Australian Terrier

Settlers in Tasmania and Victoria crossed terriers brought from Britain, including the Yorkshire, Cairn, Skye and Dandie Dinmont, to produce a tough little dog that could cope with the heat, the dust and the venomous wildlife of the bush. It was recognised as a distinct breed in 1896, one of the first breeds developed in Australia to gain formal recognition, and it worked as a farm dog, a watchdog and a companion in equal measure.

Living with one means accepting a dog with genuine terrier grit. It is alert, quick to bark at anything unusual, and happiest with a job, even if that job is just patrolling the garden for the postman. It gets on well with its own household, including children, but small furry pets are not safe around it, and it can be scrappy with unfamiliar dogs of the same sex. The harsh double coat sheds dirt rather than holding it, and needs hand-stripping or clipping every few months rather than daily brushing.

Today it remains rare outside Australia and a handful of enthusiast circles in Britain and North America, which keeps prices high and puppy availability patchy. It suits an owner who wants a low-shedding, portable, alert dog and does not mind a bit of terrier stubbornness at training class.