Australian Terrier

 The Australian Terrier is a loyal and devoted dog, game, hardy and utterly reliable with toddlers. 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 its alertness and speed combine to make it an excellent ratter. The Aussie's coat is weather resistant.

Origin and history

First exhibited in Australia between 1868 and 1876, the Australian Terrier was also known as the Broken-haired Terrier. the Rough­haired Terrier and the Australian Rough. As its sundry names suggest, the Australian Terrier is a melting pup of different breeds. The old Scotch Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont, the Irish Terrier, the Black and Tan (known today as the Manchester Terrier) and the prick­eared Skye Terrier are thought by various observers to have made their contributions to the Australian Terrier's development. The first Australian Terrier club was formed in Melbourne in 1889.The Aussie was granted breed status in the United Kingdom in 1933 and was admitted to the American Kennel Club's registry in the United States in 1960.

Australian Terrier Puppies

Good points

• Courageous
• Devoted to children
• Hardy
• Keen, alert watchdog

Take heed

• No drawbacks known

Size

Average weight about 10-111b (4.5-5kg) - in Australia, approximately 141b (6.4kg). In both the United Kingdom and Australia, the desired height is approximately

Win (25cm) at the withers. (The desired UK weight seems to be changing in line with that of the Australian Kennel Club)

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.

Australian Terrier Information

General appearance
A rather low­set dog, compact and active.

Colour
First choice, blue- or silver­grey body, tan colour on legs and face (the richer the tan the better), with a topknot of blue or silver. Second choice, clear sandy or red with a soft topknot.

Head and skull
Head should be long, skull flat and full between the eyes with a soft topknot; long powerful jaw, nose black.

Tail
Docked.

Feet
Clean, small and well padded with no tendency to spread. Black toenails

Australian Terrier Feeding & Grooming

Grooming

Regular grooming with a bristle brush will stimulate the skin and encourage a good coat growth.

If you are planning to show your Aussie, bath it at least a fortnight before the show; but during spring and summer, when show dates may be close together, don't bath on each occasion, as frequent washing will soften the coat.

Feeding

About 6-100z (170-283g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added in equal part by volume, or 1 cupful of a complete, dry food, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to V2 cup of hot or cold water

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