Guide to Australian Terrier Dogs: History, Breed Traits, Characteristics, Care, Hypoallergenic Qualities, and as Family Pets

1. Introduction

Australian Terrier dogs are among the wide variety of dog breeds around the world. They are very loving and social, and having one in your life will make you a very happy person. People who are allergic to dogs should know that it is safe to choose Australian Terriers because of their low shedding. Australian Terrier dogs are very intelligent and devoted to their owners. They have a lot of energy and require daily exercise. The general characteristics of the Australian Terrier are that they are obedient, outgoing, alert, and intelligent, which makes them a great companion for the home. Australian Terriers are excellent watchdogs and are usually known as a terrier dog breed. Australian Terriers are beloved creatures that make every dog lover happy. They are loyal family dogs, looking for better home care from family members, and ready to save their homeowners from crawling pests. They are adorable if given good quality dog food with additional boiled vegetables. This nutritious diet should prevent dental disease in dogs. Many families around the world choose Australian Terriers as their companions. This dog is known to have an active and perky personality. The Australian Terrier is also known for its funny and adaptive behavior and is able to add luck to any home. These dogs were bred to work. They were treated as ratters and fox hunters back in the day. This dog breed has captured the hearts of many cat owners who can relate to their size. They can weigh up to 35 pounds. Typically, however, they weigh about 8 kg to 14 pounds and reach about 14 inches in length, but are slightly larger than a cat.

2. Historical Background

Australian Terriers originated over a century and a half ago when the first settlers arrived from Great Britain to the island continent of Australia. These resourceful individuals brought with them not only their foodstuffs and personal possessions but two of the most important companions of all, their sheepdogs to act as their drovers and their sturdily strong ratters. The climate was certainly different and, although many settlers left for the goldfields after the affairs of Tasmania were settled, there were enough left to ensure the coming of age of the Australian Terrier. The Australians were influenced by the needs of their settlers. They needed a hard, all-purpose dog who could tolerate the heat of the day, the cold nights, and who was light enough to be transported, no matter what the distance. And so the Australian Terrier came into being.

Often called the 'broken coated terrier', the Australian Terrier resulted from a quintessential mix of terrier blood. In the latter half of the 1800s on the isolated island continent of Australia, terrier breeds from around the world were brought in and crossed to form the rugged little dog that was to become a hero in the progress of Australian history. The precursors of the Australian Terrier, dogs of small terrier characteristics, were used by these early settlers to kill off the rabbits, stave off the predators, and to act as guard dogs. These dogs fit into the new surroundings and played an essential role in the well-being of those around them. The little terrier was looked upon with much interest and in time many of the European immigrants took interest in this wonderful little hunter. The little dogs were an all-round dog, useful as a house pet, child's playmate, guardian alerting to fire, intruder, or wild animal, and vermin killer overhead and under the ground. They were handy to spare for their smallness, could travel long miles on foot or horse, and consequently fitted securely in with the life of the shepherd, boundary rider, or itinerant farm laborers. Agile, they may not kill many sheep but were invaluable for rounding the strays during musters by nipping them around the heels.

2.1. Origins and Development

The fine, smooth coat of the Australian Terrier probably reached its current standard of around 10 to 15 pounds due to the influence of the rough-coated Terrier brought from England by settlers at the time of Australian settlement. These Terriers were brought to Australia to be used for their wire hair, as their coats were needed at that time as 'pelter' to bind around rabbit felt hats, presumably because of their waterproof qualities. Additionally, these small dogs were effective in keeping homesteads free of vermin. To see an Australian Terrier in a show ring today, standing out in all its terrier cheekiness, it is clear that this level of 'squeezing together' was successful. It must be remembered that the original breeding of these terrier types in early Australia was done across large expanses of country for the attention of not-yet-formalized breeds but strictly for the suitability of size, temperament, and performance as a bush dog for large landowners. Very broad rides and properties in Australia and New Zealand were common, and the management of the day was conducted, as it still is in many Australian properties that have not moved on substantially with the times, with the use of horses or stockmen on horseback for mustering and with a team of dogs, mostly terriers of differing parentage, to bring the stock down to the yards. Not only were the little dogs used for controlling the vermin, they were small enough and fleet enough to 'heel' cattle and nip the heels of the cattle to set the leaders in motion. They were sometimes also used as ratters on the goldfields. In 1868, a group of enthusiasts formed the Terrier Show Committee and held the first Terrier Show in the colony of Victoria in March 1870 when there were 22 entries in 'any Terrier not exceeding 12 pounds in weight to be called the Australian Terrier'.

