Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a small, low-set working terrier with a harsh weatherproof coat and a distinctive ruff — one of the first breeds developed in Australia and recognised abroad.

History

It was built in nineteenth-century Australia from rough-coated terriers brought out from Britain, to kill snakes and rodents around homesteads and mines and to work as a small watchdog. Its short legs and hard coat were both practical answers to that ground.

Temperament

The breed is known for being alert, spirited and unusually biddable for a terrier — a confident small dog that is quick to sound an alarm and quick to settle again.

Care and training

Exercise needs are moderate; the harsh double coat needs regular brushing but little trimming, and should not be softened by over-grooming. It takes to training more readily than most terriers, and enjoys having something to do.

Health

Known tendencies include patellar luxation and, in some lines, diabetes and allergic skin conditions. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.