Appearance

Australian Terriers are small, sturdy dogs with classic terrier features. They have long heads, erect ears and expressive, twinkling eyes. They are slightly longer than they are tall, and have deep chests. Aussies have a soft undercoat and a thick, coarse outer coat that should feel rough to the touch. Their hair is about two inches long across the body, but grows longer around the head and chest. Their tails are docked and stand upright and alert at all times. The AKC standard states “their expression is keen and intelligent; their manner spirited and self-assured.”

Size and Weight

The Australian Terrier doesn't come in a wide range of sizes. They stand between 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder and range in weight from 14 to 16 pounds at maturity.

Coat and Color

Australian Terriers have a soft undercoat and a thick, coarse outer coat that should feel rough to the touch. Their hair is about two inches long across the body, but grows longer around the head and chest.

Aussies come in three color varieties: blue and tan (tan body with a blue saddle), sandy, and red. The richer the color, the better.

Grooming Needs

Aussies shed minimally throughout the year, and the regular brushing that is required to keep the coat neat will minimize the amount of hair that is shed to the floor. The coat requires brushing several times a week to avoid tangles and mats. Aussies should only be bathed as-needed, as frequent baths will soften the course terrier coat, which is fine for household pets, but show terriers should never be soft. Unless the dog loves to roll in muck, Aussies only need baths once every three or four months. Some owners prefer to trim the dog's hair to keep it neat, but this is not required.

Toenails should be clipped monthly, and regular ear and teeth cleanings can keep harmful bacteria from gathering in the ears and mouth.