Let's talk about the Australian Terrier — we'll explore its history starting from its origins and get to know its character. We'll also look at the breed standard and its spread around the world.
Origins and History of the Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier, as its name suggests, originated in Australia, but the country that truly shaped its development and expansion was undoubtedly Great Britain. It was the Countess of Stradbroke who, captivated by this Australian dog — so similar to the Yorkshire Terrier — set in motion a deliberate selective breeding programme with the precise aim of fixing the characteristics of the new breed. The ancestors of the Australian Terrier we know today are, as one might expect, several British terriers, including the Yorkshire, the Norwich and the Patterdale.
In 1887, the first breed club was founded in Australia. During those years, the Australian Terrier began to be exported to the United States, where it enjoyed considerable success, before arriving in Europe a few years later. In 1933, the Australian Terrier was entered into the English Stud Book, and in 1961 the first breed standard was approved, definitively attributing the breed's origins to Australia while confirming all the characteristics established through British selective breeding.
Breed Standard
The Australian Terrier is a small-sized dog that is very compact and, in proportion to its size, decidedly sturdy. An adult male stands approximately 25 cm at the withers and weighs under 7 kg. The body of this small terrier is long relative to its height and is structured in such a way that it could ideally be enclosed within a rectangle. The chest is deep and broad, with well-sprung ribs.
The well-positioned legs are of medium length and show good bone structure. The musculature, well developed across the entire body, is particularly evident on the hindquarters. The tail is set high and is very mobile; it is never carried raised over the back, and unfortunately it is docked in most cases.
The medium-length neck is well set and supports a long head with a flat skull and a moderate stop, leading to a strong, square muzzle; the nose is broad and black. A distinguishing feature of this Australian breed is a tuft of hair that fans out over the top of the head — a particularly unique trait. The rounded eyes have a remarkably sharp expression; their colour ranges from amber to brown depending on the coat.
The ears are positioned at the top of the skull and are shaped like a pointed triangle — small, held upright and erect. The coat consists of a dense undercoat covered by a thick outer coat at least 6 cm long, longer on the muzzle and lower legs. To the touch it is coarse, full-bodied and somewhat unruly. The accepted colours are steel blue, blue and tan, and solid blue, as well as sandy, which can deepen through to red.
Caring for the Australian Terrier — Nutrition
The Australian Terrier's health is excellent — it requires no particular special care and is not predisposed to congenital diseases. The coat should be brushed and combed frequently, with extra attention during the shedding season, and the dog's diet should be balanced and of good quality, without the addition of artificial supplements.
Australian Terrier Temperament
Like all terriers, the Australian Terrier is very active and lively, intelligent and alert. The Australian Terrier makes an excellent companion dog that adapts to all types of environment; it lives very happily in an apartment given its small size, but it still needs frequent walks with its owner.
Its lively character often borders on hyperactivity, but in return it is very loyal and affectionate with its whole family. Particularly well suited to children — given its constant need for movement — it relates to them as it would to its own kind; it never shows aggression and does not react nervously.
Its temperament is extremely well balanced, and although small in size it can be quite vocal enough to deter a potential intruder, which is why it can also be considered a good watchdog, as well as an excellent companion dog. It loves to travel, even on long journeys, always in search of new things and new adventures. The Australian Terrier is suited to all personality types as it is easy to train — responsible and alert — though it does require a certain commitment given its high energy levels.
Breeders and Price
An Australian Terrier puppy can easily be mistaken for a Yorkshire Terrier; what sets it apart is precisely the tuft of hair on its head, which is prominent right from the start. You might call it a little rascal, but the truth is it inspires great warmth and affection, and falling in love with it really does take just a moment.
In Italy there are no breeders recognised by the ENCI, and as always we encourage people to be wary of private sales unless they are thoroughly documented. In England, however — the European country where this breed is undoubtedly most widespread — the cost of an Australian Terrier puppy is around 800–1,000 euros.
