Calm, smart and obedient, yet in a way rough and tough, that's the Australian Terrier.
Originally bred for pest control (like the pinschers in Central and Western Europe), the dog has evolved into a pleasant and balanced companion, but has lost none of the terrier's characteristic qualities.
It is still an energetic, sharp, fearless and tenacious dog, but not overly temperamental. It is probably the most balanced terrier in character.
It is always a well-adjusted companion to its family and especially to children.
It is slightly suspicious of strangers until it is sure that everything is all right.
It is good with active people, his stamina allows him to go on long trips by bike and it is unstoppable on walks.
The Australian Terrier is easy to care for and is a dog suitable for instructed and sensible beginners.
FCI-Standard N° 8
AUSTRALIAN TERRIER
ORIGIN: Australia.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE VALID OFFICIAL STANDARD: 08.10.2012.
UTILIZATION: One of the smallest of the working Terriers, was bred to be both a helper and companion in rough times and terrain.
FCI-CLASSIFICATION: Group 3 Terriers.
Section 2 Small-sized Terriers.
Without working trial.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: Although produced from British ancestors, the Australian Terrier is one of the few breeds in the terrier group to have been developed outside the United Kingdom. It can also rightly claim to be the first breed developed in Australia. It appears reasonably certain that both the Australian Silky Terrier and Australian Terrier had a common ancestry from stock in Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria, namely the Broken Coated Terriers. It is assumed this type of dog originated from a mixture of British breeds, namely: the Skye Terrier, Scottish Terrier (Aberdeen) and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. At intervals the Yorkshire Terrier was introduced. It is reported that in the early 1800's free settlers around Campbelltown and Ross in Tasmania were breeding broken coated dogs of a blue sheen body colour and tan markings. They were renowned for their prowess as watchdogs and weighed about ten pounds.
GENERAL APPEARANCE: A sturdy low-set dog, rather long in proportion to height with strong Terrier character, alertness, activity and soundness. Its untrimmed, harsh coat with definite ruff around the neck extending to the breastbone and its long strong head assist in developing its hard bitten, rugged appearance.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT:
Essentially a working terrier, but its loyalty and even disposition make it equally suitable as a companion dog.
HEAD
CRANIAL REGION:
Skull: Long, flat, of moderate width, full between the eyes. Covered with a soft topknot.
Stop: Slight but definite.
FACIAL REGION:
Nose: Black, of moderate size, the leather extending to the bridge of muzzle.
Muzzle: Strong and powerful, equal in length to that of the skull; the muzzle must be strong and not fall away under the eyes. The length and strength of the muzzle are essential to give the strong, punishing jaw.
Lips: Black, tight and clean.
Jaws/Teeth: Jaws strong and punishing, teeth large and evenly spaced, the upper incisors fitting closely over the lower (scissor bite).
Eyes: The eyes shall be small, oval, with keen expression, and of
dark brown colour, set well apart and not prominent.
Ears: The ears are small, erect, pointed, well carried, set on moderately wide, free from long hair and sensitive in their use (puppies under six months excepted).
NECK: The neck is of good length, slightly arched, strong and flowing into the well angulated (well-laid) shoulders.
BODY: Long in proportion to height, strongly constructed. In considering the body, attention must be paid to the opening description, "a sturdy low set dog, rather long in proportion to height".
Back: Level topline.
Loins: Strong.
Chest: Of moderate depth and width, with well sprung ribs. Forechest well developed, brisket relatively deep.
TAIL: Traditionally docked. Whether docked or natural, the tail should be set on high, and well carried, but not over the back.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS:
General appearance: Well boned, straight and parallel when viewed from the front. The legs are slightly feathered towards the wrist.
Metacarpus (Pasterns): Strong, without slope.
Forefeet: Small, round, compact, well padded, toes closely knit and moderately arched. Turned neither in nor out, with strong black or dark toenails.
HINDQUARTERS:
General appearance: Moderate length of quarters, broad. Viewed from behind they should be parallel from hock to feet, neither too wide nor too close.
Thigh: Strong and muscular.
Stifle (Knee): Well turned.
Hock joint: Well bent and let down.
Hind feet: Small, round, compact, well padded, toes closely knit and moderately arched. Turned neither in nor out, with strong black or dark toenails.
GAIT / MOVEMENT: The action to be free, true, springy and forceful. When viewed from the front, the forelegs should move truly without looseness of shoulder, elbows or pasterns. The hindquarters to have drive and power, with free movement of stifles and hocks. Viewed from the rear the legs from the hocks to the ground to be parallel, neither too close nor too wide.
COAT
Hair: The body coat consists of a harsh straight dense top coat approximately 6 cms long with short soft textured undercoat. The muzzle, lower legs and feet to be free from long hair.
Colour:
a) Blue, steel blue or dark grey blue, with rich tan (not sandy) on face, ears, under body, lower legs and feet and around vent puppies excepted). The richer the colour and more clearly defined the better. Smuttiness is objectionable. Topknot blue, silver or a lighter shade than head colour.
b) Clear sandy or red, any smuttiness or dark shadings objectionable. A topknot of a lighter shade is acceptable.
In any colour, white markings on chest or feet must be penalised.
SIZE AND WEIGHT:
Height at the withers: The desirable height is approximately 25 cms, , with bitches slightly less.
Weight: The desirable weight is approximately 6,5 kgs for dogs, with bitches slightly less.
FAULTS: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS:
• Aggressive or overly shy dogs.
• Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural
abnormalities shall be disqualified.
N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
The latest amendments are in bold characters.