Grooming the Australian Terrier

COAT The outer coat of the Australian Terrier is harsh and straight; 2 1/2 inches all over the body except the tail, pasterns, rear legs from the hocks down, and the feet which are kept free of long hair. Hair on the ears is kept very short. The undercoat is short and soft. The neck and leg furnishings are softer than body coat. The neck is well furnished with hair, which forms a protective ruff blending into the apron. The forelegs are slightly feathered to the pasterns. A topknot covers only the top of the skull and is a finer and softer texture than the rest of the coat.

CHARACTER The Australian Terrier is spirited, alert, courageous, and self-confident, with the natural aggressiveness of a ratter and hedge hunter; as a companion, friendly and affectionate.

RECOMMENDED CINDRA PRODUCTS

Texturizing Shampoo

Reconstructor – Conditioner

Problem	Solution
Soft coat	Mist lightly with Texturizing Mist (use full strength for coat control) and brush through. Focus on furnishings and jacket where you need crispness.
Thin leg furnishings / feathers	Spray daily with MaxiCare and brush gently to reduce breakage. Keep the coat lightly conditioned, not oily.
Chalk helper	Use a tiny amount of Moisture Plus diluted in water as a light mist to improve manageability without flattening.
Mustache and eyebrows	Apply Sculpting Gel sparingly and comb into position. Let it set, then tidy with your comb for a clean expression.
Dry, damaged coat	Our version of a hot oil treatment: Wet dog with warm water, apply Moisture Plus liberally. Wrap in a warm towel for 15–20 minutes. Shampoo with Moisturizing Shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

How to Groom an Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a true terrier coat: a harsh, weather-resistant jacket over a softer undercoat, with furnishings that should look tidy and purposeful. The goal is a clean outline, crisp texture, and a coat that functions as intended—protective, not fluffy.

Tools you will actually use

Slicker brush (soft to medium)
Medium and fine comb (for face, legs, and apron)
Stripping knife or stripping stone (for hand stripping and coat rolling)
Thinning shears (for tidy work only)
Small straight shears (feet and minimal detailing)
Nail trimmer or grinder

Hand stripping vs clipping

The classic Australian Terrier jacket is maintained by hand stripping (or rolling the coat). Hand stripping removes dead outer coat so new harsh coat can grow in. Clipping typically makes the jacket softer, lighter in color over time, and more prone to looking fuzzy instead of crisp.

Pet home reality: If your dog is clipped, you can still keep them comfortable and neat—but expect the jacket to be softer. Use product choices and brushing technique to support structure without weighing the coat down.

Coat rolling for best texture

If you want a consistently tidy, show-ready look, roll the coat weekly:

Use your fingers or a stripping tool to remove the longest dead hairs from the jacket.
Work in small sections over the neck, shoulders, body, and rump.
Stop before the coat looks thin; the goal is steady maintenance, not a full strip every time.

Brushing and combing routine

Brush 2–4 times per week. Focus on the furnishings (legs, apron, and ruff) where tangles start. Use a slicker lightly, then follow with a comb to check you are down to the skin without snagging.

For daily coat control, lightly mist MaxiCare before brushing. For crispness, use Texturizing Mist where you need hold and structure.

Bathing schedule and technique

Most Australian Terriers do well with bathing every 3–6 weeks, depending on lifestyle. Over-bathing can soften the jacket, so keep product choice purposeful:

Use Texturizing Shampoo when you want more structure and a harsher feel.
Use Moisturizing Shampoo when the skin is dry or furnishings need extra support.
Condition strategically. Apply Moisture Plus mainly to furnishings (legs/apron/ruff) rather than saturating the jacket if you want to preserve harsh texture.

If the coat is stressed from stripping, sun, or dry climate, rotate in Reconstructor as directed to support strength and breakage control.

Face, brows, and expression

The Australian Terrier expression is part of the breed’s charm. Keep the topknot soft and tidy, and maintain clean lines around the eyes. Use a small amount of Sculpting Gel to set brows and mustache, then comb into position. Less is more.

Feet, ears, and hygiene details

Feet: Keep feet tidy and free of long hair. Trim around the edges for a neat outline; check pads weekly.
Ears: Hair on ears is kept very short. Keep ear edges clean and check for wax or irritation.
Nails: Every 2–4 weeks (or as needed). Terriers look and move better with short nails.
Teeth: Small breeds benefit from regular dental care—daily brushing if possible.

Quick grooming schedule

Task	Typical frequency
Brushing / combing	2–4 times per week
Bathing	Every 3–6 weeks
Hand stripping / coat rolling	Weekly rolling or seasonal full strip (based on goals)
Nails	Every 2–4 weeks
Professional grooming	Every 4–8 weeks (as needed for tidy outline)

Puppy coat vs adult coat

Puppy coat	Adult coat
Often softer with less defined harsh jacket	Harsher jacket with clearer coat texture and outline
Focus on gentle brushing and positive grooming habits	Structured brushing, coat rolling/stripping, and targeted conditioning
Keep sessions short; reward calm behavior	Maintain texture with correct technique and product placement

The Cindra Touch

Cindra Grooming Products are built for coat performance—especially coats that need structure, texture, and control. With consistent grooming and the right routine, your Australian Terrier can stay crisp, tidy, and comfortable year-round.