The entertaining antics, amusing tricks and agility feats of the lively little Australian shepherd will keep family members consistently amused. Its loving disposition, sense of humor and keen watchdog capabilities make this dog a highly regarded companion. In 1868, the Australian terrier was the first recognized native breed of Australia. The tough little dog was developed as a working hand that would endure the harsh outback environment while assisting the pioneers. Its job was to hunt snakes, rats and other vermin, and it also fulfilled the roles of watchdog and companion. It was also utilized to aide in tending flocks of sheep and other livestock. The Australian terrier became a member of the American Kennel Club’s terrier group in 1960.
The Australian Terrier, also called Blue Terrier, is a small-sized, sturdy dog with a deep chest and short legs. It has a long muzzle and erect ears. Australian Terriers have a double coat with a rough, straight outer coat. They need to be brushed several times a week to prevent mats from forming. Some owners may prefer to trim the Australian Terrier’s coat. As one of the smallest breeds of the terrier group, the sturdy Australian terrier stands 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 15 to 16 pounds. Its double coat is weatherproof, consisting of a wiry, two to three-inch outer coat and a soft, short undercoat. The coat forms a slight ruff around the neck and a topknot on the top of the skull. The coat may be blue and tan, sandy or red in color, and the eyes are brown. The Australian terrier has short legs. It also has a short tail that is carried upright, and the ears are pointy and erect.
Personality
Australian Terriers are the mellowest of the terriers. They are not yappy, but normally quiet and obedient. They are eager to please and are very playful and fun-loving. They need moderate daily exercise and a family that is willing to play games. Australian Terriers are friendly towards children and other pets and make good companions for families of all sizes. Australian terriers, like many members of the terrier group, exhibit boundless energy, spunk and tenacity. The breed has a zest for life and an inquisitive nature. It will bark without hesitation and makes an alert and confident watchdog. The Australian terrier is intelligent, adaptable and independent. It is also an enthusiastic digger, which is rooted in its original development as a rodent and snake hunter. The Australian terrier is outgoing and affectionate with humans, but its delight at chasing small animals does not make the dog a good match for households with cats, smaller dogs and other small mammals. Australian shepherds are able to learn and perform tricks, and they excel on agility courses.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Non-Sporting |
| Function: | Not Available |
| Origin: | Australia |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Terriers |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Blue and Tan Terrier, Aussie Terrier, Australian Rough-Coated Terrier |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Australian Terrier Build Information
The Australian Terrier, also called Blue Terrier, is a small-sized, sturdy dog with a deep chest and short legs. It has a long muzzle and erect ears. Australian Terriers have a double coat with a rough, straight outer coat. They need to be brushed several times a week to prevent mats from forming. Some owners may prefer to trim the Australian Terrier’s coat. As one of the smallest breeds of the terrier group, the sturdy Australian terrier stands 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 15 to 16 pounds. Its double coat is weatherproof, consisting of a wiry, two to three-inch outer coat and a soft, short undercoat. The coat forms a slight ruff around the neck and a topknot on the top of the skull. The coat may be blue and tan, sandy or red in color, and the eyes are brown. The Australian terrier has short legs. It also has a short tail that is carried upright, and the ears are pointy and erect.
| Size: | Small |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 10-12 in. |
| Weight: | 15 – 25 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 5 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Docked |
Behaviour and Personality
Australian Terriers are the mellowest of the terriers. They are not yappy, but normally quiet and obedient. They are eager to please and are very playful and fun-loving. They need moderate daily exercise and a family that is willing to play games. Australian Terriers are friendly towards children and other pets and make good companions for families of all sizes. Australian terriers, like many members of the terrier group, exhibit boundless energy, spunk and tenacity. The breed has a zest for life and an inquisitive nature. It will bark without hesitation and makes an alert and confident watchdog. The Australian terrier is intelligent, adaptable and independent. It is also an enthusiastic digger, which is rooted in its original development as a rodent and snake hunter. The Australian terrier is outgoing and affectionate with humans, but its delight at chasing small animals does not make the dog a good match for households with cats, smaller dogs and other small mammals. Australian shepherds are able to learn and perform tricks, and they excel on agility courses.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
An Australian terrier’s coat sheds minimally. Weekly combing or brushing will remove the dead hair, prevent matting and maintain a healthy sheen. Inspecting the ears as part of the weekly grooming routine and keeping them clean will prevent infections. Brushing the teeth every other day will go a long way toward preventing periodontal disease and maintaining the dog’s overall health.
| Colors: | Black, Black & Tan, Blue, Red, Red-Black Brindle, Sandy, Tan, Tan Brindle |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Rough |
Australian Terrier Common Health Conditions
Australian terriers live an average lifespan of 15 years. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation and diabetes are some common health conditions to afflict this breed.
Australian Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
As his name suggests, the Australian terrier originated in Australia. The Australian terrier is also called a blue and tan terrier, an Aussie terrier and an Australian rough-coated terrier. The Australian terrier is a sturdy and spunky little dog with an unlimited supply of energy and inquisitiveness. The breed is loving, intelligent and alert. The Australian terrier stands 10 to 11 inches tall and weighs 15 to 16 pounds. Australian terriers have a high energy level. Australian terriers require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for an Australian terrier is 15 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
