The Australian Terrier
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The Australian Terrier was the first Australian breed to be recognized and shown in its native land. They are small dogs, 10-11 inches tall, and have a weatherproof double coat which is harsh and straight. Their colors can be blue and tan, solid sandy and solid red.
They are the smallest of the working terriers. They were bred to be both a helper and companion in rough times and terrain. These dogs are the product of crossings with the Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Yorkshire, and the old Black-and Tan Terriers (Today's Manchester), Irish and Cairn Terriers. They were originally known as the Rough-Coated Terrier.
They were cross bred with the other dogs to produce a fast, sturdy, rough, weatherproof, fearless little dog. The settlers needed a dog such as this as they expanded the frontiers of their country. These dogs helped control the rodents and snakes on the waterfronts, farms, sheep and cattle stations. Sometimes they were used as alarm dogs as well. They have excellent hearing and good eyesight. They do very well in the city or on farmland, adaptable to any climate and terrain.
They don't shed very much, are good nature dogs, and are very affectionate. They are great family dogs, and will guard his family at all times.
Australian Terriers are less scrappy toward strange dogs than many other terrier breeds, but they are still a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. Most terriers have strong instincts to chase and seize small fleeing creatures.
The Australian Terrier is a tough, cheeky little fellow with the courage of a much larger dog. It has boundless energy and is very loyal, showing great affection for its immediate family and its extraordinary intelligence makes it a responsive and very protective companion. It is an alert, amusing and loveable little dog. Spirited, curious, and self-assured, it has very keen hearing and eyesight, so it makes an excellent watchdog. It wants to please its master and is more easily obedience trained than most other terriers. This breed is not snappish, likes to bark and is very good with children provided they do not tease the dog. They are friendly with other dogs as well as other pets. However they may chase small animals outside the house and should be in a safe area at all times. Strangers, on the other hand, may find these dogs unfriendly although they are really not excessively suspicious. This is a good dog to travel with. The training of the Australian Terrier needs to be strict because this self-confident dog prefers to follow its own ideas, although they learn very quickly.
