Vital Statistics, Health & Life
Expectancy
First used to rid farms of rodents and as watchdogs, Australian
Terriers grow to about 23 to 25.5cm (9 to 10 inches) and weigh
about 5 to 6.5kg (11 to 14 pounds). With proper care and regular
vet visits, most healthy Australian Terries can live for about 14
years.
Personality
Spirited and energetic, Australian Terriers can bring joy and
delight to many families. These self-assured, alert little dogs
have keen hearing and eyesight, which makes them ideal watchdogs.
While they can be remarkably brave and alert for their size,
Australian Terriers also have a softer side. Most owners find that
members of this breed are loyal, affectionate and eager to please.
Like many terriers, Australian Terriers can sometimes seem to have
a mind of their own. Owners should be patient and firm during
training. At the same time, these small dogs are very intelligent
and quick learners.
Grooming and Exercise
Australian Terriers require minimal grooming, and can be bathed on
an "as needed" basis. To keep their shiny coats tidy, owners should
simply brush several times a week. Prized for their energetic
antics, Australian Terriers are good at entertaining themselves,
which makes them well suited for apartment-dwellers. But they're
almost always game for a few rounds of ball or toy toss so a few
walks a week coupled with indoor play generally make up all the
exercise they need.
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tips.