Australian Terrier Incredible Facts, Health, Pictures

Australian Terrier Scientific Classification

Kingdom                   Animalia

Phylum                       Chordata

Class                             Mammalia

Order                            Carnivora

Family                            Canidae

Genus                              Canis

Scientific Name:           Canis lupus

Australian Terrier Locations

Oceania

Australian Terrier Facts

Color                         Black, Tan, Gold

Skin Type                      Hair

Lifespan                     11 – 15 years

Group                          Terrier

Diet                             Omnivore

Average Litter Size      4

Coat                             Short

Energy                        Medium

Origin                         Australia

Training                     Easy

2 Pros and Cons of Owning an Australian Terrier

Pros

Very Healthy

This is a healthy breed and not susceptible to severe diseases.

Friendly with Pets

Australian Terriers are loyal and will get along great with other pets in your house.

Cons

Barks a lot

These tiny dogs bark a lot, so you must invest in earplugs.

Chases small animals

You’ll need to make sure to keep your dog on a restraint.

Australian Terrier Origin and History

Australian terriers are considered to be derived from a dog known as the rough-coated Terrier, a relative of the Ancient Scotch dog of Great Britain. Researchers of this breed believe that this Terrier was crossed with British Terriers who were taken to Australia, comprising the forebear of the Skye, the Yorkshire, and the Black and Tan Terrier.

As early settlers in Australia faced harsh conditions, they needed enduring, brave dogs that did their job in all types of weather. Aussies were produced to control and eliminate rats and snakes on the waterfront. This is the first native breed identified and shown in Australia. He was first seen as a Rough-Coated Terrier in 1868 in Melbourne, and in 1897, his name officially changed to Australian Terrier.

Australian Terrier Temperament

The behaviour and traits of this dog breed give it a spirited and courageous personality. They are very obedient dogs of their owners. They will be your watchdog and are small in size; they are brave and believe they can save you from danger. They are noiseless compared to other terriers and are always excited to please their owners.

Australian Terriers are fun-loving and make a good companion for a family who wants to share an energetic lifestyle. They are inquiring and like to play with children. This breed is clever, so it is easy to train.

A small, scruffy brown Australian Terrier dog with upright ears sits on sandy ground near a calm lake.
Australian Terriers are usually affectionate and loving with their owners.

Australian Terrier Size and Weight

Australian Terriers are small dogs with smooth hair. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), males weigh between 17 and 20 pounds, while females weigh between 15 and 20 pounds. Both males and females are 10 to 11 inches tall.

A small, light brown Australian Terrier dog with a long, wiry coat standing on a grassy lawn.
Australian Terrier usually weighs in the range of 15 – 20 pounds.

Height and Weight of Males

Height (Male)                  10 – 11 inches

Weight (Male)               17 – 20 pounds

Height and Weight of Females

Height (Female)            10 – 11 inches

Weight (Female)          15 – 20 pounds

Australian Terrier Food

The suggested quantity of daily food is 0.5 to 1 cup of dry food. Compared to other breeds, they are not fussy eater. He has a hearty appetite, though he does not eat extra food. The amount of food your adult dog eats mainly depends on size, age, body, metabolism, and activity level. All dogs do not require an equal amount of food. A highly active dog needs more food than a less active dog. Food quality makes a difference; better quality food also helps nourish your dog more.

Australian Terrier Lifespan

The average lifespan of an Australian Terrier is 11 to 15 years. Like other small dog breeds, it is much longer than other dog breeds. With proper care and attention to their health, they live even longer.

A small Australian Terrier dog lying on a wooden platform with a long, coarse black and tan coat.
The average lifespan of an Australian Terrier is 11 to 15 years.

Maintenance and Grooming

Australian Terrier coats are rough to the touch, with a soft undercoat. They are almost two inches in length over the best of the body and extensive on the head and chest. They shed minimally, so it’s easy to groom them.

Brush him once a week, trim his toenails every month, and bathe him as necessary, usually every three months. Regular bathing is not required because it softens the rough terrier coat. Check your dog’s ears once a week for dirt, redness, or ruthless odour that can indicate the infection.

 Training

These dogs are happy to please their owners and are naturally obedient, so they are straightforward to train. Start training your dog promptly and keep it fair and stable.

