Home Page Health Small Dog Breeds Australian TerrierThe Australian Terrier Rates High for IntelligenceThe Australian Terrier is, as you would expect, a member of the Terrier Group. (A few of the very small terriers are classed as toy dogs). It is useful to know a few things about each particular breed, because there is probaby hundreds of years of breeding and experience gone into shaping the character and conformation of each type of dog. 
Terriers developed as rodent hunters, to keep houses and farms (and some large industrial premises) free from rats and mice and other small pests. Larger terriers were used to hunt foxes, badgers and otters. The Australian Terrier was developed to work in the rugged Australian Outback. He was developed from English and Scottish terriers brought to Australia by settlers in the nineteenth century and his ancestory includes the Cairn Terrier, the Skye Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. He was an all-rounder, working side by side with pioneers to control vermin and snake populations, sound the alarm when intruders approached, and help tend livestock. He was an invaluable member of the family, especially as Australia has many of the most venomous snakes in the world.
The Australian Terrier is a confident, rugged little fellow, standing eleven inches tall, at the shoulder and weighing about twelve pounds. He stands at 108th in popularity in the USA but he is a very affectionate pet and fits in well with his family. Grooming The Australian Terrier.This breed has a medium-length, harsh, double coat that is weatherproof and which sheds very little, so you won't have a problem with hair all over your carpets and furniture. The coat colours can be shades of blue or red or tan. The Aussie is a low maintenance dog, only needing to have his coat brushed about once a week and a light trim every few months.Exercise For The Australian Terrier.This dog is a terrier, so he has plenty of energy and enthusiasm. He needs regular exercise and stimulation but unless you have a secure area, he should be kept on a lease when out walking, because his hunting instincts are strong and he will chase small animals and attack them.Training The Australian Terrier.The Australian Terrier is a smart little dog, being rated highly for intelligence and evaluated to be "an above average working dog" with a quick understanding of new commands. However, let's not forget he's a terrier, so he will have an independent streak, so you have to keep him interested. As with most small dog breeds, it is good practice to combine the walks with some training, so that he looks forward to both. He has another valuable quality, in that he is pretty easy to housetrain - there's that intelligence again! Get Your Free Mini-Course on Training Your Australian Terrier The Australian Terrier's Temperament.This small dog is a friendly, loving companion that is versatile and will adapt to most living environments. He is very courageous and makes an excellent watchdog, although he is probably too small to be an effective guard dog. He is very good with children but will not tolerate rough handling or teasing.Need To Learn More?
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