Australian Terrier (Terrier de Australia) / Dog Breed
Australian Terrier the Australian
Terrier is one of the most miniature
working Terriers which was developed in
Australia somewhere in the 19th century
initially this daring high-spirited and
self-assured little canine specialized
in vermin control but currently it’s
primarily kept as a companion animal it
adapts well to apartment living and has
an easy to care coat the Australian
Terrier was created from the British
rough-coated Terrier it was presumably
brought to Tasmania by colonists from
the British Isles in the 80s of the 19th
century to all appearance the breed was
produced by crossing this sturdy Terrier
with several other canine varieties
including the forefathers of the
Manchester Terrier the dandy Dumont
Terrier the Skye Terrier and the
Yorkshire Terrier it’s also very likely
that Irish and Cairn Terriers were also
utilized in its development the resulted
dog was remarkable for moderate sized
robust Constitution and dauntless nature
in no time the Australian Terrier
achieved local fame as a highly
effective rodent exterminator and snake
catcher it’s ruff waterproof code
allowed it to operate unceasingly for
long hours under rain or shine
moreover first australian settlers
relied on their little helpers to look
after the livestock as well as to guard
their dwellings on top of these
responsibilities this dog provided
Pleasant companionship for its masters
the Australian Terrier is the first
canine variety native to Australia that
deserved the official recognition in its
homeland and other countries for the
first time it entered the show ring in
1868 when its specimens took part in the
dog show in Melbourne Australia it
became widely known under its current
name in 1899 the first Australian
Terriers were imported to England by the
British nobleman as well
members of the Foreign Service the
Kennel Club in this country recognized
the breed in 1933 since the late 40s of
the 20 century Ledger’s and military men
began to bring these dogs to the United
States where it finally came into public
notice at the Westminster Kennel Club
show in 1957 the American Kennel Club
granted the breed its full approval in
1960 modern members of Australian
terriers still excel in their primary
role of excellent vermin exterminators
although overwhelming majority of these
dogs serve exclusively as family pets
the Australian Terrier is known to be
much less strung and irascible than most
terrier breeds as it was always used as
both working and companion animal it
easily adapts to the life in a family
this dog usually establishes equally
close bonds with all members of its
human family and seeks to participate in
each and every family event unless it
remains a typical Terrier as far as it
concerns ruff games or teasing that’s
why this breed isn’t the best choice for
families with small kids who still can’t
properly control their behavior around
dogs once correctly socialized the
specimen of the Australian Terrier will
be affable with guests in your house
however it’s unreasonable to expect from
this dog open friendliness as it always
keeps a bright lookout in the presence
of strangers it never fails to notify
its masters about every suspicious
change in its surroundings so it can be
turned into a dependable watcher it also
doesn’t need any extensive training to
perform guarding duties although this
breed is probably too small for this
role severe canine aggressiveness
commonly becomes the real issue for the
owners of the Australian Terrier the
breed can’t tolerate when some unknown
canine tries to cross onto its territory
or encroaches on its food or toys
furthermore this little dog always
strives after getting an alpha
at us in a group of other dogs
regardless of their size and power it
certainly does better as a single dog
although it’s relatively compatible with
its congeners of the opposite sex
the Australian Terrier also poses a
hazard to the life of such small animals
as rats thumb stirs and guinea pigs
actually there is a chance that even
vast and early socialization won’t make
this dog more tolerable to a family cat
or other small pets the Australian
Terrier needs relatively little amount
of grooming its ruff semi long coat
should be carefully brushed on a regular
basis this procedure will help to get
rid of dead hair as well as to
distribute protective skin oils this dog
requires only occasional bathing because
of the breeds propensity to flee
allergies it’s essential to regularly
examine its coat for the signs of
external parasites other than that it
should receive very standard care which
consists of periodic nail trimming and
weekly teeth brushing the breed is
considered to be a light shutter the
training of the Australian Terrier is a
matter of some difficulty this breed is
famed for its quick-wittedness but it
also doesn’t like to comply with the
rules or follow commands because of its
stubbornness an independent character
extra amount of time and patience is
usually required to achieve acceptable
results in this dog’s training simple
praise isn’t enough to induce the
interest of the Australian Terrier which
works most willingly if stimulated by
its favorite treats bear in mind that
this dog will never obey if it feels
itself maltreated or just doesn’t trust
the handler the breed usually achieves
total success in obedience and
especially agility competitions despite
its low stature the Australian Terrier
is a very athletic and Hardy dog that
needs lots of intensive exercise it must
be taken on a long and brisk daily walk
but it would surely prefer to roam and
play in a safely enclosed yard this dog
will gladly accompany you in hikes and
will tirelessly run beside you for hours
on end
the Australian Terrier is capable of
adapting to a city life as long as its
master provides it with possibility for
outlets of its driving energy if the
dogs essential need for physical
stimulation is ignored it will manifests
its discontent with highly destructive
behavior indoors
