Australian Terrier
The histories of the two native Australian terriers are tied inextricably—one to the other. Both the Australian Terrier and the Silky Terrier were developed in the 19th century by Australians using various British terrier breeds. Records show that blue and tan broken-coated terriers of about ten pounds were renowned watchdogs around Tasmania, even in the early 1800s. Other terriers of that era in Australia were sandy colored.
The likely descent of the Australian Terrier was from terriers of Scotland and northern England brought to Australia with settlers. The Scottie (or the Cairn) created the hard coat and short leg—with the Skye strengthening the gene for shortness of leg, plus contributing coat abundance and body length. Later crossbreeding added the Dandie's topknot and the Yorkie’s blue fading color and small size. Some experts believe that a bit of Irish Terrier was used to set the red color in the sandies, and Manchester crosses occurred much later to improve the depth of the tan in the blue/tans.
Dog shows in the 1800s had classes for both black/ tan and blue/tan broken-coated terriers, for under and over seven pounds. These classifications were the early Australian Terriers before they had any official name or standard. The smaller size was often referred to as the Broken-Coated Toy Terrier.
Selection from these early mixtures developed the modern Australian Terrier. He was welcomed for his skills at dispatching the hated rabbit and at killing snakes. The Australian Terrier dog faced his slithery opponent, then leaped high, turning around in the air. As he landed behind the snake, he grabbed it at the back of the head and killed it.
The Aussie was slow to make headway outside Australia, with British approval not coming until 1936. Although Canada recorded registrations in 1938, it was 20-some years later before the Americans embraced him. The Australian Terrier is now recognized internationally.
He is all terrier—though tiny—with the inborn confidence and spirit of his type. Yet he tends to be quiet and affectionate, making a fine house dog. His coat requires the same care as other broken-coated terriers. The breed is eager to please and is a good choice for children, the elderly or handicapped. Although many terriers contributed to his genetic make-up, the twinkle in the Aussie's eye is all his own.