Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is one of the smaller dogs in the terrier breed. The fully grown Australian Terrier (two years old or older) height is approximately 10 to 11 inches at the withers (the highest point of the shoulder) and weighs from 12 to 14 pounds.
The Australian Terrier is suitable as a pet for either town or country living. The terrier enjoys plenty of exercise and a properly fenced in yard would be ideal, but a couple of short, but exciting, trips to the park would be enough exercise.
This terrier has excellent hearing and makes a great watchdog. She is good with older children. Very young children may not be appropriate for her. Chasing cats and small animals may be a favorite passtime, but generally gets along with the household pets if introduced to them as a puppy. Trains easily and is highly intelligent.
History
The Australian Terrier was developed in Australia for uses such as companion, vermin hunter, watchdog and shepherd. The ancestors of this breed came from the United Kingdom and are the precursors of the Scottish and British Terriers.
Category
Working Terrier.
The Australian Terrier is generally a healthy breed but may be prone to the following health issues:
- Patella luxation (congenital condition in which the kneecap dislocates)
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (ball portion of hip not correct probably due to genetics, causes pain and lameness)
- Hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain)
- Canine Diabetes (no cure, diet, exercise and daily insulin injections)
- Skin allergies
- Epilepsy (common in dogs)
Care and Grooming
The Australian Terrier has a double weather proof coat. The inner coat is soft while the outer coat is straight and harsh, running about 2 ½ inches long. The coat needs to be brushed several times a week and plucked every three months or so. This will help keep your terrier's coat clean and healthy and your house much more free of shed hair. Brushing will also help you keep a closer eye on your dogs health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet. Be sure to talk to your dog while brushing.
Dogs teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
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Toenails may need to be examined to determine if they need to be clipped. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Special dog nail clippers are available, or ask the groomer.
The Australian Terrier can live between 13 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and happy living conditions.
Some bad points of the Australian Terrier, as with many terriers, are that they like barking and can become destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
The Australian Terrier is a great little dog, courageous, full of fun and personality. |
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