 Exercise

These dogs can run freely and play with children. Forty-five minutes of exercise every day is enough for this dog breed. Walking helps your dog stay healthy and durable. A good day of playing fetch and other activities can help you get the proper training for your dog.

Australian Terrier Puppies

Proper nutrition is necessary while a newborn puppy’s immune systems mature. Focus on your puppy’s weight in the first few weeks of life. Look for signs of dangerous weight gain.

Always maintain your puppy’s body temperature. Young puppies cannot keep their body temperature, so this is important.

Australian Terrier Health

They are generally healthy, but like other dog breeds, they are prone to many diseases and conditions.

A small, energetic Australian Terrier dog running on a sandy path.
Australian Terriers are prone to many diseases.

Eye problems

They can develop many painful eye conditions that may lead to blindness. Your vet should examine your dog’s eyes frequently. They’ll stare for dry eye, a general problem in these dogs. Dry eye happens when tear glands do not produce the usual tears, and the eyes get aching. This is a lethal situation for your dog.

Kidney Stones

Your dogs want consistent checkups to confirm that no stones are present. Stones form more commonly in this breed than in other breeds. If you see that your dog tries to urinate but does not urinate or blood comes in the urine, then take it to your vet earlier.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is when the knee joint slips in and out of place, producing aching. This can be crippled, although many dogs spend everyday life with this condition.

Diabetes Mellitus

This is a condition in which blood sugar levels are not regulated properly. A diabetic dog eats more food to compensate for the lack of glucose but will lose weight because food is improperly used. Symptoms are excessive urination, thirst, and weight loss.

Allergies

Australian terriers are prone to allergies, which include food, contact, and inhalant allergies.

Australian Terrier Care

As all dogs in the terrier group are aggressive around other dogs, proper socialization of your puppy is necessary. Regular obedience training for your puppy is also required. Although they are quick learners, don’t bore them by practising the same lesson many times. Aussies are dogs who love increasingly puzzling levels of obedience classes and swiftness training.

Start training your puppy as soon as possible to build its character. Initial training will help you housetrain him, providing him with a welcome shelter and awareness of safe travel when he is in a car. Aussies need to exercise daily. He remains energetic in his ideal years.

Australian Terrier Popular Names

  • Shadow
  • Lutana
  • Teddy
  • Ciara
  • Dolly
  • Acacia
  • Bowen

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are Australian Terriers good pets?

These can be excellent choices as family dogs because they are alert and fascinated by their human companions. This spirit-d breed can easily keep up with active children but adjust to a quieter household if provided with enough exercise and mental inspiration.

What is the behaviour of an Australian Terrier?

The behaviour and traits of this dog breed give it a spirited and courageous personality. They are very obedient dogs of their owners. They will be your watchdog, and despite their small size, they are brave and believe they can save you from danger. They are helpful compared to other terriers and are always excited to please their owners.

Do Australian Terriers have health problems?

They are generally healthy but prone to diseases and conditions like other dog breeds. These small dogs are also prone to diseases like Eye problems, Kidney Stones, patellar luxation, and allergies.

Are Australian Terriers intelligent?

Australian Terriers are intelligent dog breeds. They are fun-loving and make good companions for families who want to share an energetic lifestyle. They are in hiring and like to play with children. As this breed is intelligent, it is easy to train.

How aggressive are Australian Terriers?

They are more aggressive than other breeds of dogs that are supposed to be assertive, like pit bulls or bull terriers.

How often should I bathe my Australian Terrier?

Brush him once a week, trim his toenails every month, and bathe him as necessary, usually every three months. Consistent brushing is optional because it softens the rough terrier coat.

What should I feed my Australian Terrier?

The suggested daily food quantity is 0.5 to 1 cup of dry food. Unlike other breeds, dogs are not fussy eaters. They have a good appetite, though they do not eat extra food. The amount of food your adult dog eats mainly depends on size, age, body, metabolism, and activity level.

Do Australian Terriers have hair or fur?

Australian Terriers are small dogs with smooth hair. Males weigh between 17 and 20 pounds, while females weigh between 15 and 20 pounds. Both males and females measure between 10 and 11 inches tall.

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