Australian Terrier
About the Australian Terrier
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 10-11" |
| Weight | 15-20 lbs |
| Coat Type | Wire |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
30 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,100/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Australian Terriers may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Australian Terrier
The story behind the Australian Terrier
Settlers in Australia during the 1800s needed a small hardy dog to control rats and snakes around homesteads, mines and farm buildings, and to serve as watchdog and companion in isolated country. Rough-coated terriers brought from Britain, reportedly including Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Yorkshire and cairn-type ancestors, were crossed and selected for toughness, a weatherproof jacket and courage out of proportion to size. The type was shown in Australia from the late 1800s under various names before settling as the Australian Terrier, and British and American recognition followed in the twentieth century. It holds the distinction of being among the first Australian-developed breeds recognised internationally. Today it is a modest but steady presence as a companion, largely retired from vermin work and uncommon beside the better-known British terriers.
Originally bred for: Vermin control, Watchdog, Companion. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Australian Terrier
A small dense-bodied terrier does well on a quality small-breed food in measured portions, since the breed gains weight easily and a harsh coat disguises it. Kibble sized for a small jaw, plus training treats counted into the day, keeps a sturdy frame from turning stocky.
Watch for: Terriers as a group express food reactions through the skin more often than the gut, with itching, chewed paws and grumbling ears the usual complaints. Nothing specific is established for this breed. Persistent irritation deserves veterinary investigation rather than repeated speculative food changes.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Australian Terrier
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.