Australian Terrier

Here's what you need to know about an Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is also often called the little wonder from Down Under. That is amusing in and of itself, because it is a cross between many other terrier breeds that came to Australia from England at the time. However, the nimble dog is especially popular for its ability to be happy around people, especially when it is the center of attention. It is a friendly and curious dog, but it also has some terrier mentality, and it is not afraid to respond to other dogs' challenges to fight.

The Australian Terrier was created from other terriers

As previously stated, this terrier is a hybrid of several other terriers that the English brought with them when they colonized Australia. In Australia, the terrier dogs that were used for hunting in England had to find new ways to use their instincts. The various terrier breeds were bred together over time, resulting in the Australian Terrier, which was used in its native land to hunt mice and rats - and in some cases to alert when strangers approached from a distance.

The Australian Terrier's ancestors include the Irish Terrier, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Skye Terrier, and a few other terrier breeds. Nevertheless, the Australian Terrier is now recognized as a distinct breed all over the world. However, the breed's hunting instinct was never completely lost, and in addition to mice and rats, they were occasionally used to guard sheep or lambs in the countryside.

Look after and care for your Australian Terrier

You wouldn't think that such a small dog requires much attention. The largest Australian Terriers stand 25 cm tall, with bitches being slightly shorter. They only weigh a maximum of seven kilograms, making them easy to handle when grooming.

Brushing the short, slightly rough coat once a week is all that is required, and it does not take long. The fur is a little thicker than on other dogs, but it only needs to be trimmed about 2-3 times per year. Aside from fur care, you should always take general good care of your dog. If you do this while also providing the proper diet and exercise for your Australian Terrier, you can expect to have a faithful companion for nearly 14 years.

Train with your Australian Terrier

It is recommended that you train your Australian Terrier as you would any other dog. It is a quick and easy-to-train dog that allows you to participate in a variety of dog sports. However, keep in mind that whatever you decide to do with your terrier must be done for the sake of both of you. That is how it should be with your Australian Terrier puppy from the start.

It has an excellent memory, but if it has a negative experience with dog training, it may lose interest. This is due in part to its love of attention and almost any human contact. You will easily be able to get an extremely charming dog in the family if you ensure from the start that your terrier is positively motivated with a friendly but firm upbringing. It will also adapt its activity level to the rest of the family over time, and it will not roam around as much as other dogs.

Good to know about the Australian Terrier

Because of its hunting background in its breeding origins, it may bark quite a bit in situations where it feels the need to protect. As such, it is not a specific watchdog, but it does like to draw attention when something is not as it should be.

This breed of terrier could be a good choice for a family looking for their first dog. It is relatively simple to train, and it quickly bonds with its people. It would be a good idea to have plenty of space in the garden for the happy puppy to run around in - preferably with the children in the family. The Australian Terrier will not initiate a fight with another dog, but its temperament will not allow it to cower when approached by another dog.

In addition to the proper training for your terrier, it is critical that you pay attention to the dog's diet. Small dogs may have a voracious appetite, but that does not mean they should be allowed to consume anything. At PetLux, you can always get advice on what type of dog food is best for a small but extremely active dog like the Australian terrier.