The Australian Terrier is one of the smallest of the working terriers. It was bred to be a helper and companion in rough times and terrain, although it is adaptable to most climates. It is interesting to note the Australian Terrier has a special love for children, the elderly, and the handicapped.

The Australian Terrier is a close relative of the old Scotch dog of Great Britain, however, not the present-day Scottish Terrier. These dogs are believed to have been cross-bred with a number of other breeds of British terrier stock to produce the fast, sturdy, rough, weatherproof, fearless little dog that the settlers needed as they settled the frontiers of their country.

They helped control rodents and snakes on the waterfronts, farms, sheep and cattle stations in the outback. They sometimes tended sheep and sounded an alarm when intruders appeared. In addition to all these jobs, the Australian Terrier also served as a companion.

All the breeds chosen for cross-breeding were to promote specific desired traits. There is a consensus of opinion that the breeds used included the precursors of the Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Yorkshire, and the old Black-and-Tan Terriers (today's Manchester) with probably the Irish and Caim Terriers. The various cross breedings created a very handsome dog that the settlers were proud to show at home or in public.

AKC Classification: Terrier Group

Origin: Australia

Special Abilities:

" Helps control rodents and snakes
" Can tend sheep
" A special love for children, the elderly and the handicapped

The following information is offered to help you decide if the Australian Terrier is right for you, your family and lifestyle. The descriptions are also meant to fit a dog true to the breed standard.

Appearance Description:

" Small
" Sturdy
" Medium-boned working terrier
" Rather long in proportion to height with pricked ears and docked tail
" Height 10 to 11 inches at the withers
" Head is long and strong
" Keen and intelligent looking eyes, small dark brown to black set well apart, rims are black, oval in shape
" Ears are small, erect and pointed set high on the skull yet well apart
" Nose is black
" Lips are tight and dark brown or black rimmed
" Outer coat is harsh and straight, 2 ½ inches all over the body except the tail, rear legs, from the hocks down and the feet which are kept free of long hair
" Hair on the ears is kept very short
" Undercoat short and soft
" Furnishings softer than body coat
" The neck is well furnished with hair, which forms a protective ruff blending into the apron
" Covering only the top of the skull is finer and softer texture than rest of the coat
" Colors are blue and tan, solid sandy and solid red
" Topknot is silver or a lighter shade than head color

Personality Description

" Spirited
" Alert
" Courageous
" Self-confident
" Natural aggressiveness of a ratter and hedge hunter
" Friendly and affectionate as a companion
" A special love for children, the elderly and the handicapped

For more information about this breed, other dog breeds and to view pictures, follow the link in the resource box of this article.