Australian Terrier

Feeding an Australian Terrier is refreshingly straightforward - these working dogs aren't fussy eaters and do well on quality commercial dog food that meets international standards. The key thing to remember is that small dogs like Aussie Terriers have fast metabolisms and tiny stomachs, so they need frequent, smaller meals rather than one or two large ones.

For adult Australian Terriers, two measured meals per day work perfectly, while puppies benefit from three smaller meals to support their rapid growth. Choose a high-quality commercial food appropriate for your dog's life stage - puppy, adult, or senior. Many Australian pet food brands offer excellent options specifically formulated for small, active breeds, which is ideal for these energetic little terriers.

Because Australian Terriers can be prone to joint issues later in life, some Australian vets recommend foods with added joint support or omega-3 fatty acids. However, if you're feeding a complete, balanced commercial diet, additional supplements usually aren't necessary unless specifically recommended by your vet.

Portion control is crucial - these dogs love their food and can easily become overweight, which puts extra strain on their joints and overall health. Follow the feeding guidelines on your chosen food's packaging, but remember these are starting points. Your individual dog's needs may vary based on age, activity level, and metabolism.

For treats, many Australian Terrier owners find success with small pieces of carrot, apple, or green beans instead of high-calorie commercial treats. This helps with training while keeping calories in check. Always ensure fresh water is available, especially during Australia's warmer months, and avoid feeding immediately before exercise to prevent digestive issues.

One of the best things about Australian Terriers is their low-maintenance grooming routine - perfect for busy Australian families. Their harsh, weatherproof double coat is naturally dirt-repelling, which means less work for you and fewer muddy paw prints through the house after those weekend bush walks.

A weekly brush is usually sufficient to keep their coat in top condition and remove any loose hair. Use a slicker brush or pin brush to work through the outer coat and prevent the softer undercoat from matting. During spring, you might need to brush a bit more frequently as they shed their winter coat, but overall, they're remarkably tidy dogs.

Here's something many new owners don't expect - frequent bathing actually works against their coat's natural properties. Those coarse outer hairs are designed to shed dirt and moisture, but shampooing too often softens them and reduces this natural protection. Aim for a bath only when truly necessary - perhaps every few months or when they've had an encounter with something particularly smelly during a camping trip.

Pay special attention to the hair around their eyes and ears. The longer hairs on their face can irritate their eyes if left unchecked, but they're easily plucked out with your fingers or tweezers. Keep ear hair trimmed short and check regularly for wax buildup or signs of infection - particularly important in Australia's humid coastal areas.

Regular nail trims are essential, especially if your dog spends most time on soft surfaces rather than concrete paths. Many Australian Terriers are surprisingly good about having their teeth brushed, which is important for preventing dental issues common in smaller breeds. Start these routines early, and your Aussie Terrier will accept grooming as just another part of their day.

Training an Australian Terrier is like working with an enthusiastic apprentice - they're clever, eager to please, but definitely have their own ideas about how things should be done. These little characters respond brilliantly to positive reinforcement training, especially when you make it feel like a game rather than work.

Start socialisation early and make it a priority. Australian Terriers are naturally confident, sometimes to a fault, and they need to learn that not every dog, cat, or possum requires their immediate attention. Take them to different environments - busy shopping centres, quiet beaches, local markets - so they become well-rounded companions who can handle Australia's varied social situations.

Their terrier instincts mean they have a strong prey drive, so reliable recall training is essential. Many Australian owners find that their Aussie Terriers excel in dog sports like agility, nose work, and even earthdog trials - perfect outlets for their natural abilities. Local dog clubs across Australia offer these activities, and they're fantastic for building the human-dog bond while burning off energy.

Exercise needs are moderate but consistent. A couple of good walks daily, some backyard play, and mental stimulation will keep most Australian Terriers happy. They adapt well to apartment living in cities like Melbourne or Sydney, provided they get adequate exercise and aren't left alone for extended periods.

Remember, these dogs were bred to work independently, so they can be a bit stubborn during training sessions. Keep sessions short, varied, and fun. They're particularly good at learning tricks and commands that tap into their natural behaviours - teaching them to "find it" games or basic tracking exercises often clicks immediately. Most importantly, never let them off-lead in unfenced areas - their hunting instincts can override even excellent training when a interesting scent catches their attention.