Australian Terrier Characteristics: The unruffled and congenial Australian Terrier is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1960). The Australian Terrier, is characterized by its sturdy appearance with a long, flat head and alert expression. Other characteristics include small, wide, dark brown eyes; small, pointed, erect ears; a long, strong back and a determined, springy gait. The temperament of the Australian Terrier can be described as Even Tempered, Alert, Companionable. The coat type of the Australian Terrier is described as medium, shaggy, harsh coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Australian Terrier demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "National Terrier of Australia". The origin of the Australian Terrier dog breed was in Australia where it was developed in the 1800's. Fast Facts about the Australian Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Australian Terrier breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1960) *** Nick name: "National Terrier of Australia" *** Origin: Australia *** Male Height: 9 - 11 inches (23 - 28 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 9 - 14 pounds (4 - 6 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: medium, shaggy, harsh coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 4 puppies *** Health Problems: Legge-Perthes disease, Patellar Luxation *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Australian Terrier Breed Group and Dog Type - Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1960): The Australian Terrier is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1960). Other names for the Australian Terrier: The Australian Terrier is known by the nickname of the "National Terrier of Australia". Other names for this breed of dog include the Aussie, Oz and Rattie. Origin of the name: The dog is named after the place it was originally bred in Australia. The origin of the word 'terrier' is derived from the Latin word 'terra' meaning "earth" as so many of the terrier breeds were originally bred and trained as hunting dogs to pursue their prey, such as rats and mice into their bolt holes. Australian Terrier History and Origin: The country of origin of the Australian Terrier breed was in Australia during the 1800's. Although the breed descended for the British terriers, such as the Skye, Cairn, Scottish, Yorkshire and Dandie Dinmont terriers, the Australian Terrier is one of the few terriers that were developed outside Great Britain. Forced transportation of convicts to Australia ended in 1840 but free settlers began to immigrate to the colony in 1846, lured by the prospect of free land grants. These early settlers took their terrier dogs with them, as did the first sailing ships, and the new breed, the Australian Terrier, was born. The free settlers around Campbelltown and Ross in Tasmania were the first to start developing the Australian Terrier breed. Their objective was to produce a breed that was suited to the rugged, rough terrain. The dogs were exported to Victoria on mainland Australia and then on to the other Australian states. The Australian Terrier proved to be a tough, fearless dog who was used to undertake a multitude of tasks such as a watchdog, ratter and herder. The Australian Terrier was particularly used on the waterfronts, sheep stations and gold mines of Australia to keep the vermin levels under control. Australian Terrier Modern History: The modern history of Australian Terriers moved on and the breed is still used as working dog but also as a much loved family pet and companion. The Australian Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1960. Australian Terrier Height: The Australian Terrier breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 9 - 11 inches (23 - 28 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Australian Terrier Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male dog is 9 - 14 pounds (4 - 6 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Australian Terrier Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as a medium length, shaggy, harsh outer coat with a soft undercoat. Australian Terrier Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of red, sand and blue & tan. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. The word "Blue" is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. Australian Terrier Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Australian Terrier are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited dog grooming needs of the Australian Terrier are therefore considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming with casual brushing and combing. Dog Grooming needs should also include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the eyes, ears, nails and teeth. Australian Terrier Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 4 puppies. Australian Terrier puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Australian Terrier puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Australian Terrier Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Unruffled, Even Tempered, Alert, Companionable and Congenial. Australian Terrier Exercise Requirements - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is low. Australian Terriers requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes every day. This small dog has a springy, determined gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace. Australian Terrier Diet: Fully grown Australian Terriers should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Australian Terrier Health Problems: Potential health problems of Australian Terriers include Legge-Perthes disease, Patellar Luxation. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Australian Terrier dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Australian Terrier Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Australian Terrier breed is 12-15 years. Australian Terrier Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Australian Terriers. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Australian Terrier names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Buddy *** Jake *** Cody *** Charlie *** Rocky *** Jack *** Jinx *** Payne *** Toby *** Bailey. Australian Terrier Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female names for Australian Terriers are Kaige *** Jaala *** Chloe *** Harley *** Jada *** Kishi *** Sable *** Zia *** Molly. Fast Facts about the Australian Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Australian Terrier breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Terriers Dog Group (AKC:1960) *** Size: Small *** Country of Origin: Australia *** History / Date: 1800's *** Male Australian Terrier Height: 9 - 11 inches (23 - 28 cm) *** Male Australian Terriers Weight: 9 - 14 pounds (4 - 6 kg) *** Coat Type: medium, shaggy, harsh coat *** Litter Size: 4 puppies *** Australian Terriers Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Australian Terriers Lifespan: 12-15 years *** | 