Australian Terrier

[arishaun]

Anybody have any experience with this breed?

We're looking to adopt this little guy:


The shelter says he's a German Shepherd/Australian Terrier mix. I've already got the German Shepherd traits down thanks to Odie. But what of the Australian Terrier? Google only finds me conflicting info.

[colliewog]

I think they were getting creative on the breed guesses. An Australian Terrier is a small dog - doubtful that one could breed with a GSD.

[StillandSilent]

I think they might have meant Airedale Terrier. I have an Australian Terrier at daycare, and he looks nothing like that dog.
Neat little dogs, but definatly have the terrier instinct. Ours is a HUGE barker too, but he was rescued from a hoarder, so I'm not sure if thats a breed trait.
BTW, that dog is adorable!

[arishaun]

Colliewog, I have heard of small dogs mating with large breeds, so I believe it's definitely in the realm of possibility. That's why I wasn't too horribly skeptical when I read the description.

Anywho, we've adopted him. He turned out to be way smaller than he looked. He weighs all of 28 lbs and came with full medical history. His owners surrendered him after their house was foreclosed on.

Here's some shots I took today at the shelter. He comes home from his neutering tomorrow! I'm so excited!







Thanks everyone!

[colliewog]

It's always a possibility, but often shelters just make creative guesses. You could get a similar looking mix from a Sheltie/Poodle (which I've seen, as the people owned the parents and had a whoops). Often the Poodle mix coat will make people think "terrier" due to its course texture ...

Either way, very cute dog. Congrats!!

[grab01]

doesn't look at all like an Australian Terrier, but is a very, very cute dog

[aussiemyf7]

Aussie Terriers are a lot smaller.

[suzrichter]

He may be cairn-shepherd. I have a cairn female. They can get pretty big.
All terriers are similar. To understand what you will need to deal with regarding terrier traits, research any terrier. See my blog at Dances with Terriers. Very trainable but you must be firm and in charge

[suzrichter]

His tail is all cairn terrier, from looking at the photos you last posted.
If you need help/advice, feel free to email me: suzrichter@aol.com (or see Dances with Terriers). I do not have experience with adopting, but have experience with cairn terriers. Cairns are wonderful; I think you will love him very much!! Best wishes/great going.

[Zoom]

Cairns aren't quite *that* big, there is something else in there. What, I couldn't tell you, but I think GSD is a bit of stretch. Maybe one of the parents was a smaller GSD mix; it's quite possible he has more than two breeds in him.