Australian Terrier: The Original Australian Cousin of the Yorkshire
Australian Terrier: The Original Australian Cousin of the Yorkshire
Written by Silvia Capelli
November 16, 2023
The Australian Terrier is a small-sized dog that somewhat resembles the Yorkshire Terrier, sharing its general appearance but distinguished by its larger size, coarser and more rugged coat, and a more elongated muzzle shape.
This breed embodies the energy, intelligence, and indomitable spirit of Australia itself, and these small terriers with brave hearts are loved by many for their lively personality and irresistible appearance.
In today's blog post, we will explore the distinctive features of this breed, its fascinating history, and what makes the Australian Terrier extraordinary companions for anyone who loves dogs.
Whether you are a dog lover or a prospective owner eager to learn more, sit back and dive into the fascinating world of the Australian Terrier.
History of the Australian Terrier Breed
As its name suggests, the Australian Terrier originated in the Australian continent.
It was developed in the 1800s by English settlers who, upon arriving in Australia, had to deal with rodents, snakes, and other wild animals that they couldn't keep away from livestock and poultry, especially at night.
Therefore, there was a need for an easily trainable working dog with plenty of courage, a guardian-like temperament, and the right size to combat small and troublesome animals.
The progenitor of this Australian Terrier was born from breeds originating from Great Britain, namely the Black and Tan Terrier, Irish Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Skye Terrier,Dandie Dinmont Terrier, and of course, the Yorkshire Terrier.
It might also have been crossed with dogs from Tasmania known as Broken Coated Terriers.
Thus, from a respectable genealogical tree, the perfect predator for all the parasites decimating farm animals was born.
Moreover, this new crossbreed hunted its own food, and its long coat protected it from brambles and snake bites.
The first version of the Australian Terrier with its current characteristics emerged around 1920 and was called the Rough Coat Terrier.
The breed standards were set in Australia only in 1850, but the name was definitively changed to Australian Terrier only in 1892.
As for the rest of the world, it was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1933, by the American Kennel Club in 1960, and by the United Kennel Club in 1960.
Character of the Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are known for their brave spirit. They are small but sturdy, and they are not afraid to face challenges much bigger than themselves.
These dogs are intelligent and have a sharp mind. They can learn quickly and are eager to please their owners, to whom they form a deep bond.
Australian Terriers are affectionate and love being part of the family, enjoying receiving attention.
These little dogs are extremely loyal to their owners. They seek human companionship and can become possessive if not helped to develop a positive and balanced relationship.
Australian Terriers can be suspicious of strangers. They are not aggressive, but can be reserved or wary at first. Early socialization can help them become more open to strangers.
However, they are generally well-suited to children. They are playful and tolerant, but it is important to teach children how to treat the dog respectfully and to supervise their interactions.
Australian Terriers may have a strong hunting instinct. They might chase small animals such as birds or rodents.
And despite their small size, they can have a tendency to be dominant: generally, they are not aggressive, however, they can show dominant behavior towards other dogs of the same sex if provoked, or chase cats.
Although energetic, Australian Terriers are not hyperactive. They require the right amount of daily exercise in the form of walks and play.
They are communicative and respond well to positive training. However, they can be stubborn, so consistency and patience are essential.
Proper training is also important because these dogs can have a tendency to run away if tempted by something that captures their attention.
A secure fence is important, and it is better to have a GPS tracker if you take them for walks in open spaces and off-leash.
Like many terriers, they can have a tendency to nibble or bite objects, especially when they are puppies.
As adults, they generally do not bite, but it is better not to forget that Terriers tend to be a bit impatient, and if annoyed beyond their level of tolerance, they might get irritated and give a warning bite.
Finally, the Australian Terrier is known to be a rather vocal dog. Like many terriers, they tend to bark for various reasons: to warn of the presence of strangers, to express excitement, or to attract attention.
This behavior can be managed and reduced with proper training and early socialization.
Curiosities about the Australian Terrier
When the breed was created, farmers used to say of this dog that "it had more courage per kilo of weight than any other breed known so far."
Not bad as a slogan for a little dog that seems born to lie on the sofa, but which in reality is a skilled hunter!
Characteristics of the Australian Terrier
NB: These are the breed standards set by FCI and ENCI and are therefore valid for Europe. Different standards for size, color, or coat may be accepted by AKC and NKC. For more information, check the standards of the country you are interested in.
The photos on this site may represent both FCI and AKC and NKC standards.
ENCI F.C.I Classification
Group 3 Terriers
Section 2 Small-sized Terriers (short leg)
Without working trial
Dimensions
There is only one size:
Height at the withers 25 cm, weight 6.5 kg
Females should be a bit smaller and a bit lighter.
Type of Coat and Fur
The coat consists of a dense, rough, and straight outer coat, about 6 cm long, with a short and soft undercoat. The muzzle, lower part of the legs, and feet should have short hair.
Colors
Two variants are accepted:
a) Blue,steel-blue, or dark grey-blue, with intense tan markings (not sand-colored) on the muzzle, ears, belly, lower part of the limbs, feet, and around the anus (except in puppies). The most appreciated colors are those with the most intense definition. The topknot should be blue, silver, or a lighter shade than the color of the head.
b) Sand or red, without dark shadings or carbonation. A topknot, if lighter in shade, is still acceptable.
With any color, white spots on the chest or feet are penalized.
Head
The skull is long, flat, and covered with a soft topknot. The nose is black, the jaw closes in a scissor bite, and the eyes are small, oval, dark brown, well-spaced, and not protruding. Around the neck, there is a defined ruff extending to the chest.
Body
Long in proportion to the height, well-built. The legs are short.
