, and as a result, it loves to be with people. Aussie, like many terrier breeds, is very intelligent, vigilant, spirited and self-assured. It shows great affection for its immediate family and is very good with children. It is an alert, amusing and loveable little dog. This dog is good to travel with. Aussies are bred naturally as a watch dog with very keen audible range and eyesight, so it serves as an excellent watchdog. This breed is not snappish, likes to bark and is very good to everyone provided they do not tease the dog. They are safe and affable with other dogs as well as other pets, however, they have the tendency to chase small animals. In general, adult male terriers do not get along well with other adult male dogs.

The Australian Terrier does better indoors for they are not suited to living outside. They enjoy a daily walk but in general require minimal exercise. Training an Aussie is much easier than most other terrier breeds. Being intelligent and alert, they are very responsive and can understand what is wanted from them very quickly. Feeding an Australian Terrier is no problem for they can be fed economically. Grooming an Aussie is very simple and is not time consuming. Its hard, lengthy, hairy coat is very easy to care for and does not require clipping. Brushing its coat a couple of times a week could be enough as the brushing stimulates the natural oil in the coat bringing the coat to a high gloss. Because the breed standard is for a hard coat, bathe them only when it's needed because any more than about once a month will make the coat floppy. Trimming its hair around the eyes and ears should also be done, if needed make sure you do so with blunt-nosed scissors. It also requires plucking about every three months since it sheds little to no hair. The nails should also be clip regularly.

The Australian Terrier was bred as a sturdy dog free from any major hereditary diseases and usually can lives 13 up to 15 years with proper given attention to its diet.