How do they fit so much dog into such a bitty package? The Australian Terrier — plucky, spirited, and smart — approaches life with plenty of old-time terrier curiosity and grit. The first Australian-bred dog ever recognized and shown in its native land, this small but sturdy, self-confident terrier was bred to be both a helper and a companion in rough times and rugged terrain.
Upbeat and lively, with a longish torso, a distinctive ruff around the neck, and a topknot of soft, silky hair contrasting with an otherwise harsh coat, the Aussie is a genuine charmer. It is a spirited, alert, courageous dog with the natural aggressiveness of a ratter and hedge hunter — and as a companion, friendly and affectionate.
Born Down Under
The Australian Terrier descends from the rough-coated type terriers brought from Great Britain to Australia in the early 19th century, whose ancestral types were kept to eradicate mice and rats. Development began in Australia about 1820, and the dogs were first called the Rough Coated Terrier. The breed shares ancestors with the Cairn Terrier, Shorthaired Skye Terrier, and Dandie Dinmont Terrier; Yorkshire Terriers and Irish Terriers were also crossed in during development.
The Australians needed small terriers to control rodents on the waterfront, in the gold mines, and on the sheep stations — and to herd sheep and serve as watchdogs. From breeding efforts beginning in Tasmania and spreading to the mainland, they produced a rugged, hard-bitten, fearless dog equally at home indoors or out. The breed was officially recognized in 1850 and renamed the Australian Terrier in 1892. It was shown at a dog show for the first time in 1906 in Melbourne, and in Great Britain about the same time — the first Australian breed to be recognized and shown in its native land.
A Sturdy, Long-Bodied Working Terrier
The Australian Terrier is a small, sturdy, medium-boned working terrier, rather long in proportion to its height, standing 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing about 15 to 20 pounds. Its body is long in proportion to its height, with well-sprung ribs, a strong loin, and a distinct keel. The tail is set on high and carried erect.
The outer coat is harsh and straight, about 2½ inches all over the body, forming a protective ruff blending into an apron around the neck. The topknot is of finer, softer texture than the rest of the coat. Coat colors are blue and tan, solid sandy, and solid red. The dark eyes sparkle with keen intelligence, and the breed moves with the free and easy gait of a working dog.
Spirited, Alert, and Self-Confident
The Australian Terrier is spirited, alert, courageous, and self-confident, with the natural aggressiveness of a ratter and hedge hunter. As a companion, it is friendly and affectionate, with an enormous amount of sensitivity. Developed in close association with people under often stressful conditions, it has a strong sense of devotion to its household.
Aussies are natural watchdogs and will sound the alarm should any strange dog or person approach the house. They are happiest when with "their" people — not suited to living outside or spending long hours alone. Most are good with children and senior citizens, making excellent family pets, though supervision with toddlers is essential. True terriers, they love digging, and the urge to chase small, furry creatures has never left them. They can be dog-aggressive and somewhat bossy in multi-pet households.
Exercise and Activity
The Australian Terrier is very active and requires regular exercise to keep from becoming bored and unhappy — boredom leads to undesirable behavior. Daily play sessions, indoors or out, in a securely fenced yard keep an Aussie happy and well adjusted.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 45–60 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 30–40 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
An Aussie should never run loose — the instinct to hunt is so strong it will not stop to check traffic if it sees a squirrel or strange cat. On walks or hikes, it must be on a leash. The breed is an excellent jumper and nearly impossible to dissuade from chasing. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for exercising a lively terrier.
Training an Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are quite trainable and do well in companion and performance events. They require a bit of imagination when it comes to training — if you can convince them it is either their idea and/or fun, you will be well on your way. An Aussie is always happy to play, and training is play to them.
The breed ranks 34th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, of above-average working and obedience intelligence. Early socialization and consistent, positive training help manage the breed's terrier stubbornness and prey drive. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming an Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier has a harsh, shaggy double coat that is not normally trimmed. Weekly brushing keeps it healthy and reduces shedding; the breed needs regular grooming care for its distinctive ruff and topknot.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3 times a week (daily during shedding season) | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
Nails should be trimmed regularly, along with routine ear cleaning and tooth brushing. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a rough-coated terrier.
Feeding an Australian Terrier
As a small, active breed, the Australian Terrier needs a high-quality, complete and balanced diet sized to its small frame. Feed measured meals twice a day rather than free-feeding, and count treats carefully — small dogs gain weight quickly when overfed.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1/3–1/2 cup | Use a small-breed puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 1/2–3/4 cup | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1/2 cup | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can guide you on portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The Australian Terrier has a normal life expectancy of 11 to 15 years. It is a generally healthy breed, though it is known to be susceptible to the autoimmune disease Vogt-Koyanagi-Harara-like syndrome, and, like many small breeds, can be prone to patellar luxation, dental disease, and allergies.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Patellar luxation and eye screening | Discuss with your vet | Breeder screening (OFA/CERF) |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
Choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests breeding stock is the best protection, and regular veterinary care catches problems early. The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The Australian Terrier is equally suited for town or country living as long as provision is made for safe exercise. It makes an excellent family pet — good with children and senior citizens — and is happiest in close contact with its family. Its watchdog instincts and strong prey drive mean secure fencing and leash walking are essential.
This is a lively, high-energy companion that needs daily play and regular training. If you're weighing whether an Australian Terrier fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning an Australian Terrier means embracing a spirited terrier with strong instincts. The prey drive is intense — chasing squirrels, rabbits, and cats is nearly irresistible, so secure fencing and leash walking are essential. Terrier stubbornness requires patient, imaginative training. Dog-aggressiveness and bossiness need careful management in multi-pet homes. And these social dogs hate being left alone for long periods.
Yet for the right owner, the Aussie is a delight — a spunky, game, high-spirited little dog with a strong sense of devotion to its household. From the gold mines and sheep stations of 19th-century Australia to modern homes around the world, the Australian Terrier remains a rugged, fearless, and endlessly charming companion.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Spirited, brave, and self-confident
- Friendly, affectionate family companion
- Good watchdog instincts
- Hardy, weather-resistant coat
- Good with children and seniors
- Highly trainable and eager to please
Disadvantages
- Strong prey drive; chases small animals
- Terrier stubbornness in training
- Can be dog-aggressive with other dogs
- Not suited to long periods alone
- Needs secure fencing and leash walks
- Prone to some autoimmune and dental conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Australian Terriers get? They stand 10–11 inches at the shoulder and weigh about 15–20 pounds.
How long do Australian Terriers live? Typically 11 to 15 years.
Are Australian Terriers good family dogs? Yes — they're good with children and senior citizens and make excellent family pets.
Are Australian Terriers good with other pets? They can be dog-aggressive and have a strong prey drive, so care is needed in multi-pet homes.
Are Australian Terriers easy to train? Yes — they're smart and trainable, though they respond best to fun, imaginative training.
Are Australian Terriers good apartment dogs? Yes, they adapt well to town or country living with daily exercise.
Do Australian Terriers shed a lot? Their harsh coats need weekly brushing but they don't shed excessively.
Are Australian Terriers good watchdogs? Yes — they're natural watchdogs that sound the alarm at strangers.
Are Australian Terriers good with children? Yes, with supervision — especially with toddlers, for the dog's protection as well as the child's.
Can Australian Terriers be left alone? They're happiest with their people and don't suit long hours alone.
Are Australian Terriers related to Australian Silky Terriers? They share heritage but are distinct breeds — the Silky is known as the Silky Terrier in the US.
What health problems do Australian Terriers have? The breed can be prone to Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, patellar luxation, and dental disease.