Description

The Aussie is a lively outgoing terrier that loves human company. They are small but very sturdy, having been bred to be able to jump and run. There is a lot of character and terrier temperament in this small dog. They are busy little dogs that will do what they can to please. They differ from some other terriers in that they have a long neck and back. Their coats are harsh and straight on top and shorter and softer underneath.

Color

The Aussie can be blue and tan, steel blue, dark gray blue, solid sandy, red or solid black. There can be a change in coat color when the puppy is about nine months old.

Category Size

Small

Coat Length

Short/Medium

Weight/Height Range

The Aussie stands at approximately 10 inches at the withers and weighs approximately 14 lbs.

HEIGHT	MIN	MAX	WEIGHT	MIN	MAX
Female	10"	10"	Female	10 lbs.	14 lbs.
Male	10"	10"	Male	14 lbs.	14 lbs.

Ailments

Suitable Breed for Allergy Sufferers

No

Common Ailments

Personality

The Aussie is an intelligent, friendly little dog that is very good at obedience and agility. They are very anxious to please and make good watchdogs. They are not yappy, as some of the small dogs can be, but will bark if necessary. They have to be trained quite strictly as they can do their own thing otherwise. They can be stubborn but they do love to please and revel in lots of human contact and praise. They are an active, outgoing and fun-loving breed.

Intelligence

They are very intelligent little dogs that need firm training. They like to be kept busy, and if you do not give them something to do they will find something themselves. They have a great sense of fun and are enthusiastic about life. They are wary of strangers but in general are not too suspicious. If they are brought up with cats and young children then they can all live together quite peacefully.

Energy

Medium

Tendency To Bark

Medium

Overall Exercise Requirement

These dogs require an adequate amount of exercise, but at the same time they are quite happy to fit in with your lifestyle. They are dogs that have a lot of energy and do enjoy nothing better than a good long walk.

Suitability for Personal Protection

Medium

Suitability as a Guard Dog

High

Suitability for Children

Medium

Ease of Transportation

High

Level of Distress caused if left alone

Medium

Level of aggression

Medium

Other animal compatibility

Medium

Breeding & ownership

These dogs are not expensive to feed.

Food Cost

Affordable

Average Puppy Price

Moderate

Other Expenses

The price of a puppy is around $550 as they are a hardy breed and have very little grooming requirements. They are not an expensive breed to keep.

Grooming & showing

An Aussie terrier in top condition will lose very little hair. They are easy to groom and have a weather-resistant coat. These dogs should never be clipped and, if necessary should be plucked instead. They should be brushed and combed at least once a week and the ears checked for hair that may block the canals.

Grooming requirements

> Once a week

Trimming required

Tendency to shed hair

Little

Show characteristics

The head should be long and strong with an alert expression. The nose should be black and the muzzle has an inverted V shape area, along the bridge of the nose (from nose to muzzle), with less hair. The jaws should allow a strong scissor bite, top teeth over bottom teeth. The eyes should be small, set well apart and be of a dark brown color. The ears should never be cropped, and should be standing erect by four months of age. The neck should be long and blend into long shoulders. The legs should be well boned and muscular. The body is long in proportion to the height with a level top line. The feet should be small with tight toes. The tail is docked to about two-fifths, and is carried erect but not over the back. The lower parts of the legs, the feet and the muzzle should have no long hair. The coat is harsh, straight and dense with a short, soft undercoat. They should be blue, steel blue or dark gray blue with a rich tan color on the face, ears, feet and under carriage. The unacceptable colors are clear sandy, red or any dark shading.

Breed classification

The Australian Terrier is a member of the Terrier group. They are small sturdy dogs, essentially used as working terriers, but can make excellent companion dogs. Today they are used in obedience and agility trials, but they also make great watchdogs and family pets.

Origin

The Australian Terrier was created in Australia by the British in the early 19th century. They were created from terriers imported from northern England and Scotland. The result of this cross was the Aussie, used for hunting snakes and small animals. They were also used to guard the mines and sheep. They were granted official recognition by the Kennel Club of Great Britain in 1936, and in 1958 the American Kennel Club accepted them.

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