Australian Terrier Dogs

Australian Terrier Dogs are but the smallest of all terriers, and they are famous for their affectionate and amicable disposition and ever-boiling energy. These dogs appreciate home life, but they are crazy about all sorts of interaction and daily walks. They love their owners very much, sometimes to the point of jealousy, and always express readiness to protect their homes and loved ones against enemies about ten times their own size.

Australian Terrier Dogs are excellent companions for children, and they are relatively tolerant of other dogs and non-canine pets. However, two males will almost certainly fight for dominance, and hence they should not be put together. Like any other terrier breed, these dogs should not be trusted with smaller animals, because they can chase them as potential game. Australian Terriers bark a lot, so they can be extremely noisy when bored.

Australian Terriers are small yet sturdy dogs with short legs and elongated head. The ears are erectile and pointed, and the eyes are oval and dark. These dogs have a cute yet inquisitive and intelligent countenance. Australian Terrier Dogs have a rough coat that forms a distinctive ruff around the neck. These dogs do not shed a lot, and do not require much grooming. Some owners prefer to trim hair on the legs and over the eyes.

The Australian Terrier Dog does okay indoors, so puppies require housebreaking. These dogs are very easy to train, but it takes a little bit of experience to properly handle an Aussie. For inexperienced dog owners, it is recommended to visit dog training classes or consult a qualified dog trainer. Australian terriers require training through positive reinforcement, and they do not tolerate abusive training.

Although the exact origin of the breed is uncertain, there is one thing we can say for sure, and it is that the breed descended from the progenitor of the modern Scottish Terrier. Evidently, the Australian Terrier Dog shares ancestry with the Dandie Dinmont, Yorkshire, Cairne, Manchester and Irish terriers. The would-be Aussie was used as a rodent controller, as well as a watchdog and a herding dog.

Australian Terriers are robust and healthy dogs, and they rarely suffer from genetic abnormalities. On rare occasions, some lines show proneness to thyroid malfunction, diabetes and patella luxation. Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in these dogs. In general, Australian Terrier Dogs are long-lived, their life span averaging 12-14 years.