AUSTRALIAN TERRIER
Australian National Kennel Council 1994 Amended October 1995
General Appearance - A sturdy low-set dog, rather long in proportion to height with strong Terrier character, alertness, activity & soundness. Its untrimmed, harsh coat with definite ruff around the neck extending to the breastbone & its long strong head assist in developing its hard bitten, rugged appearance.
Temperament- Essentially a working terrier, but its loyalty & even disposition make it equally suitable as a companion dog.
Head & Skull - Long with flat skull of moderate width, full between the eyes, & slight but definite stop. The muzzle, strong & powerful, equal in length to that of the skull, which is covered with a soft topknot. The muzzle must be strong & not fall away under the eyes. Nose black, of moderate size, the leather extending to the bridge of muzzle.
Eyes - The eyes shall be small, oval, with keen expression, dark brown colour, set well apart & not prominent.
Ears - The ears are small, erect, pointed, well carried, set on moderately wide, free from long hair & sensitive in their use (puppies under six months excepted).
Mouth - Jaw strong & punishing, teeth large, evenly spaced, the upper incisors fitting closely over the lower (scissor bite), lips black, tight & clean. The length & strength of muzzle are essential to give the strong, punishing jaw.
Neck - The neck is of good length, slightly arched, strong & flowing into the well angulated shoulders.
Forequarters - The fore chest is well developed, brisket relatively deep with forelegs well boned, straight & parallel when viewed from the front. Pasterns are strong, without slope. The legs are slightly feathered to the knee.
Body - Long in proportion to height, strongly constructed, with well sprung ribs & chest of moderate depth & width. The top line is level with loins strong & deep flanks. In considering the body, attention must be paid to the opening description, "a sturdy low set dog, rather long in proportion to height".
Hindquarters - Moderate length of quarters, broad with strong muscular thighs. Stifles are well turned with hocks well bent & let down. Viewed from behind they should be parallel from hock to feet, neither too wide nor too close.
Feet - Small, round, compact, well padded toes.
Ch Tahee Dirty Harry
The Australian Terrier is one of the few true terrier breeds that has evolved outside of the British Isles, and shouldn't be confused with the Australian Silky Terrier which is similar in appearance to the Yorkshire Terrier, only larger and with a shorter coat.
Although no records were kept on the early breeding of the Australian Terrier, it is believed that the Broken Coated Terrier, Dandie Dinmont, Black and Tan Terriers, the old Scotch Terrier (not to be confused with the Scottish Terrier of today), Yorkshire Terriers and some also say Manchester, Cairn and Skye Terriers were also used to develop the Australian Terrier until the late 1800's when a definite type had evolved. The original Breed Standard was set in 1896, and although it has since been slightly revised, the breed remains essentially the same.
Colour: Various shades of blue or blue grey with prescribed tan markings. Clear sandy or red
Coat type: Double: medium length harsh topcoat (approx. 6cm long), short soft under coat. Short hair on muzzle, lower legs and feet
Temperament: Loyal, even disposition
Size: Dogs: approx. 25cm approx.6.5kg Bitches: slightly less