Instructions
Breeders
Create a list of Australian terrier breeders in your area. Find them by asking veterinarians, reading the pet section of your local newspaper, checking the Internet or contacting groups such as the Australian Terrier Club of America and the American Kennel Club.
Search the Internet for reviews of each breeder on your list. Type the breeder's name into a search engine along with terms such as "reviews" or "problems." If you find bad reports, eliminate the breeder from your list.
Contact the the people on your list to discuss prices and the breeders' expertise. Ask if they register their dogs and keeps records of the dogs' pedigrees. Ask each breeder if he adheres to the Australian Terrier Club of America's Code of Ethics. If he says yes, ask him what the code contains -- he should be familiar with it and able to explain its tenets.
Ensure that the breeders guarantee their dogs' health. Australian terriers can develop luxating patella, Legg-Perthes disease and various skin problems. Breeders should screen for those conditions and know if their puppies are genetically predisposed. A good breeder will offer you a list of references that includes a veterinarian.
Verify each of the breeders' references. Talk to other Australian terrier owners who purchased puppies from the breeders. Ask about their experiences, and see if their dogs developed any troubling health problems. Eliminate any problem breeders from your list.
Contact the remaining breeders on your list. Set up an appointment to check the dogs. Ask each breeder for a tour of his facilities. A responsible breeder keeps his dogs and their living conditions clean. Don't adopt from a breeder if he refuses to answer questions or give you a tour.
Examine the Australian terrier puppies for signs of good health and temperament. Healthy puppies are friendly and active. A rough coat, dull eyes and timid or aggressive behavior indicate problems. If you plan to show your Australian terrier, the AKC recognizes three types of markings: solid red, solid sandy and blue and tan. White marks and all-black coats are undesirable. Don't rush to choose a pup. Visit several of the breeders before deciding on a dog.
Rescue Organizations
Contact the American Kennel Club or the Australian Terrier Club of America for a list of rescues and shelters that specialize in Australian terriers.
Check the Internet for other Aussie terrier rescue groups in your area. Websites specializing in pet adoption, such as PetFinder, contain a range of breeds.
Call or stop by your local pound. Tell the workers that you're interested in adopting an Australian terrier puppy. Ask them to give you a call if any such puppies come in. If the workers are too busy to help, stop in at the pound on a regular basis to examine the available dogs.
How to Find an Australian Terrier Puppy
Australian terriers possess short legs, long coats and huge personalities. These small, stout-bodied dogs are courageous and protective. They do best indoors, and their bossy personalities make them ideal as the only pet in a household. As terriers, Aussies have high prey drives and will chase other pets if you give them the chance. If you have what it takes to handle this exuberant breed, pick your puppy with care. Examine dogs from a variety of sources before choosing your perfect pet.