Australian Terrier Dog Breed | Australian Terrier (Terrier de Australia) - Dog Breed
Like 0 Dislike 0 Published on 17 May 2017
Australian Terrier - Dog Breed
The Breed History
In Australia, the breed was first exhibited in 1899. These terriers were the first of the Aussie breeds, with the breed standard finalized in the year 1896. The AKC registry admitted Australian Terriers in 1960. Breed origins may include the Rough-coated Terrier crossed over many generations with other terriers such as the Skye, Dandie Dinmont, Irish, Cairn, Yorkshire, Black-and-Tan Terrier, and perhaps the Norwich Terrier. They were first brought to North America following the Second World War.
Breeding for Function
This small terrier was bred for both companionship and as a sturdy hunting partner. He also served as protector of sheep flocks and family. Rat and snake control were common tasks for which this terrier was bred.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: 10-11" (25.4-28 cm).
Weight: 12-14 lb (4-7 kg).
Coat: The double coat is water resistant. Outer coat is straight, harsh and broken, and 2-1/2" (6 cm) long except furnishings. Inner coat is dense and short. Colors include blue and tan, sandy, and red. The hairs form a distinct topknot, apron and ruff. White markings on feet and chest are faults.
Longevity: 14 years
Points of Conformation: The Australian Terrier is characterized by a sturdy build, with medium bone and musculature. They possess an alert expression, high head carriage, and the body is a fair bit longer than tall. The gait is smooth and agile. Ears are small, triangular and held pricked up. Oval eyes are small and dark brown, wide-set and palpebral margins are also black. A definite stop is standard. Nose is colored black and the bridge of the nose has a hairless area. Lips are dark, and the neck is long. The thorax has well-sprung ribs and the topline is level. The tail is high-set and carried high; usually docked to about one half of the natural length. Limbs are straight boned, dewclaws are usually removed, feet small and compact, and nails black.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed characteristics include: Good in rural and urban environments, courageous, good alarm barkers, low shedding, adaptable, loyal, and intelligent. Can be scrappy with other dogs, enjoys close human companionship, good with other pets if raised with them (except other dogs, especially inter-male), high trainability, very high energy, spirited, like to dig and if off leash, they should be in a securely fenced enclosure; may also jump a fence. Should be socialized to pets and children since the strong chase instinct means that small pets could be viewed as prey.
Normal Physiologic Variations
None reported
Drug Sensitivities
None reported
Inherited Diseases
Patella Luxation: Polygenically inherited laxity of patellar ligaments, causing luxation, lameness, and later degenerative joint disease. Treat surgically if causing clinical signs. Reported 8.0x odds ratio versus other breeds. OFA reports 11.9% affected. Reported at a frequency of 9.0% in the 2002 ATCA Health Survey.