Australian Terrier
Group: Terrier
Lifespan: 15 Years
Pups per Litter: 4
Average Weight: 9-14 lbs.
Average Height: 9-11 inches
Exercise/Actvity Level: Moderate
Temperment with:
Children 
Other Dogs Other Animals 
History
The Australian Terrier was originally bred in Australia and is a mixture of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Skye Terrier, Irish Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier and Cairn Terrier. Although they are a small breed, the Australian Terrier is very useful as a hunter of small vermin and surprisingly as a watchdog! These little dogs make great workers but also great family pets as they are loyal and very affectionate.
Traits
The Australian Terrier is a hardworking non-stop attitude little dog that is brave, confident, strong and has a high level of energy. These dogs make fantastic watchdogs because their hearing and sight are quite advanced giving them the upper hand against anything that will cross their territory.
Training of these little dogs is much more simple compared to any other Terrier as they have more of a passion to impress their owners. The Australian Terrier will make a great family pet as they love children and are quite affectionate but should be supervised when they're around smaller family pets such as cats, hamsters, etc. because of their Terrier instinct to chase down.
Appearance
Weighing in at 9-14 lbs (4-6 kgs) and averaging around 9-11 inches high, the Australian Terrier has a solid, fit build and stout little legs. Their ears are erect and they have a sharp muzzle with a large nose. The fur should feel rough which actually gives this dog all weather protection in either hot or cold climates.
Most commonly the coat is a dark sand colour but can also come in a silver or a red. At between 3-5 days of age, this breed will have their tails docked for show purposes and will usually have their dewclaws removed as well. The Australian Terrier is an agile dog and the purpose of their size is for a great use and purpose as larger dogs with longer legs are not nearly as swift or quick footed as these dogs are.
Health
The Australian Terrier is prone to luxating patella's, skin allergies, diabetes, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and most commonly ear infections or cataracts. On the whole this is a healthy breed but any potential owner should research the breeder that they are interested in buying a puppy from, and have the parents medical history checked out before they decide to buy.
Training
This breed will need consistent training and this should be done in a positive manor. Although they have a great will to please their owners, the Australian Terrier just needs clear commands done repetitively daily for them to learn a command at the quickest pace. Barking should be controlled at a young age as these little dogs like to hear themselves talk! As a watchdog this will be needed but they tend to continue on until they see it necessary to stop which can become quickly annoying to the owners.
Breed
This breed is categorized in the Terrier Group. They will make a great pet for a family that enjoys outdoor activities like hiking or camping. Affection and a will to please are this breeds greatest attributes and as long as they have a job to do, they are happy!
The Australian Terrier's average lifespan is around 15 years. They have an average of 4 pups per litter. When obtaining a baby Australian Terrier, keep in mind that every puppy is different and to research your breed before bringing the baby home!
Reference pages for Information:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/australianterrier.htm Australian Terrier breed information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Terrier Australian Terrier information
http://www.akc.org/breeds/australian_terrier/index.cfm Australian Terrier AKC Standards
http://www.australianterrierrescue.org/ Australian Terrier Rescue
http://www.australianterrier.org/ Australian Terrier Club
