Australian Terrier Breed Profile
The original Australian Terriers made their first appearance at a dog show in Melbourne in 1868; this breed was the first Australian breed to be recognized and shown in its native land, and the first Australian breed to be accepted officially abroad. This attractive breed was used in Australia to hunt vermin, and it is supposed to be a tireless ratter, but it was also used to hunt snakes, indicating that it must be an agile, athletic and courageous dog. The look of this breed is unique: it carries its head upright, and the furnishings around the neck make its head resemble the head of a cobra, when the snake is alert, which is ironic, as this breed hunts snakes. It may be called 3/4 legged rather than short-legged, as it has small feet and limbs of almost "normal" length, without the true short-legged characteristics.