The coat of an Australian Terrier is trimmed to a greater or lesser degree in most countries for show purposes, and is thoroughly brushed, combed and conditioned. The pet dog is frequently clipped all over with a No. 7 blade, and sometimes clipped on the body with the trousers left on the legs, which are blended in with scissors.

Coat: Harsh, straight, dense body coat with short, soft-textured undercoat and smooth ears. Lower legs are free from hair.

Grooming Procedure

Equipment needed: Bristle brush.

Breed tip: The Australian Terrier’s coat will tangle underneath if it is not combed at least once or twice a week.

• Brush with a bristle brush, using a spray conditioner where the coat is dry (to prevent breaking).
• Comb with a wide-toothed metal comb.
• Bathe the dog in a pH-balanced shampoo and rinse well.
• Dry with a blower, or use a cage-dryer.
• Check the dog’s nails, ears and teeth.
• Trim the hair out from under the feet.
• Strip out loose hair from the body with your finger and thumb, or a stripping knife, and blend straggly hair with scissors, leaving feathering on the back of legs.
• The tail is trimmed to neaten the outline.
• Neaten the dog’s feet.
• Some people express a wish to have the hair clipped off to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length all over. Those pets with body hair left can have their stomach and anal area clipped with an Oster No.10 blade for hygienic convenience, or trimmed with scissors.
• Use thinning scissors from the dog’s hock to the foot to give an even appearance.
• Clip or strip the back of the ears to a neat appearance.