Australian Terrier
Alert Apartment-friendly Cattle herdering, hunting snakes and rodents Companionable Courageous Even Tempered Great with kids High energy dog Loves hot weather Loyal Sheds a lot Spirited Terrier

Australian Terrier

Height 10 - 11 in (25 - 28 cm)
Weight 14 - 16 lbs (6 - 7 kg)
Lifespan 15 years
Origin Unknown

Is a Australian Terrier Right For You?

Answer these quick questions to find out:


Do you need a dog that’s comfortable living in an apartment?

Will the dog need to thrive in small living spaces?

Will the dog need to stay alone at home for long hours?

Are you looking for a dog suited for urban life?

Do you live in a hot climate?

Breed Characteristics

The majority of sources suggest that Australian Terriers require at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise daily, with some recommending more. The consensus leans towards a high exercise requirement to keep them happy and healthy.

How much exercise does Australian Terrier need?

Low High
The consensus suggests that Australian Terriers generally require grooming 2-3 times a week, with some sources recommending more frequent brushing. While they do not need daily grooming, a moderate amount of grooming is necessary to maintain their coat's health and appearance.

How much grooming does Australian Terrier need?

Low High
The consensus from the sources indicates that Australian Terriers are generally eager to please, smart, and responsive, making them easy to train. However, they can become bored easily with routine, so training sessions need to be kept interesting and short. They also require early socialization and proper training techniques.

Is Australian Terrier easy to train?

Low High
The consensus from multiple sources indicates that Australian Terriers are highly intelligent, quick learners, responsive to training, and thrive on mental stimulation. They are known for their keen intelligence, adaptability, and above-average working and obedience intelligence ranking. Their intelligence, curiosity, and ability to learn quickly are highlighted, making them a highly intelligent breed.

How intelligent is Australian Terrier?

Low High
The majority of sources describe the Australian Terrier as independent and sometimes stubborn, with a strong emphasis on their intelligence and independent thinking. While not all sources explicitly mention stubbornness, the overall sentiment leans towards independence and occasional stubborn behavior.

Is Australian Terrier stubborn or independent?

Low High
Based on the consensus from multiple sources indicating that Australian Terriers can be vocal and tend to bark, especially when alerting their owners or bored. However, with proper training and attention, the barking behavior can be managed.

Does Australian Terrier bark a lot?

Low High
The majority of sources suggest that Australian Terriers need around 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily, with some sources recommending more vigorous activity. The consensus leans towards a moderate to high level of playtime needed, hence the score of 3.6.

How much playtime does a Australian Terrier need daily?

Low High
The consensus from the sources indicates that while Australian Terriers can stay indoors with limited walks, they still require daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent problem behaviors. Indoor play can provide physical activity, but walks are important for additional exercise. The breed is active and needs regular exercise to prevent boredom, so some outdoor time is necessary. Overall, they are well-suited for indoor living but still require regular activity.

Can Australian Terrier stay indoors with limited walks?

Low High
Based on multiple sources emphasizing the Australian Terrier's protective instincts, loyalty, and tendency to alert owners of strangers or intruders, the consensus is that they are highly protective and territorial.

Is Australian Terrier protective or territorial?

Low High
The consensus from the sources indicates that Australian Terriers are highly affectionate with their families, forming strong bonds and enjoying being part of family activities. They are described as loving, loyal, and great family pets, well-suited for families with children.

Is Australian Terrier affectionate with family?

Low High

Health Wellness

Is Australian Terrier prone to allergies?

Australian Terriers are prone to allergies, particularly skin allergies that can affect their feet, stomach, skin folds, and ears. These allergies can develop between one and three years old and may worsen over time. Common symptoms include excessive scratching or licking, red or inflamed skin, and ear infections. While Australian Terriers are not considered hypoallergenic, their small size and light shedding coat mean they produce minimal pet dander, making them a good choice for individuals with allergies. Allergies in Australian Terriers can manifest as itching, inflammation, and digestive problems, with food allergies being a potential cause. Regular monitoring and working with a veterinarian are recommended to manage and address any allergies that may arise in Australian Terriers.


Is Australian Terrier a hypoallergenic breed?

The Australian Terrier is not considered a hypoallergenic breed, although they are known to shed very little and produce minimal pet dander. While no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, some are less likely to trigger allergies. Australian Terriers may not be ideal for individuals with severe allergies, as they can develop skin allergies affecting various areas of their body. Despite not being hypoallergenic, Australian Terriers are often recommended as suitable pets for allergy sufferers due to their small size, light shedding coat, and minimal dander production. It is important to note that no dog is completely hypoallergenic, but Australian Terriers are generally considered to be a good option for those with mild allergies.


What are common health issues in Australian Terrier?

Common health issues in Australian Terriers include Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, allergies, itching, ear infections, luxating patella, bacterial and viral infections, degenerative myelopathy, eye problems such as cataracts and distichiasis, skin conditions from flea and grass allergies, and environmental toxin-induced allergies. They are also prone to diabetes, thyroid disorders, and epilepsy. Luxating patella and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease are frequently mentioned concerns in this breed, with symptoms like difficulty in walking or running, limping, and pain in the hip area. Responsible breeders may conduct health tests for conditions like luxating patella to ensure the well-being of Australian Terriers.


How often should a Australian Terrier visit the vet?

Australian Terriers should visit the vet annually for a comprehensive wellness check-up, which includes a physical examination to detect any signs of illness, dental issues, weight changes, or behavioral changes. However, the frequency of vet visits may vary depending on the dog's age, breed, lifestyle, and overall health. Puppies typically need to see the vet every three to four weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old. Some owners may find themselves visiting the vet more frequently, such as every three months, due to minor issues like ingesting something harmful or sustaining minor injuries. Regular monitoring for sores, rashes, fleas, ticks, and infections is recommended monthly. It is crucial to consult the vet promptly if any health concerns arise, such as adverse reactions to food. Ultimately, the specific vet visit schedule should be determined in consultation with the veterinarian based on the individual dog's needs and circumstances.


What is the average vet bill for a Australian Terrier?

Key points extracted from the snippets include: - Routine vet visit costs for an Australian Terrier range from $50 to $250, with variations based on location and specific services provided. - Initial costs for an Australian Terrier can be between $500 to $1,000, including spaying/neutering which may cost an additional $150. - Annual veterinary care costs for an Australian Terrier can range from $500 to $1,000, covering routine check-ups, vaccinations, preventive medications, and specialized treatments if needed. Repeated ideas include the range of costs for routine vet visits, the importance of budgeting for initial and annual veterinary care expenses, and the variability in prices between different clinics. Overall, the average annual vet bill for an Australian Terrier is estimated to be between $500 to $1,000, covering routine check-ups, vaccinations, preventive medications, and potential specialized treatments. Costs for initial care, such as spaying/neutering, may add to the overall expenses. It is recommended to budget for these veterinary expenses to ensure the health and well-being of the Australian Terrier.


Join Our Pet-Loving Community

Get info from fellow pet owners, and help them by sharing your experiences, and get advice from experts and enthusiasts .

Share your pet's photos and stories
Get personalized breed recommendations
Ask questions and get answers from experts
Connect with local pet owners
Save your favorite breeds and articles

Join Now - It's Free!