Australian Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

6.8 - 9 kg

Height

25.4 - 28 cm

Lifespan

11 - 15 years

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About the Australian Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

Australian terriers are small, purebred dogs that originated in Australia. They are characterised by a short body, medium-length wiry coat and pointy ears.

These small dogs are excellent companions and are the smallest working terrier breeds. They have plenty of character, energy and brain-power.

Keep reading to find out more about this Australian breed.

What is the history & origin of the Australian Terrier?

The Australian terrier dog was first called the Rough Coated Terrier but was renamed in 1897. The breed has common ancestry with several other dogs in the terrier group, like the Dandie Dinmont terrier, Yorkshire terrier, and Cairn terrier.

Working terriers were brought to Australia by Europeans in the 19th century, which led to the development of the Australian terrier.

The dogs were bred to survive in various weather conditions and the harsh Australian environment. Bred to find and kill rats (something they were great at), these dogs quickly bonded with their owners and became well-loved pets and companions.

Australian terriers made their way to Europe, and travellers to the United Kingdom fell in love with the scrappy terrier. The dogs were exported to the United States in the mid-1900s and recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1977. It is the first Australian breed to be recognised by international kennel and breed clubs.

The love for these terriers has led to an Australian Terrier Club being formed in most countries where these dogs are bred.

What is an Australian Terrier Breed?

According to the National Breed Club, Australian terriers are small dogs that are medium-boned. They are short and strong, with a double coat consisting of a soft undercoat and a straight, tough outer coat.

This terrier dog breed sports a topknot of long hair on its head and a ruff of fur around its neck.

Although little dogs, they have big personalities. This Australian native breed is considered an upbeat dog that requires plenty of stimulation and exercise. It is considered the perfect family pet, as long as there are no other pets in the household.

Who is an Australian Terrier Best For?

The Australian terrier does well in apartments as long as it gets adequate exercise and is taken on leashed walks. Their history as ratters makes the Australian terrier dog a flight risk off-leash because they have the habit of chasing anything that moves.

These terriers are good with children, showing an affectionate and playful temperament.

The Aussie Terrier will do well in an area with a fenced yard, someone that is home during the day (they love company), and that can provide them with mental stimulation each day.

Australian Terrier Grooming & Shedding

Although they have a double coat, Australian terriers are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They barely shed any dog hair and only require occasional brushing to remove dead hair. The coat can be hand-stripped, and the hair around the eyes should be trimmed to ensure the dog can see.

The medium-length coat is prone to tangling, but a weekly brush is sufficient to prevent any knots.

Other grooming requirements include nail trimming, ear cleaning to prevent ear infections, and regular tooth brushing. Just like other dogs in the same size class, the Australian terrier can get dental infections without proper dental hygiene.

Do Australian Terriers bark a lot?

The Australian terrier is considered an average barker who will only bark occasionally. An adult dog can change its barks to make it clear what they are trying to say. Their top reasons for barking are to protect their family from a perceived threat, out of fear, if they are bored and looking for attention if they have separation anxiety, or simply to say hello.

What is the average weight & height of an Australian Terrier dog?

The Australian Terrier is a small yet robust breed, standing about 25.4 to 28 cm tall and weighing between 6.8 and 9 kg. Their compact size makes them agile and energetic, perfect for active families. Despite their small stature, they are known for their bold and confident personalities. Their sturdy build allows them to be playful and adventurous while still being strong enough to handle various activities.

Are Australian Terriers easy to train?

The Australian terrier is intelligent and responds well to positive reinforcement training.

These hardy dogs are popular choices for dog sports, as sports like agility keep the dog’s body and mind active. As these dogs are eager to please, competing with them means they feel a closer bond with their owners.

Just like other terriers, the Aussie has a stubborn, independent streak. They do best if training sessions are short and interactive.

The hunting instinct of this ratter breed means that they can struggle to get along with other small animals. They also love chasing anything, meaning their recall ability is slightly lacking and should be worked on.

They get on moderately well with other dogs. Socialisation from a young age is incredibly important with this breed.

How do Australian Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Australian terrier temperament can be described as loving, affectionate, bright, brave and alert.

These dogs are tough and love playing. They are smart and enjoy training, making them obedient pets. These adventurous little terriers require daily exercise to keep their bodies and minds engaged.

They get on well with other dogs if properly introduced but could be reserved with strange people until they get to know them.

Does the Australian Terrier have any common health issues?

The Australian terrier is a healthy dog with few health problems. Reputable breeders will do genetic tests on the breeding dogs to look for any hereditary issues, and the test results should be provided to potential owners.

Some common health conditions associated with Aussie terriers include:

Luxating Patella: This is a common issue in small breeds where the kneecap slips out of place, which may require surgical correction.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This condition affects the hip joint’s development, leading to pain and mobility issues. Surgery can help correct it.
Diabetes: Some Australian Terriers may develop diabetes, which requires management through diet and insulin therapy.

What is the lifespan of an Australian Terrier?

The average life span of an Australian terrier is 11 to 15 years.

How much does an Australian Terrier need to be fed?

Australian terriers do well when fed high-quality dog food that is either prepared at home or commercially bought. These terriers love food, and free-feeding should be avoided. All meals should be portioned out carefully.

Aussie terriers can quickly become obese, so it is important to moderate treats (especially when training).

If you are uncertain about how much to feed your terrier, contact your vet for advice, or follow the feeding guides provided by your dog food manufacturer. Feeding should be in accordance with your dog’s age and levels of activity; for example, a dog that does daily agility training will require more food than a dog that goes for a 20-minute stroll around the block.

How much can you expect to pay for an Australian Terrier in Australia?

An Australian terrier puppy can cost anywhere from $1,400 to $2,100. The price of the pup will depend on the bloodline, breeder and age.

Australian Terrier FAQs

Are Australian Terriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Australian terriers are considered to be hypoallergenic.

Their harsh coat does not shed much at all, and the undercoat traps any dander that may trigger allergies. Aussie terriers do not drool and slobber either, although they do show affection by licking, which could trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

The licking behaviour can be discouraged with proper training, making these dogs perfect companions for people suffering from allergies.

Is an Australian Terrier ideal for a first-time dog owner?

The Australian terrier is an ideal dog for a first-time dog owner. These friendly dogs are quiet, non-aggressive, and obedient. Their willingness to work hard makes them easier to train than most terrier breeds.

Although they can be a bit strong-willed and stubborn, Aussie terriers love to please their owners and will respond well to firm, positive training.

Their easy-going nature makes them the perfect companions for someone wanting to get their very first dog.

Do Australian Terriers suffer from separation anxiety?

Australian terriers do not tolerate being left alone for a long time and will suffer from separation anxiety. The symptoms of separation anxiety include barking, destructive behaviour, and escape attempts (these dogs are avid diggers).

It will be best for your Aussie if someone is home during the day or if he can accompany you to your dog-friendly workspace.

Can you shave an Australian Terrier?

It is not recommended that you shave an Australian terrier.

You may think that your Aussie is overheating in hot climates, but shaving a double-coated dog will actually make it much harder for your terrier to regulate his body temperature.

You can thin and shorten your Aussie terrier’s coat several times a year, but you should not completely shave it off.

Coats can be thinned and shortened by a professional groomer, or they can be hand-stripped to remove the loose hairs in the thick, soft undercoat.