3. Breed Traits and Characteristics

Short, sturdy, and self-confident, the Australian Terrier is an intelligent working dog of strong character and steadfast loyalty; they are all-purpose farm dogs that can draft and herd. They have low grooming needs and a clean personality but require daily outdoor activity and human attention. Stolid, calm, and docile in their daily doings, Aussies often have a mischievous streak and are playful. They're friendly and social with other dogs and rambunctious in their play with everyone, including children. With unfamiliar kids and animals, they are on their guard and can take advantage on occasions. Aussies prefer household companionship for comfort and entertainment, and above all, their watchdog instincts.

3.1. Physical Attributes

Australian Terriers are a small and sturdy package. In general, they weigh between 11 and 15 pounds. Little frames that house athletic bodies create a charming and athletic appearance. Their harsh and straight double coat serves as perfect protective gear for their fearless disposition. The Australian Terrier coat is blue belton in color, which, as a result of a unique color pattern, appears almost like a steel-blue color. With the absence of a solid undercoat, the coat does not shed much hair, which is part of the reason why they are often advertised as a hypoallergenic dog. Another attractive feature many look for is its rough stripes.

The breed has elbows that hinge up into the ribcage and legs that move spot-on on the return while in motion. It is a sound little dog. They are capable of holding their own with the terriers of any size, even though they are only 10 or 11 inches at the top end of the spectrum. Powerful rear quarters allow them to hop along with the best of them. The gait appears to be free of any signs of elbowing. Their short back is designed for all things wild, from rabbits to rodents. After tail docking, the breed standard regards them as sporting little rumps, and heads are carried up. Dogs carry themselves proudly, high-spirited and vibrant. Mama wears her feminine wiles in the form of a short skirt, elegant and dignified. Generally, the tails are docked. It can be the funniest thing in the whole world when the owner of a particular dog reveals that he is also a father. If provided with an equal role, they perform admirably in city living quarters, suburban yards, and wide-open spaces on a farm or ranch. The Australian Terrier has a square build that is practical. Many breeders finish the top end of the standard, leading to wonderful exhibits, but a very cute little dog nevertheless.

3.2. Temperament and Behavior

Australian Terriers are lively, affectionate, and alert. They are friendly, loyal, and courageous but can be protective as well. This combination makes them perfect for families and working dogs. Once you allow them to alert you when trouble is approaching, expect their ‘alarm system’ to activate every time the unexpected occurs around the house. Australian Terriers are also sociable; if raised together, they will consider each other companions and friends and develop good relationships. With their high intelligence, they are eager to please and are not always working for praise or food. The Australian Terrier is bright and independent and can be a little tough to train. He may refuse a command with which he disagrees, sulk for a while, and then decide he wants to do it after all. This Terrier should be monitored around other pets, as it is better to be raised with them from a young age because they have sharp prey instincts. Australian Terriers like children and are generally friendly with them. His stubbornness will make him unreliable. Australian Terriers are very loving, and they form strong attachments and relationships with family members. They may seem aloof with strangers. They can be pig-headed and territorial; they will attack another dog or challenge it, especially if the other dog looks aggressive. They are barkers but can be quiet with proper guidance. Many Terriers have dangerously strong instincts to chase small animals. This may or may not bring aggression, in which case they should be muzzled to keep other pets safe. Shyness, fright, or aggression, in this order, are not normal traits in these dogs.

4. Care and Maintenance

For thousands of years, dogs have been as much a part of human daily life as work, play, and companionship. Meeting the exercise, training, grooming, feeding, and medical needs of regular canine companions has been rewarding for owners and essential for the well-being of the animals themselves. This section is intended specifically for prospective and new Australian Terrier owners. It provides essential information regarding grooming and important practicalities if the breed standard is to be maintained, the exercise the breed needs to maintain health and vitality, training activities to keep their minds busy, general care and maintenance, preventative health measures to keep them fit and strong, and potential illnesses to be aware of. Care and feeding routines have a huge impact on a dog's development and well-being. Regular, well-run routines give puppies a sense of security and belonging. When life can be unpredictable, routines are a constant that they can rely on. Even adult dogs find comfort in routine when their owners need to be away. A well-exercised, well-fed, content dog is usually an obedient dog that doesn't bark excessively, chew things, or dig up gardens. Each of these topics is outlined in more detail in the relevant subsections to follow: grooming and deportment, exercise, mental stimulation, and health and well-being. Grooming and deportment further expands upon the significance of diet, general maintenance, and specific traits pertinent to coat and skin care.

