Terrier group
Australian Terrier
A spunky little worker from the Outback — confident, cheerful and hardy.
Australian Terriers are small, sturdy working terriers developed to control vermin and snakes on Australian farms. They are affectionate and adaptable companions with a big personality and a low-shedding, easy-care coat.
- Height
- 10–11 in25–28 cm
- Weight
- 15–20 lb7–9 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11–15 years
- Size
- Small
- Group
- Terrier
- Origin
- Australia
Coat: Harsh, straight outer coat with a soft ruff and topknot. Colours: Blue and tan, Solid sand, Solid red.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Aussie Terriers are spirited, loyal and eager to please by terrier standards. They love being part of family life and are usually good with considerate children.
They are alert watchdogs and can be vocal. Their prey drive is strong, and some are bossy with other dogs, especially of the same sex.
Living with a Australian Terrier
Exercise
About 45–60 minutes of walks and play daily, with games that use their hunting instincts.
Grooming
Brush weekly and tidy the coat occasionally; hand-stripping keeps the texture. Low shedding.
Training
Clever and fairly eager; short, reward-based sessions work best. Teach a quiet cue and solid recall.
Kids & other pets
Good with children and adaptable to apartments. Supervise with other dogs and never trust with small pets.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but may bark or dig when bored.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Australian Terrier right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Australian Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Australian Terrier typically lives 11–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps occur in small terriers; watch for skipping.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Degeneration of the hip joint in young small dogs, causing lameness.
Diabetes mellitus
More common than average in the breed; watch for increased thirst.
Allergies
Skin allergies causing itching can occur.
Ask a breeder for
- Patella evaluation
- Eye examination
- Thyroid evaluation
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Australian Terrier; Australian Terrier Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Settlers in 19th-century Australia crossed British terriers — likely Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Yorkshire and others — to create a small, tough dog for killing rats and snakes and guarding homesteads.
The Australian Terrier was the first native Australian breed to be recognised and shown in its home country. The AKC recognised it in 1960.
Did you know?
- The Australian Terrier was the first breed developed in Australia to be officially recognised there.
- Aussie Terriers were bred to kill snakes as well as rats.
- Their soft topknot contrasts with their harsh body coat.
Library guides for Australian Terrier owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Australian Terrier.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Australian Terrier breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Australian Terriers good apartment dogs?
- Yes, with enough exercise and barking management.
- Do Australian Terriers shed?
- Very little. Their coat is easy to care for.
- Are Australian Terriers good with kids?
- Yes — they are sturdy and playful with considerate children.