Australian terriers are small pups that make excellent house dogs , but often prefer to be the only pet in a family . They are playful , high-pitched - push , and affectionate .
Australian terrier are playful , meddlesome little domestic dog that eff quality time and bond with their humans . Their motto : " run hard , but play even hard . " Do n’t lettheir small sizeand playful disposal fool you , though ; they ’re just as courageous as they are sensitive .
Although lilliputian for a working terrier ( just 15–20 Pound ) , these self - assured pups were bred to fearlessly hunt varmint in remote regions of Australia . Though sometimes called " Aussies " by their adoring fans , these pups are n’t to be confused withAustralian shepherds .
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extremely intelligentwith an easy - to - groom , low - sustentation coating , Australian terrier dogs canmake gravid first - time favourite . But take tone : One of their quirks is that they relish being the only family dearie and may not get along with other wiener .
Australian terriers are charming , and they have a hang of turning their human companions into womb-to-tomb devoted fans of the breed , though they ’re stillsomewhat of a rare breedin the United States . These dogs will be happiest in homes where they get encumbrance of attention and — it ’s deserving repeating — playtime is a priority .
Appearance
The Australian terrier ’s torso is long , especially in proportion to his height . He measures just 10–11 inches tall and is among the modest of the work terriers . With his stubby yet strong legs , he has a miserable - to - the - primer bbl body that ’s vaguely exchangeable tocorgisanddachshunds . Australian terriers typically weigh 15–20 pounds .
These terriers have an easy - to - maintain pelage that ’s either blue and tan , sandy , or square red . Their out coats are unforesightful and stringy with softer undercoats . As a juxtaposition to their mostly harsh fur , these terrier wear indulgent and silky topknots on their noggins and between their perky , triangular spike .
While not consideredhypoallergenic , Australian terriersdon’t shed muchand could be an idealistic pet for allergy diseased person , according to theAustralian Terrier Club of Great Britain .
His positive trot jibe his self - assured disposal . Australian terriers have little , black brown or pitch-black eye that expose a keen , reasoning grammatical construction , according to theAustralian Terrier Club of America ( ATCA ) .
Temperament
A true terrier , these pups are playful , extremely energetic , and mettlesome . Once they ’ve incinerate off enough energy , they might just model still enough for some cuddles . But to really grasp the nuances of this breed ’s personality , it help to understand the Australian terrier ’s backcloth .
" A modest , yet brave and sheer terrier , Aussies were bred to hunt rodents , " saysNicole Ellis , CPDT - KA and pet lifestyle expert with Rover .
This hunting inherent aptitude remain with them today , which means it ’s in their nature to trail down squirrel , rabbits , and other small animals — maybeeven the category quat .
" mass require to retrieve that they are ratters , " say Pam Nichols , DVM , Chief Executive of theAmerican Animal Hospital Association . " They will not back down and can be unyielding . "
So , even though Australian terriers are super smart andhighly trainable , they should n’t be allow to run free . Their familiesneed to leash wagon train themwithpositive reinforcement , otherwise they might just take off down the street in pursual of a squirrel — and they wo n’t stop to look both way before bilk a busy street .
They also have a reputation of being very vocal ( aka , theybark a good deal ) , Nichols state , often fathom the alarm whenever a unknown approaches the sign of the zodiac .
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Because these pawl forge super strong trammel with their humans , many choose to not share a household ( or attention ! ) with any other favourite . But with their playful and loving personality , Australian terrier usuallydo well with human siblings(aka children ) and they canmake great family pets .
Living Needs
Because Australian terriers were breed to go alongside humans , often under stressful condition , they develop a secure sentiency of devotion to their households , fit in to the ATCA . To this day , these terriers are happiest when they ’re with their people and are well suited for a household that can spoil them with care . This includesplaying with interactional toy , enjoying a game of fetch , or snuggling on the couch .
" Although small , Australian terrier have a big hotdog personality and plenty of energy , " Ellis say . " They more often than not raise very affiliated to their family … but need an way out for all that work out dog energy . "
Australian terriers can be city dogs , merrily charter upresidence in an apartment , or they can survive in the nation . They can also adjust to most climates , hot or cold . But no thing where they call home , there ’s one crucial requirement : They take to have a dependable distance to exercise .
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Not only do they have hunting inherent aptitude , but these terriers are quite bouncy and areknown digger . To put it another way of life : They can be little escape creative person , skilled enough to descale a fencing or dig themselves an exit path . Australian terrier always necessitate to be on a leash or supervisedin a fenced - in G .
While all dogs have different personality , Australian terriers often prefer to be the lone pet in the household . So , if you ’re thinking about adopting an Aussie or bring in another dearie into your domicile , it ’s a smart idea to safely introduce the young beast to the crime syndicate first to suss out the moral force between your dogtooth companions . mostly utter , though , two male terriers in all probability wo n’t be able to live together peacefully , harmonize to the ATCA .
Care
Grab the training clickerand gird yourself with some kickshaw : Australian terrier are chic and very trainable , particularly if you’re able to take a playful approaching to sessions . They ’ll practically havebasic training tricksdown quicker than you may say " good boy ! " For the skilful results , keep training subprogram short ( but do them frequently ) because these terrier can get bored quickly .
Again , because they were bred to be all - determination exterminators and have chase after tendencies , learn Australian terrier pup to take the air on tercet is a golden rule . If they take off after a rabbit , they may have a laborious metre finding their room back home .
Not only cantraining be a breezewith this strain , but dressing is also easy . Australian terriers have an all - conditions coat that does a great Book of Job repelling malicious gossip and mud . All they take is aonce - a - week brush . Refrain from giving your terrierfrequent bathsbecause the shampoo can soften their harsh coats , making them less resistant to dirt and conduct to dry , flaky skin . Other grooming subroutine should includeregular tooth brush , nail trims , and occasionalear cleaning .
Like all terriers , Aussies have a gamy energy level . Not only do they need daily walks , but you ’ll also need to schedule in playtime with your pup to prevent boredom .
Health
Australian terriershave a foresighted lifespanof 11–15 years and , in oecumenical , the breedhas few health problems .
Aussie can be prone to a few conditions , Nichols pronounce , includingdiabetes mellitus , which intend the Canis familiaris ’s pancreas has damage and break down to produce insulin . Signs that your domestic dog may have diabetes mellitus could let in increase thirstiness , increased micturition , changes in appetency , unexplained weight loss , fatigue , urinary tract infection , and nebulous eye or change in vision .
Patellar luxation , or dislocated patella , can be another health job Australian terrier confront . It ’s also of import to keep themfree of flea , because these pesky leech can have a range of reactions , from soft itch toextreme allergic reactionsin these frank , grant to ATCA .
History
No surprises here ! The Australian terrier was primitively breed in the Land Down Under after British settlers brought several forge terrier breeds to Australia in the 19th century . While their exact ascendant are obscure , theAustralian Terrier Club of Queenslandspeculates they are descendants of the Skye terrier , Manchester terrier , and the Dandie Dinmont terrier .
They were bred to trace small mammals and serpent and also became devoted fellow to their the great unwashed . The first Australian Terrier Club was form in Australia in 1887 . Around that same meter , Australian terriers were exported to Great Britain .
They were inclose to American households in the tardy 1940s , and by 1957 the Australian Terrier Club of America formed . The next class , nine Australian terriers contend in the " Miscellaneous Class " at the Westminster Dog Show . The American Kennel Club recognise the Australian terrier in 1960 as its 114th breed .
