| :: RunAmok Australian Terriers :: |
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| :: Australian Terrier Information :: |
| At the very mention of "Terrier", most folks usually smile - a rather pained smile - as visions of uncontrollable, boundless energy, balled up in a tiny package, race wildly through their minds... Now that your heart is pounding, take a deep breath, slow down, and... enjoy! We would like to introduce you to a darling Terrier variety that will just make you smile... a genuine, affectionate smile! ORIGIN OF THE AUSTRALIAN TERRIER BREED: When researching the origin of most breeds, we have found there are nearly always several variations of the breed history; the Australian Terrier is no different. What we know to be true is the “Aussie Terrier” or “Aussie” was developed in Tasmania, and is the first Australian-bred dog to be recognized and shown in Australia. Before settling on the official name of “Australian Terrier”, this little dog had been known as the “Rough Coated Terrier”, as well as the “Broken Coated Terrier”. As to ancestry, the most popular belief is the Aussie was created by selectively breeding several early Terrier breeds and, as such, it shares ancestry with the likes of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Scotch Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, and Manchester Terrier. It wasn't until 1887 that the first Australian Terrier Club was organized; around that same year, a separate breed registry was also formed in Great Britain. Fast forward several decades – Australian Terrier enthusiasts began importing the Aussie to the United States during the early 1920’s. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1960; the current breed standard was amended and approved in 1988. AKC Australian Terrier Breed Standard PURPOSE OF THE AUSTRALIAN TERRIER: The need for a weather-resistant, hardy, tough little dog was self-evident for early settlers and herders. Its purpose was multifaceted; herding dog, family guardian (watchdog), and also a hunter, for destroying snakes and vermin. TEMPERAMENT: Owing, in large, to it origins as a herding dog, family watchdog, and protective hunter, the Australian Terrier can be described as: observant, clever, debonair, intelligent, saucy, light-hearted, adventurous, playful, bold, endearing, biddable, intuitive, hardworking, athletic, robust, and extremely loyal to their families. As such, the Aussie is an energetic, lively little dog – seemingly almost oblivious to its smaller stature. As a breed, the Australian Terrier does very well as a family companion; they are devoted their human families and do poorly in an environment void of human interaction. Unlike many small-breed dogs, the Aussie makes an excellent companion for well-mannered children, as well as a superior companion for older people. Raised properly, Australian Terriers are not typically “nuisance barkers”, though they are wonderfully attentive little watchdogs and are quick to alert their owners of perceived danger. SIZE & WEIGHT: At maturity, the Australian Terrier stands between 10 & 11 inches at the withers and weighs between 9 & 14 pounds. COAT: The Australian Terrier sports a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat known as a “wire coat”. As the name implies, the outer coat (either “Blue and tan”, “Solid sandy”, or “Solid red”) is comprised of straight, weather-resistant, coarse-textured “wire” hair, the length of which is between 2 & 3 inches long; the undercoat is of a softer, finer texture; they are to have an attractive mane or ruff of protective, longer hair around their necks, presumably to help defend against vermin and snake bites. To distinguish them even further, the Aussie also has a darling topknot of hair of a softer, finer texture than that found on their bodies. GROOMING: With a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, minimal grooming is required - although to maintain a nice “show-dog” appearance, the Aussie should be brushed once per week, more often if spending a lot of time outdoors, and the hair around their ears should be kept neatly trimmed. The wire coat should be “stripped” several times per year; this is a fairly simple process, that can be done from home, or at a grooming shop if preferred. HEALTH: In comparison to most small breeds, the Australian Terrier is extremely hardy and healthy. One of the few small breeds unencumbered by a multitude of health problems, however, as with every breed, there have been a few reports of eye cataracts, allergies, luxated patellas, diabetes, and some dogs have suffered from reactions to vaccinations. Thankfully, proper feeding and care would limit the listed health problems to extremely rare occurrences, leaving the Aussie as one of the healthiest small breed dogs available. LIFESPAN: The Australian Terrier has an average life span of 10-13 years, though again, with proper feeding and care, one could expect their average life span to extend even further. TRAINING: Since, traditionally, the Australian Terrier had to be “quick”, both mentally and physically, they can be somewhat independent thinkers; if left to their own accord, without proper training, this can result in a stubborn, difficult, though happy, little dog. Not to fear, however! Aussies are so people-oriented, proper training is very efficient. In the right hands, they are astute “pupils” and make wonderful obedience prospects! Training must be consistent, but not “heavy-handed”. They are such quick studies, in fact, they can become easily bored with long, repeated training sessions. In most cases, several short (5-10 minute) training sessions will be far more effective than longer classes. Due to their natural herding and hunting instincts, it is important to never let an Aussie loose without the safety of an enclosure of some sort; if an Aussie sees a squirrel, rabbit, or even a cat, their natural instinct demands the Aussie enthusiastically give chase! (This can be dangerous, as they could race across a busy road and be killed.) ACTIVITIES: For their size, these little Aussies are extremely athletic and excel in many activities and venues. Fantastic scent dogs, and inexhaustible in their tracking ability, they are superior Agility and Earthdog prospects! HOUSING: The Australian Terrier does well in many housing situations – even in apartments - but absolutely needs adequate exercise. Play in a fenced yard, or nice walks on a lead are important to their physical health, as well as their mental wellbeing. |
© 2010 RunAmok Farm | Copyright © 2001-2010 RunAmok Farm. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: Information contained in RunAmok Farm's site, or found in the links provided, is meant for educational
purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical or legal advice. Any recommendations are derived from our personal experiences and from years of study, however the decisions concerning feeding,
vaccinations and regular veterinary care - and how you implement those decisions - are yours and yours alone. Site owners, author, and contributors accept no responsibility for your decisions.
purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical or legal advice. Any recommendations are derived from our personal experiences and from years of study, however the decisions concerning feeding,
vaccinations and regular veterinary care - and how you implement those decisions - are yours and yours alone. Site owners, author, and contributors accept no responsibility for your decisions.
| If you have a pet with a serious health issue, a personal consultation is a good idea before making any changes. Please follow this link to learn more about the services I offer... NUTRITION CONSULTATIONS |
| Dan & Jaque 208-669-0594 |
