The Australian Terrier, also known as the “Australian Terrier,” originated in Australia and was the first Australian breed to be accepted and showcased locally. It is the first Australian breed officially recognized by other countries. In 1977, the Australian Terrier Club in the United States became a member of the AKC. This breed is characterized by its intelligent and agile mind, robust body, making it an excellent choice for a companion and show dog.
Basic Information:
- English Name: Australian Terrier
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Subclass: Theria
- Order: Carnivora
- Suborder: Caniformia
- Family: Terrier
- Genus: Canis
- Species: Domestic Dog
- Subspecies: Australian Terrier
Distribution: The Australian Terrier originated in Australia and was developed through crossbreeding with Cairn Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Irish Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, and Skye Terrier.
Morphological Characteristics: The ideal Australian Terrier should have a shoulder height of 24.5 to 27.9 centimeters. Deviations from this range are considered defects. The body length should be proportional to the height, with a tail length 2.5 to 3.8 centimeters longer than the distance from the shoulder to the ground. They have good working ability, moderate bone structure, well-proportioned body, and good symmetry.
Temperament: The Australian Terrier exhibits a tenacious and combative temperament, making it an excellent watchdog. It is capable of catching small birds, rodents, and pests, including many snakes. It is a vigilant and agile guard dog that can protect homes from intruders. The breed retains these characteristics, rarely giving up its right to fight other dogs and not easily coexisting with cats unless raised together from a young age. Despite its strong-willed nature, it can be an enjoyable companion dog and is especially wary of strangers.
Care Tips: Australian Terriers belong to the long-haired dog category, have a light odor, and can live up to 14 years. During their care, it’s essential for dog-owning households to prepare common dog medications to address sudden health issues, especially when access to animal hospitals is inconvenient.
Feeding Guidelines: A healthy diet for Australian Terriers can consist of homemade food or purchased dog food. Commercial dog food is formulated with scientific principles and has special processing techniques for long-term preservation. Homemade food should be nutritionally balanced, considering proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. Different recipes can be used weekly to prevent picky eating.
Factors Affecting Appetite: Several factors can influence the Australian Terrier’s appetite. Issues related to food, feeding environment, and potential illness should be considered. For instance, the dog may avoid eating if the food is monotonous, not fresh, or has a strong odor. Feeding in inappropriate places, such as in bright or noisy environments, with other dogs, strangers, or other animals around, can also affect appetite. If appetite issues persist after ruling out these factors, health problems should be investigated.
Feeding Points: It’s important to observe the dog’s eating habits during feeding. Factors such as feeding in bright or noisy environments, feeding with other dogs, or the presence of strangers can affect the Australian Terrier’s appetite. If all these factors are ruled out, and the dog’s appetite does not improve, consider consulting a veterinarian.
Conclusion: The Australian Terrier, originating from strong-willed local breeds in Australia, has adapted well to various tasks. With a passionate and intelligent expression and a brave and confident personality, it is well-suited for family life. Although it can be friendly with children if not intentionally provoked, it remains highly vigilant towards strangers.
