About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 46-51 cm

Height range  : 25-28cm

Weight range : 5-9kg

Coat : double coat|harsh straight or shaggy outer coat|soft undercoat|rough weather-resistant coat|neck ruff

Life expectancy years : 11-14

Colors: blue and tan|solid sandy|solid red.

Activitity Level : high

Origin: Australia

Similar Breeds : Cairn Terrier|Yorkshire Terrier|Skye Terrier|Norwich Terrier|Silky Terrier

 

History

The breed developed in Australia in the 1800s from rough-coated British terriers. Sources mention Tasmania and interbreeding with British lines including Scottish , Cairn , Skye , Yorkshire , Dandie Dinmont , Norwich and related terriers. It became the first native breed recognized in Australia and was recognized by the AKC in 1960.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

spirited|intelligent|self-assured|alert|loyal|even-tempered|feisty|curious

Personality

plucky|spirited|smart|self-assured|loyal|even-tempered|lively|friendly with family

Needs

daily exercise|mental stimulation|close companionship|secure fencing or leash use|routine coat care|dental hygiene

Social Needs

strong human bond|good family dog|can be territorial with other dogs especially same sex|may chase cats and small animals|does not do well left alone long term

Grooming 

weekly brushing|occasional bathing|avoid overbathing|trim or pluck hair around eyes and ears|nail trims|ear checks and cleaning|daily or very regular tooth brushing

Nutrition

feed a high-quality complete diet appropriate for age and lifestyle|adult dogs commonly eat two measured meals daily|puppies may need three meals daily|monitor calories and treats because the breed can become overweight|consistent diet is helpful

 

Breed Standard

small , low-set , longer-than-high terrier with harsh untrimmed coat and neck ruff|pointed ears|working terrier outline

Did you know?

The Australian Terrier is often called Australia’s Dog or The Original Aussie and was the first native Australian breed to gain official recognition in Australia. It was bred as a fearless little hunter of vermin and snakes.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Patellar Luxation, Dental Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Allergies, Cataracts

 

Symptoms

1. skipping or hopping for a few strides may occur
2. a back leg may be carried briefly
3. bowlegged stance may occur
4. cracking sound from the knee may be noticed

1. tartar buildup may occur
2. bad breath may develop
3. red gums or gum infection may appear
4. pain on chewing , loose teeth , difficulty eating may occur

1. increased eating may occur
2. increased drinking and urination may develop
3. weight loss may occur
4. cataracts may develop in chronic disease

1. face rubbing and paw licking may occur
2. itchy feet , belly , skin folds and ears may develop
3. recurrent ear infections may occur

1. cloudy or opaque lenses may occur
2. visual impairment may develop
3. blindness may occur in advanced cases

Onset of symptoms

 

Patellar Luxation

1. this may be detected in puppies or young dogs and can worsen over time

Probability Of Onset:

1. breed pages indicate Australian Terriers are prone to this condition and small dogs are commonly affected

Dental Disease

1. chronic dental disease may begin early and many dogs are affected by age 2

Probability Of Onset:

1. Australian Terriers are more likely than other dogs to have tooth problems

Diabetes Mellitus

1. diabetes is most common in mature dogs

Probability Of Onset:

1. above-average breed risk and terriers may be predisposed to insulin-dependent disease

Allergies

1. signs may begin between 1 and 3 years and the general atopy text indicates 6 months to 3 years may be typical

Probability Of Onset:

1. this breed commonly develops itchy skin and ear-related allergies

Cataracts

1. cataracts may occur in older dogs or develop over time depending on cause

Probability Of Onset:

1. cataracts are a recognized eye concern in the breed

Reasons

Patellar Luxation       

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is mainly congenital or developmental skeletal misalignment

 

Diabetes Mellitus:

1. the text indicates the core lack may be an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin

 

Patellar Luxation       

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is mainly congenital or developmental skeletal misalignment

Diabetes Mellitus:

1. the text indicates the core lack may be an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin

 

Dental Disease

 1. the content indicates the primary problem is plaque biofilm accumulation rather than a simple deficiency

Allergies

1. the content suggests hypersensitivity involves allergen-specific IgE , histamine , cytokines and impaired skin barrier rather than a simple deficiency

Cataracts

  1. 1. the source indicates lens changes may be linked with altered ocular glucose metabolism and sorbitol , fructose accumulation rather than a nutritional lack

Normally Treament Methods

Patellar Luxation:

  1. 1. mild cases may be monitored or managed with anti-inflammatory medication , weight management and exercise restriction
    2. surgery may be considered in severe cases
    3. breeding affected dogs is not recommended

 

Dental Disease:

  1. 1. daily tooth brushing and regular professional cleaning may help prevent progression
    2. dental scale and polish , root debridement , extraction or periodontal surgery may be needed in advanced disease

 

Diabetes Mellitus

  1. 1. diagnosis may rely on persistent fasting hyperglycaemia with glycosuria and may be supported by fructosamine
    2. insulin and consistent diet are often required in dogs
    3. diabetic ketoacidosis may need urgent fluids , insulin and treatment of infection

 

Allergies:

  1. 1. diagnosis may require ruling out other itchy skin causes
    2. ectoparasite control , infection control , emollients , shampoos , allergen avoidance , immunotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication may be used

 

Cataracts:

  1. 1. ophthalmic examination may diagnose lens opacity
    2. surgical removal may restore vision in selected cases
    3. anti-inflammatory medication may be used to manage secondary inflammation in untreated cases. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Patellar Luxation :

  • 1. joint supplement or joint-health diet can,might be helpful for support if recommended by a veterinarian
recommend product

Dental Disease

  • 1. no specific supplement is established in the provided text and daily dental care may be more helpful
recommend product

Diabetes Mellitus

  • 1. no supplement is established as a cure in the provided text and management may rely on insulin and diet
recommend product

Allergies

  • 1. zinc and long-chain omega fatty acids can,might be helpful for skin barrier and inflammation support
    2. inositol , choline , histidine , pantothenate and nicotinamide can,might be helpful for epidermal lipid barrier support
recommend product

Cataracts

  • 1. no supplement may cure cataracts according to the provided cataract text
recommend product