Aussie
Overview
The Australian terrier is small, sturdy and medium-boned; it is long in proportion to height. This is a working terrier that should exhibit a ground-covering gait and hard condition. Its weatherproof coat is made up of a short, soft undercoat and a harsh, straight, outer coat, about 2.5 inches long, shorter on the tail and lower legs. It sports a ruff around the neck and a topknot of longer hair adds to its keen, intelligent expression.
One of the quieter terriers, the Aussie is nonetheless a plucky, tough character, ready to go after a rodent when the chance arises. It is fun-loving and adventurous, and needs daily exercise to keep it from becoming frustrated. It is clever and generally eager to please, making it one of the more obedient terriers. It gets along fairly well with other dogs and household pets. It is reserved with strangers. Reflecting its earth dog heritage, it does like to dig.
| Size | Small |
| Height | 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) |
| Weight | 9-14 pounds (4-6 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Colors | Blue & Tan Red Sandy Blue |
| Origin | Australia |
| Classification | Purebred |
| Good Lapcat |
| Good In Apartments |
The Australian Terrier is good for apartment living. It is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard provided it is taken for walks on a lead. They should not be allowed to roam free because they have a tendency to chase. |
| Good With Children |
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Good With Dogs |
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| Good With Cats |
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| Exercise Needs |
The Australian Terrier is an adaptable little dog that needs to be taken on a daily walk. They enjoy the chance to romp and play in a safe area. |
| Trainability |
Easy Training: The Australian Terrier sometimes has its own agenda, so training must be strict, but not harsh. Australian Terriers learn quickly and can pick up a number of tricks and activities. They excel at dog agility and earthdog competitions, in which they must scent and track prey through a series of underground tunnels. |
| Affectionate |
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| Playfulness |
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| Grooming Requirements |
Moderate Maintenance: There is nothing complicated about grooming an Australian Terrier. Brush his coat once a week with a soft slicker brush, trim his toenails once a month, and bathe him in mild shampoo as needed every three months or so. Check the ears once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection, then wipe out weekly using a cotton ball dampened with gentle ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian to prevent problems. |
| Shedding |
Minimal Shedding: This dog will shed a negligible amount. Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with dog hair in their cars and homes. |
| Vocalization/Barking |
Occassional |