Tail
Traditionally it was docked. When natural, it should be set high and carried well, but not over the back.
To learn more about the physical characteristics and breed standards of the Australian Terrier, read the complete ENCI profile.
Lifespan of an Australian Terrier
Like all terriers, this Australian dog has a good life expectancy, averaging a healthy 12-14 years.
Diseases of the Australian Terrier Breed
The Australian Terrier is a naturally healthy and robust dog, but it can suffer from hereditary diseases common to these types of dogs or from normal canine illnesses. Among the most frequent are:
Otitis: Otitis is an inflammation of the ear that can cause pain, itching, and discharge. It can be caused by bacterial infections or allergies. Regular cleaning and care of the ears are important to prevent its onset.
Congenital Deafness: Some Australian Terriers may be born with congenital deafness, meaning they are deaf from birth. This is a hereditary problem and can vary in severity.
Food and Fur Allergies: Australian Terriers can develop allergies to food or substances in the environment, such as pollen or dust. These allergies can cause itching, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Legg-Perthes-Calvé Disease: This is a condition that affects the dog's hip, causing pain and lameness. Surgical intervention is often necessary to treat it and improve the animal's mobility.
Ligament Rupture: Like many other small breeds, Australian Terriers can be susceptible to ligament ruptures, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament. This may require surgical intervention.
Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position. It can cause pain and lameness and is often treated surgically.
Diabetes: Australian Terriers can also develop diabetes, a condition where the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. It requires long-term management, including insulin administration. As this study explains, in the United States, the incidence of diabetes in the Australian Terrier is 32 times higher than in other similar breeds, and it is likely hereditary.
Epilepsy: Some may suffer from epilepsy, a condition that causes seizures. Treatment often involves the use of anti-epileptic drugs to control the seizures.
What an Australian Terrier Eats
Australian Terriers are very active dogs and do not have a genetic tendency to gain weight, but family life and lack of physical exercise can lead to overweight.
Therefore, it is necessary to administer good quality food to avoid future problems such as obesity, diabetes (a pathology for which the breed is particularly predisposed), and cholesterol.
Feeding of the Australian Terrier Puppy
Weaning of the Australian Terrier puppy begins around 4 weeks of age. From the first month of life, you can start to introduce specific puppy food or finely ground meat, starting with one meal a day in combination with mother's milk.
Between the first and second month, meals based on solid food should be administered about 3/4 times a day, and three from the second month of life.
Feeding of the Adult Australian Terrier
Being a small-sized dog, it is preferable to administer two meals a day to avoid the dog having an empty stomach for too many hours a day.
Meals must be balanced and contain the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals.
Dry Food (Dog Kibble)
It's important to choose a balanced dry food with the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and omega 3.
Choose one suitable for small breeds and stick to the quantities on the package.
Homemade Dog Diet
If you do not want to administer packaged food and want to cook for your dog, the most suitable choice for preparing homemade food falls on primary products to be predominantly boiled.
The meals must contain carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables in the right balance, and be administered in the correct dose based on weight and energy expenditure.
Proteins should be varied: liver once a week, 1 or 2 eggs a week, and the rest divided into different types of meat and fish.
The meat should be deboned and the fish boneless. Pork, if administered, must be well cooked.
To learn more about how to feed your friend in the healthiest and tastiest way, read our guides:
Other Tips for Keeping Your Australian Terrier in Shape
It's important to remember to periodically deworm both puppies and adult dogs, especially if adopted from shelters, kennels, or private individuals.
With its long fur, the Australian Terrier can become a real haven for insects and parasites. Make sure to carry out prophylaxis for heartworm, leishmaniasis, fleas, and ticks.
Even if the dog goes out infrequently, its nails should be regularly trimmed to prevent injury when running. Read here to learn how to do it.
The Australian Terrier is prone to ear canal infections and deafness. Ear cleaning is absolutely necessary to avoid unpleasant odors or conditions that can also affect the dog's health.
Remember to periodically check the state of the anal glands to avoid discomfort for the dog and bad odor. For this operation, turn to the veterinarian.
It is advisable to perform daily dental cleaning, or at least every two days, to avoid oral problems and premature tooth loss. If you can't manage, opt for professional scaling under sedation when necessary.
Who is the Australian Terrier Breed Suitable For?
The Australian Terrier is a lively and affectionate breed that can adapt to various family situations.
Even though they are small and not generally hyperactive, Australian Terriers are energetic and love to play and go for walks.
They are ideal for active people who can dedicate time to daily exercise and playful activities.
Australian Terriers are suitable for both couples and single people. They can be a loyal companion for anyone seeking the company of an affectionate dog.
These dogs are generally friendly with children, but it is important to supervise interactions between the dog and children to ensure the safety of both.
Despite their energy level, Australian Terriers are quite adaptable to apartment living, provided they receive the exercise and attention they need.
This breed is known for being loyal and affectionate with their owners. They are excellent companion dogs and can provide comfort and company, but they do not tolerate loneliness well.
Australian Terriers have a rough coat that requires a certain amount of care and therefore a budget for professional grooming should be planned if you cannot do it at home.
Who is the Australian Terrier Not Suitable For?
For less active owners, for those with other pets (always needs testing), and for those without a budget for coat maintenance.
It has great vivacity and therefore is not suitable for people who need a lot of tranquility and can interact little with the animal.
I invite all readers to share their experience on this topic in the comments section.
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If this post has been helpful and you want to learn more about the care, well-being, and education of dogs, we will be happy to help you. Find here many useful tips to better understand your furry friend.
Disclaimer
The information on our site is of a general nature and does not in any way replace the advice of a veterinarian or industry experts. For any doubts, always turn to the veterinarian.
