QUESTIONS
1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)
My family have owned Australian Terriers for many years (40). I have two at the moment.
2. Where and why was the breed first developed?
No idea....
3. How common is it in Australia?
Rare, hardly ever see any of them.
4. What is the average lifespan?
About 15.
5. What is the general temperament/personality?
Average terrier, likes to have a bark, chases mice and rabbits. Great personality, love them a lot.
6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?
I walk my boys for 30 minutes a day on a work day, and 90 minutes a day on the weekends. They like their exercise and have good appetites so need a walk.
7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?
Yes, they are pretty self-sufficient and require little grooming.
8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?
Depends on the dog. My eldest would be able to while the youngest needs company from either me or the older dog.
9. How much grooming is required?
Maybe two brushings a week but nothing that much.
10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?
Not good for small children as I think they might get snappy if pestered. Great, great friend for an elderly person, maybe the best you could get.
11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?
My dog bought in 1981 was never at the vet, she passed at 16 and you couldn't ask for a healthier dog. Dog of 1992 developed diabetes at the age of 9 (passed aged 16) Dog of 1997 developed epilepsy at the age of 3 (passed aged 5).
My two current dogs have issues. The 6 year old has had bad arthrituis from 6 months old. He had to have the bones in his front leg taken out and grafted together as the leg was bending outwards (10 months old at the time) and now at age 6, his cruciate has gone in one back leg, while the other back leg is going as well.
The younger dog aged 4 is healthy but overweight at 14.8kgs and I just can't get the weight off him. At night, he eats a small half cup of diet biscuits, some grated carrot and 1/3 tray of My Dog (about 30 grams) and he is still weighty.
12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)
I would ask if their dogs have a history of diabetes, that is the main issue I am finding with Australian Terriers.
