Australian Terrier

Life Span: Up to 15 years

Availability:Rare

About Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier, called an "Aussie" by his admirers (although he's not to be confused with an Australian Shepherd), is a small terrier with upright ears and a rough, shaggy coat. He is the littlest of the working terriers, but don't let his size fool you. He's definitely a lot of dog in a tiny package, with a typical terrier slant on life: tenacious, independent, hardworking, and lively.

With a spirited, mischievous personality, the Aussie jumps into life with attitude. But he's usually strongly attached to his family — so strongly attached that he'll often match his mood to yours. If you've got the blues, he is calm and quiet. If you're happy and excited, he turns frisky and playful.

The Australian Terrier is the first native breed to be recognized and shown in Australia. He was first shown as the Australian Rough-Coated Terrier in 1868 in Melbourne, and he was officially renamed the Australian Terrier in 1897.

Nell Fox of Pleasant Pastures Kennels, the author of Australian Terrier (THF Publications, 1997) helped bring recognition to the breed in this country. Fox, a native of New Zealand, had been familiar with the Aussie in her youth and imported some of the first Australian Terriers to arrive in the U.S.

In 1960, the Australian Terrier became the 114th breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, the first new terrier breed in 21 years. The Australian Terrier Club of America formed in 1957 and became a member club of the AKC in 1977.

Early training and socialization are musts to keep this dog happy and well liked by family and friends, both human and animal.

Visits to Groomer-Low

Drooling-yes

Bath-Rare

Tolerance to heat-Basks in it

Tolerance to cold-Loves snow

Exercise Requirement-Lots

Under Coat-Yes

Colour- blue and tan, steel blue, dark grey blue, solid sandy, red

Hair Length-Short

Hair Density-Dense

Australian Terriers are generally healthy but, like all breeds of dogs, they're prone to certain conditions and diseases.

Patellar luxation

Legg-perthes

Diabetes mellitus

Allergies

Temperament
A bite-sized terrier, the Australian Terrier is lively, spirited and even cheeky, given their stature. They are very friendly, loyal and show great affection towards their family.Intelligent and curious, with a keen sense of sight and sound, they make excellent watchdogs. They like to bark but are also eager to please so they can be quite easily trained into stopping after the first alert .

Training & intelligence
Early training and socialization are musts to keep this dog happy and well liked by family and friends, both human and animal. They're so intelligent, Australian Terriers will readily learn whatever you're teaching. Repetitive training is a bore for these bundles of energy, so lessons must be fun and increasingly challenging. Also, the independent Aussie likes to think the schooling is all his idea. Positive, reward-based training works wonders.


Breeding
Litter Size-4 to 6 puppies (approximately)

Complication in Breeding-No

Procreation
A dog takes around 18 months to reach his or her full height and structure. It is advisable to breed your dogs after at least two years of age. If you are a first timer at breeding then taking a vets help is advisable. You just sit back and enjoy the company of four to six adorable little puppies. An average litter size of the breed.