An Aussie terrier in top condition will lose very little hair. They are easy to groom and have a weather-resistant coat. These dogs should never be clipped and, if necessary should be plucked instead. They should be brushed and combed at least once a week and the ears checked for hair that may block the canals.
Grooming requirements
> Once a week
Trimming required
Tendency to shed hair
Little
Show characteristics
The head should be long and strong with an alert expression. The nose should be black and the muzzle has an inverted V shape area, along the bridge of the nose (from nose to muzzle), with less hair. The jaws should allow a strong scissor bite, top teeth over bottom teeth. The eyes should be small, set well apart and be of a dark brown color. The ears should never be cropped, and should be standing erect by four months of age. The neck should be long and blend into long shoulders. The legs should be well boned and muscular. The body is long in proportion to the height with a level top line. The feet should be small with tight toes. The tail is docked to about two-fifths, and is carried erect but not over the back. The lower parts of the legs, the feet and the muzzle should have no long hair. The coat is harsh, straight and dense with a short, soft undercoat. They should be blue, steel blue or dark gray blue with a rich tan color on the face, ears, feet and under carriage. The unacceptable colors are clear sandy, red or any dark shading.
Breed classification
The Australian Terrier is a member of the Terrier group. They are small sturdy dogs, essentially used as working terriers, but can make excellent companion dogs. Today they are used in obedience and agility trials, but they also make great watchdogs and family pets.