Rustralian Terrier

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Rustralian Terrier is a cross between two small terriers particularly known for their liveliness, energy, and activity requirements suitable for an active or committed owner.

The Australian Terrier is actually from English ancestral breeds brought over to Australia primarily as working dogs. It was tasked to hunt and kill vermin and snakes around farms and households. Owners also depended on their alertness, as they unfailingly barked to warn of thieves and marauders.

The Jack Russell Terrier, on the other hand, is an English breed developed for hunting foxes. Primarily white-coated to distinguish it from its quarry in the field, the Jack Russell Terrier is often confused with other variants, such as the Parson Russell Terrier and the Russell Terrier. Differences in breed lie in size and body proportions.

Color

Coat colors may vary for the Rustralian Terrier, from white, to shades of blue or red,, with markings such as tan or black.

Coat

It is double coated, with the texture either smooth, rough, or broken, which means a mix of both types. The outer coat is longer and overlies a denser, shorter inner coat. A hard, wiry outer coat protects from outdoor elements, while the undercoat provides relief from extreme temperatures.

Personality

People ready for the commitment and responsibility involved in owning a small dynamo of a dog with high activity requirements will also stand to benefit from the Rustralian Terrier's lively, affectionate, loyal and protective personality. Largely a working dog, the Rustralian Terrier will not thrive constantly cooped up or lounging around indoors, with only play or occasional walks for exercise. They are happiest, in fact, ,running and playing in a securely fenced area, or taking long leashed walks. This should be taken for at least an hour everyday. The Rustralian Terrier has a high prey drive and enough aggression towards other male dogs that other pets or animals in the house need to be watched, even if raised with the Rustralian Terrier. While it is very affectionate towards its owner and will seek attention with antics, the Rustralian Terrier will raise a ruckus at any stranger, making a great watch dog. Children will find it an inexhaustible playmate; however, it will not stand for any rough-housing, so younger children have to be supervised.

Care

The Rustralian Terrier's coat will benefit from regular brushing, especially if it is shedding. Bathing frequently is not necessary, as it will dry the skin out and strip natural oils from the top coat. A hypoallergenic shampoo is recommended, as the Rustralian Terrier is prone to dermatitis. Long hairs growing between the eyes need to be plucked, as they irritate the eyes. Fleas and other pests should constantly be watched out for, as the Rustralian Terrier's skin easily develops allergic reactions to their bites.

Training

Obedience training and extensive socialization are a must for the Rustralian Terrier. Intelligent and often times headstrong, a Rustralian Terrier not properly trained or socialized will be difficult to control once it is older, and will tend to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking. Crate training is best for puppies, and reward-oriented, interchangeable training routines will yield positive results (Rustralian Terrier will be quickly bored by repetitive commands).

Activity

Under exercised and bored Rustralian Terriers have a high potential for destructive behavior. Bred from hardy hunting stock, the Rustralian Terrier must be allowed to indulge its running/chasing instincts and not be kept indoors all day. Agility courses and vigorous games will help keep the Rustralian Terrier stimulated and happy.