4.1. Grooming and Exercise Needs

One of the most important aspects to consider when adopting an Australian Terrier is its grooming and exercise needs. To keep this breed clean and healthy, a regular trimming and grooming schedule is necessary. Their dense, wiry coat sheds very little but does require a bit of upkeep to minimize shedding and keep it looking its best. Generally, a weekly brushing, monthly bath, and trim 3 to 4 times a year are enough to keep the Australian Terrier’s coat in top shape. Grooming tools typically needed include a slicker brush, comb, bristle brush, nail clippers, and styling shears. The breed is overall quite healthy and happy but has a predisposition to certain skin issues. Regular grooming ensures owners may be aware of such issues as a constant rank order of parasites in addition to lumps, abnormal bodily features, and changes in body temperature. Normal body temperature is typically within the range of 37.5°C to 39.5°C. Therefore, consistent grooming should alert an owner to any sudden temperature changes. Because of their predisposition to skin issues, it is important to teach them to tolerate grooming and handling from an early age. While they certainly do not demand a large backyard or daily treks through multi-acre fields, the breed does appreciate the space to run and exercise. When inside, Australian Terriers will play and run laps around your home in an attempt to stave off boredom. Conversely, when outside, they will enjoy a game of fetch but mostly love having a deep, contented run to themselves. Unlike some dog breeds, Australian Terriers can get by with relatively minimal outdoor exercise, manageable enough for individuals who live in a small home or apartment with a limited backyard. It is important for Australian Terriers to play outdoors each and every day, ensuring they are getting enough physical activity to wear off some of their energy. Once they are worn out, Australian Terriers are known for becoming quite mellow in the home, an agreeable change for anyone witnessing their boundless vitality in the backyard just moments before. As an owner, you should be prepared to consistently engage your Australian Terrier in suitable outdoor play and take them on daily walks when the situation arises. Trips back and forth to the park are in the best interest of Australian Terriers, offering them plenty of time for play and interaction with other canines. Additionally, these furry pets run the most risk of becoming overweight and thus, Australian Terrier owners should be prepared to implement regular exercise into their daily routine. A brisk walk is the most common form of outdoor exercise and is suitable for Australian Terriers as long as it gets their bodily fluids and endorphins flowing. As a toy breed, walks are not necessarily distance-related, but rather time-related (i.e., 15 to 20 minutes a day minimum is sufficient). Moreover, take into consideration the fact that Australian Terriers are a smart breed that requires games and activities to keep their minds occupied as well as their bodies. Use games and challenges as physical exercise for your canine friend, but remember to be aware of the size of these activities, both with agility-based play and the threat of potential injuries. Australian Terriers are typically smaller in size than their handler, thus the activities and games they engage in must be approachable for them size-wise and energy-wise.

4.2. Nutritional Requirements

Australian Terriers require a balanced diet. While their nutritional requirements are not unlike those of any other dog breed, energy levels and exercise requirements differ with each dog, influencing calorie intake. Australian Terriers require an abundant supply of protein from high-quality sources such as meat, poultry, fish, or eggs. Carbohydrates, another important energy source, fiber, and essential fatty acids should be supplied from whole grains, cereals, legumes, and vegetables. Essential minerals, including calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and potassium, should make up 0.5-3% of dry matter, and vitamins A, D, E, and B12 should also be supplied. Fats—approximately 5-10% of dry matter—and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also part of a balanced diet. Energy is derived from nutrients, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; therefore, energy content needs to be adjusted in fresh food based on recommended daily intake.

Portions should be adjusted to suit life stages and activity levels. Puppies require more energy than adult dogs to support their growth and development. The activity level adds to the dog’s energy expenditure. Obese Australian Terriers require fewer servings, and the energy intake should be distributed accordingly. Regardless of the amount of dog food, it is recommended to spread the food across two meals to reduce the risk of gastric torsion—a condition with increased susceptibility in small dog breeds. While commercial dog food contains essential minerals and vitamins in the correct proportions and amounts, balanced homemade diets are also suitable. Many dog owners opt for homemade diets; anecdotal evidence suggests dogs on homemade diets live longer. A daily serving of pet food cans in conjunction with dry food is recommended for adult dogs. Dog food intolerance or hypersensitivity may cause itching, skin rash, digestive problems, and ear inflammation. Common allergens—ingredients known to cause allergies—are chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, soy, lamb, fish, and corn.

5. Hypoallergenic Qualities

What makes an Australian Terrier any different from our own Labrador? The simple answer is being friendly to allergy sufferers and an eye catcher to your neighbors. The common term for this is hypoallergenic dogs. First of all, the common idea of "hypoallergenic" dogs can be pretty misleading. No dog, despite whatever breed, stops shedding or growing dander. Dander removal occurs in dogs the same way as it does in humans—by showering. However, having an Australian Terrier or a Poodle can make the cleaning job a bit easier because they don’t shed as much.

Some research has been done on "hypoallergenic dogs." A study performed when an animal was residing outside most of the day showed that reducing animal exposure by the skin and air is beneficial. Factors such as the dog’s coat were not found to affect allergen exposure. However, if the dog is indoors most of the day, whether it be in handy carry bags or plain adorable and fluffy, the breed of the dog or shedding method does influence allergen concentrations indoors. Australian Terriers and other indigenous animals from Australia were found to produce fewer allergens, which is why they could fit into an allergy-sensitive family pretty well for justifiable reasons. This is undoubtedly true in principle; however, innocent wet noses, sneezes, and triggers vary from person to person. As always, it’s best to get the affected person a health professional. Australian Terrier perk: make friends at a sneeze-free assembly.

