Australian Terrier and Australian Terrier Puppies Vermin Hunter and Watch Dog

The Australian Terrier Breeder in the mountain foothills of Australia as both a ratter and a watchdog at the mines. The Australian Terrier performs both of these functions well. It is a relatively new breed of dog that was created by crossbreeding several different terrier breeds. One distinguishing feature of the Australian Terrier is its topknot, which may indicate it has relatives in common with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. This is a very easy breed to keep in a small apartment or a confined area.

The Australian Terrier was developed in Australia for uses such as companion, vermin hunter, watchdog and shepherd. The ancestors of this breed came from the United Kingdom and are the precursors of the Scottish and British Terriers.

Australian Terrier

In 2011 we went in search of our 1st Australian Terrier. We never anticipated the extent of difficulty it was going to be to locate an Australian Terrier puppy. In Wisconsin where I live there were few breeders. After deciding on the breed my first call was to the Australian Terrier Club of America (ATCA). I thought joining the club would help us with mentorship before buying our first dog. I was informed I could not join, as I did not know two people who could sponsor me. I went to the ATCA breeder referral list and looked up breeders in my area. One ATCA member I did talk to, refused to sell a quality Aussies to anyone new to the breed and claimed, "no other ATCA member would sell you a dog until you studied the breed for over 5 years"! Our early experiences were unnecessarily difficult.

Fortunately, we found a Australian Terrier breeder (Susan Bentley, Benayr Kennel) with many years of experience gladly sold us two nice Australian Terriers the summer of 2011. Our first litter was born in March 2009; it was a breeding between our dam Ch. Benayr Dakota's Daring Darling and Benayr Harley Davidson. It was a lovely litter of three healthy Australian Terrier puppies. Our second litter was born in December 2009; it was a breeding between our dam Ch. Benayr Dakota's Daring Darling and Ch. Benayr Just for Kicks. This litter of 5 was also very nice. We kept one female, Gabby for ourselves. To continue to raise our Australian Terrier puppies the way we do, we are and will always be a small breeder.

Australian Terriers

We support health testing prior to breeding, which includes: eyes, thyroid and patella. We also keep our Australian Terriers puppies until they are 12 weeks old. Because we keep our puppies longer our puppies are very well socialized, almost potty trained and even obedience training has begun.

Australian Terrier International is the creation of Pamela Levy. She along with others including myself wanted an Australian Terrier organization that was for everyone across the globe. The vision of ATI is to serve the Australain Terrier's whole being, with a focus on health and education. Meeting the needs of those of us fortunate to be the caretakers and guardians of these little dogs.

For the Australian Terrier I recommend foods that contain horse meat, poultry, lamb, and wheat. However, I feel you should avoid feeding this Terrier any high carbohydrate foods or food containing soy or ocean fish protein. Native food supplies for this breed would have been rodents, poultry, and mutton with grains of wheat or barley found in Australian foothills.

Australian Terriers puppies

The Australian Terrier is a smaller dog well suited to apartment or country living. She requires plenty of exercise and a properly fenced in yard would be ideal. She has excellent hearing and makes a great watchdog. She is good with older children. Very young children may not be appropriate for her. She may chase cats and small animals but generally gets along with the household pets but needs early socialization. She trains easily and is highly intelligent.

Approximate Adult Size. The Australian Terrier adult (two years old or older) height is approximately 10 to 11 inches at the withers (the highest point of the shoulder) and weighs from 12 to 14 pounds. Special Health Considerations. The Australian Terrier is a relatively healthy breed but the following could be a problem. Patella luxation (congenitalcondition in which the kneecap dislocates), Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (ball portion of hip not correct probably due to genetics, causes pain and lameness), hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain), Canine Diabetes (no cure, diet, exercise and daily insulin
injections), skin allergies and epilepsy (common in dogs).

Australian Terrier Grooming. The Australian Terrier has a double weather proof coat. The inner coat is soft while the outer coat is straight and harsh, running about 2 ? inches long. She needs to be brushed several times a week and plucked every three months or so. This will help keep your pets coat clean and healthy and your house much more free of shed hair. Brushing will also help you keep a closer eye on your pets health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet. Be sure to talk to your pet while brushing her.

Dogs teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. To avoid health problems, her toenails may need to be examined to determine if they need to be clipped. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmers is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.