The Australian Terrier was the first Australian-bred dog ever to be recognized and shown in Australia, and it follows that it was also the first breed accepted by the AKC to be recognized as native to Australia in 1868. For a long time, the Aussie was also the only AKC terrier not developed in the British Isles (that changed when the Cesky Terrier was recognized). With its distinctive ruff that protects the dog from snake strikes, fast twitch muscles and big teeth that quickly dispatch an attacking snake, the Australian Terrier had established itself as the country’s champion vermin killer and became a national favorite by the 19th century.
The breed quickly charmed Americans, as well. A year after the Australian Terrier Club of America was formed in 1957, nine Aussies were entered in the Miscellaneous Class at Westminster, and only two years later, the Miscellaneous Class at Westminster had its largest entry ever, with 58 Australian Terriers being exhibited.
“See no evil, hear no evil, say no evil” Australian Terriers original linocut on Japanese calligraphy paper by Cynthia Muir
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What about the Schnauzer? It is not from the British Isles either. Though some people say it should really be classified as a working dog, like the bigger Schnauzers.