5.1. Understanding Allergies and Dog Breeds

Allergens are common reasons for dog re-homing.

There are many types of allergies associated with dogs, such as food allergies and skin allergies. However, most allergies are a result of the dog's environment, such as vehicles, pollen, and dust mites. Regardless of the cause, there must be genetics and breed characteristics that trigger allergies in humans. The most common of these, especially among small dogs, is skin contact allergies. This is due to the merging of human and dog skin cells, called dander. These cells are the main cause of allergies. When dogs clean themselves, their dandruff disperses and settles in homes and on furniture. This is especially true for Australian Terriers, which have a small body size and a high hair root to hair growth rate, which means they need to be groomed regularly.

People who are allergic to dogs don't tend to experience sneezing or a runny nose when they're around small, low-shedding dogs. People who are allergic to dogs may first feel slightly ill when spending time with larger, fast-shedding dogs. Australian Terriers are small and shed hair slowly, making them a low allergy breed. To be recognized as a low allergy breed, the breed will have to produce less dander than nonshedding dogs. No breed produces zero dandruff. People's personal reactions to breeds and dandruff amounts can also change from dog to dog. More people are currently reported to have dog allergies than several years ago. Here it is explained that dog shedding is not the only cause of allergies. Although many people are allergic to dogs, it is very difficult for households to rehome their pets.

6. Australian Terriers as Family Pets

Fear of the unknown often stops families from reaching out to the Australian Terrier as a pet option. However, the Australian Terrier is one of the friendliest dog breeds families will ever meet. The right approach is to get to know the breed through detailed knowledge and understanding of just who this little dog really is! Australian Terriers are a small to medium-sized dog breed. Their small size makes them perfect for smaller or more conveniently sized yards and houses or apartments in town. However, their exterior is deceiving, for the Australian Terrier is considered one of the best-groomed and eminently trained terrier dog breeds. The Australian Terrier is another tough little terrier type dog. While they may appear small and unimportant, the outward appearance is deceiving! In the minds of the Australian Terrier, these dogs are true antipodean warriors. The Australian Terrier has an uncanny capacity to size up a situation and be very aware of what is going on. Surprisingly alert and quick to adapt to coming situations, the Australian Terrier is almost as if he were not mixed to check something out (or roll it over with his nose). So be prepared to be amazed at your little champion. You see, these Australian Terriers can be really easygoing, adapting little rebellious mixed-emotion champions. Families will be delighted to note that the Australian Terrier is a rather friendly little pooch. That is to say, provided a loving and caring training of this dog is followed. Often this tolerance can last for a fair while; at least until the unwelcome (or unknown) visitor reaches too far afield. Some of the things that your small Australian Terrier could react to include behavior towards a bad attitude, a certain physical action that he may not tolerate too well, and for those who really tick off your Australian Terrier, it is this strange 'clowning' attitude of the stranger that finally beckons that final go-get-you type action! Even though there’s a time and a place for an Australian Terrier as a family pet, if it has come to this point, it is probably well past the acceptable behavior. In moments of compassion, the Aussie Terrier can sometimes feel infected and infatuated, where at this instance anything goes, either with a child, another pet, or any unknown object that is moving around!

6.1. Compatibility with Kids

The terrier dog is one breed known for its compatibility with kids. They are affectionate dogs, and their playful nature makes them great companions for young children. Additionally, they are very loyal, and their protective instincts mean that they will also ensure that no actions dangerous to the child will be allowed to take place. Australian terriers, though small, are well suited for growing up with companion children. Children who want boisterous activities to be an integral part of their dog-owning experience are encouraged, as that nature finds a perfect outlet in playtime with this breed. Ausies adapt well to just about any type of setting, including city life. However, while the owners are generally able to train their puppies or dogs not to bite too hard, supervision is required since owners might accidentally elicit such behavior in the dog. Often, children aged six and above develop the proper respect for pets, and they can be taught to be kind and somewhat reserved with the Ausie, not allowing it to believe it meets its bite strength or excitement limits when they engage in physical play with the dog. A time-consuming, scheduled activity that an energetic, tech-savvy child might enjoy with the dog is learning the permission-based, clicker-based agility training. As the child matures, the activity also becomes more complex and requires increased attention to detail while instilling some management and leadership skills. Any involvement with a breed should be done within the range of the breed's special activities and natural interests. All breeds' "jobs" should rarely require anything brutal, as the heavenly goal is a unified coexistence.