Australian Terrier Picture Gallery

Australian Terrier Breeders

Australian Terrier Clubs/Associations

The Full Australian Terrier Description

Though one of the smallest terriers, the rugged Australian Terrier was developed in the harsh conditions of the Australian Outback, where he worked side by side with the pioneers -- controlling rats and snakes, alerting humans to intruders, even tending sheep. He's ready for any situation. With that easy self-confidence comes his readiness to enjoy a good friendship.

Did you know?

The Australian Terrier was the first Australian breed to be recognised and shown in its native land.

The Australian Terrier is adaptable to most climates.

The Australian Terrier has an affinity for children, the elderly and the handicapped.

So you want to own an Australian Terrier?

The Australian Terrier is a small sturdy dog, full of spirit and courage stemming from his background as a versatile working dog from the outback of Australia.

The Australian Terrier's friendly and affectionate disposition make him a wonderful companion and friend.

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

A sturdy low-set dog rather long in proportion to height. Untrimmed, harsh coat with definite ruff around neck extending to breastbone, assists hard bitten and rugged appearance.

Characteristics

Strong terrier character; alertness, activity and soundness. Essentially a working terrier, it is equally suited as a companion dog owing to its loyalty and even disposition.

Temperament

Friendly, extrovert, obedient and anxious to please. Lives happily in town or country. Not aggressive but courageous if attacked.

Head and Skull

Head long with flat skull of moderate width, full between eyes, with slight but definite stop. Muzzle strong but powerful, of equal length to that of skull, which should be covered with a soft, silky ‘top-knot’. Nose black, of moderate size, leather extending to bridge of muzzle.

Eyes

Small with keen expression and of dark brown colour, set well apart and not prominent.

Ears

Small, erect, pointed, well carried, set on moderately wide, free from long hair and sensitive in their use (puppies under six months excepted).

Mouth

Jaws strong and punishing, scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square
to the jaws.

Neck

Long, slightly arched, shapely and strong, blending into long, well laid shoulders.

Forequarters

Forelegs well boned and perfectly straight, parallel when viewed from front. Pasterns strong without slope, slightly feathered to knee.

Body

Long in proportion to height, strongly constructed, with well sprung ribs and chest of moderate depth and width.
Level topline. Loins strong. Flanks deep.

Hindquarters

Moderate length of quarters, broad with strong muscular thighs, stifles well turned and hocks well bent and let down. Viewed from behind, parallel, neither too wide nor too close.

Feet

Small, well padded, toes closely knit and moderately arched, turned neither in nor out, with strong black
or dark toenails.

Tail

Customarily docked.
Docked: Set high and carried erect but not over back.
Undocked: Set high and carried upright as straight as possible, giving good overall balance.

Gait/Movement

Free, springy and forceful. When viewed from front, forelegs move truly without looseness of shoulder, elbows or pasterns.
Hindquarters have drive and power, with free movement of stifles and hocks. Seen from rear, legs from hocks to ground parallel, neither too close nor too wide.

Coat

Body coat consists of harsh straight dense top coat, approximately 6.35 cms (21/2 ins) long with short, soft-textured undercoat.
Muzzle, lower legs and feet free from long hair.

Colour

(a) Blue, steel blue or dark grey blue, with rich tan (not sandy) on face, ears, under body, lower legs and feet and around the vent (puppies excepted). The richer the colour and more clearly defined the better.
‘Top-knot’ blue or silver of a lighter shade than head colour.
(b) Clear sandy or red, smuttiness or dark shading undesirable. ‘Top-knot’ a lighter shade.

Size

Height: approximately 25.5 cms (10 ins) at withers.
Weight: approximately 6.5kgs (14 lbs).