Purina

Other names/Nicknames:

• Aussie
• Broken-coated Terrier

Country/Date of origin:

• Australia
• 19th century

Height:

• 10 inches
  

Weight:

• 12 to 14 pounds

Personality:

• Very eager to please.
• Active and alert.
• Makes an excellent watchdog.
• Courageous in the way of terriers but not hyperactive.
• Trains easily.
• Aussies are not snappy or yappy.  If they bark, there is a reason.

History:

A rough-and-ready terrier that was developed for the rigorous demands of the Australian outback.  It was created by blending Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Irish, Scottish, and probably Yorkshire Terriers.  Adept at hunting vermin, the Aussie will even tackle snakes.  Recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1933 it was not admitted to registry by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until 1960.

Body Type:

• A robust, little, working terrier that is rather long in body.
• Small erect ears are left natural
• Tail is altered.

Coat:

• Harsh, double coat with topknot on head and ruff around throat
• Outer coat is stiff, straight and dense.  Undercoat is soft.
• Colors are blue-black or silver-black with tan markings, or a solid red or sandy color.
• Coat is easy to maintain without professional attention.

Health and Wellness:

• Generally robust and healthy breed.
• Hot spots and skin eczema

What you should know:

• Puppies are usually born black.
• History of longevity.