Proudly Australian, the breed evolved from a variety of British terriers that had been brought out to this country by settlers. Specifically bred for Australian conditions, this hard-bitten and tough little terrier was used for everything from guarding the farms and mines to hunting, and from tending the sheep to killing rats and snakes.

Essentially a working terrier, the "Aussie" as they are affectionately known, soon endeared themselves to all those with whom they came in contact as a very desirable companion dog. Equally suited to town or country living, the Australian Terrier is noted for its loyalty, intelligence and even disposition. They are neither highly strung nor a persistent barker, but with their boundless self-assurance will happily take on the role of protector.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

The Australian Terrier usually lives up to 13 years of age but with plenty of love and attention to its diet can live up to 15 years.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

The Australian Terrier is an even-tempered dog, versatile in movement, good company for young and old as it delights in human companionship. Small and tough, it is equally at home on a farm or in a suburban back yard.

[ Australian Terrier Puppy ]

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The Aussie adapts well to other pets such as cats and dogs (but remember they are a hunting and sporting terrier so rabbits and guinea pigs could prove a problem).

They are best introduced to other pets at an early age, but even when mature they do assimilate easily into a new household, but extreme care should be taken with two adults of the same sex.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Brush its coat a couple of times a week as the brushing stimulates the natural oils in their coat giving them a high gloss. Bathe only when necessary. Minimum exercise is needed, but they will enjoy a daily walk or roam free in a fenced yard.

IDEAL OWNERS

For those people who want a warm-hearted "character", this cheerful little dog would be the ideal pet.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Australian Terrier is the dog for you and you want a cheery companion that is more than happy to accompany you on a daily walk, contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Gillian Bartlett	Teraustralis	SA	Contact
Adam Gabell	Terimist	SA	Contact
Dean Leyson	Cardeason	SA	Contact
Cerrie Gower	Tainquest	SA	Contact
Jeffrey McLeod	Silknspring	QLD	Contact
Anne Davies	Xanthorhoea	QLD	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)