Australian Terrier Overview
Origin: Australia
One of the first breeds developed in Australia, created by early settlers who crossed various British terriers to produce a hardy ratter suited to the harsh Australian bush. First shown in Melbourne in 1868.
The Australian Terrier is one of the first dog breeds developed in Australia, with origins in early colonial Sydney. This sturdy, confident small dog was developed to control rodents and other pests on farms and in settlements, combining terrier energy with Australian working-dog tenacity. These spirited, affectionate companions have thrived in Australian homes for over a century and remain popular today.
Australian Terriers are exceptionally loyal, affectionate, and genuinely devoted to their families. Despite their small size, they display significant courage and determination—typical of terrier breeds. They are intelligent, trainable, and respond well to positive reinforcement. Their rough coat is low-shedding and requires regular grooming but is not high-maintenance compared to other breeds. They are well-suited to Australia’s climate and have adapted to Australian life since their development.
These dogs are vocal—they bark readily and can be noisy, which may concern apartment dwellers. They retain prey drive toward small animals and are unsuitable for homes with cats or rodents. They make excellent family dogs, particularly for active families appreciating their spirited, engaging nature. They are suitable for first-time owners willing to manage their barking and prey drive.
Australian Terrier Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Australian Terrier temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Spirited, courageous, and affectionate, Australian Terriers are engaging companions with distinct personalities and genuine devotion to their families. Despite their small size, they display significant confidence and determination. They are intelligent, responsive, and eager to please but retain independent terrier nature. They are friendly with people and playful with family members.
With kids: Good; playful and tolerant; suitable for active families.
With pets: Poor with small animals due to prey drive; variable with other dogs; early socialisation important.
Key traits
Spirited, courageous, affectionate, intelligent, loyal
Barking
High; alert and vocal; prone to excessive barking; training important.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Australian Terrier scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Australian Terrier Right for You?
⚠️
Apartment
Small size suits apartments, but barking can disturb neighbours; training essential
✅
House with yard
Good; yard allows independent play and prey drive outlet
✅
First-time owner
Intelligent, trainable, affectionate; suitable with management of barking
✅
Renters
No breed restrictions; suitable for rental with understanding landlord re: barking
✅
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA)
Good; medium coat and small size suit hot climates
✅
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT)
Equally suitable; coat provides insulation
✅
Elderly/retired owners
Affectionate and moderate exercise suit retirees; good companions
⚠️
Working owners (8hrs alone)
Can manage with morning/evening exercise, but prone to separation anxiety and destructive behaviour
✅
Rural/acreage
Ideal for rural life; pest control heritage thrives in rural settings
✅
Active lifestyle
Suitable for active owners; enjoy varied activities and outdoor pursuits
Separation Anxiety: Moderate — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Australian Terrier Size & Appearance
Size
Small
Weight M
6–6.5 kg
Weight F
6–6.5 kg
Height
25–28 cm
Coat
Rough, medium-length, double coat
Colours
Blue and tan, sandy, red, black and tan
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Australian Terrier Health & Lifespan
14 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Knee joint dislocation
Est. treatment: $1000–$2000
Blood sugar regulation disorder
Est. treatment: $200–$500/month
High prevalence in small breeds
Est. treatment: $300–$1000
Spinal disc problems
Est. treatment: $1500–$3000
Progressive neurological degeneration
Est. treatment: $2000–$4000
Degenerative eye disease
Est. treatment: $800–$1500
Recommended Health Tests:
Patella evaluation, thyroid evaluation
Pet Insurance for Australian Terrier
Avg Annual Insurance: $650
Monthly Estimate: $30–$50/month; readily available; no breed restrictions.
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Australian Terrier
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Australian Terrier Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$800 - $2,500 |
| Food |
$1,300 |
| Vet |
$450 |
| Grooming |
$250 |
| Insurance |
$650 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$1,928 |
| Monthly |
$94 |
| LIFETIME (14 yrs) |
$26,992 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$26,992
Estimated lifetime cost (14 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Australian Terrier Grooming Guide
Frequency
2–3 times weekly brushing, quarterly hand-stripping
Brushing
Slicker brush, terrier comb, mat splitter
Professional Cost
$50–$80
Coat
Rough, medium-length, double coat
Shedding
★★☆☆☆/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Australian Terrier Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
50 minutes
Type
Walks, play, digging, hunting small pests
Energy
★★★★☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Australian Terrier
Trainability: ★★★☆☆/5
First-Time Owner: ★★★★☆/5
Intelligent, responsive, and eager to please, but retain strong terrier independence. Respond to positive reinforcement; can be stubborn. Early socialisation important. Enthusiastic about training when interested.
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Australian Terrier Feeding Guide
Annual Food Cost: $1,300
0.5–1 cup quality kibble daily, split into two meals. Small breed; maintain stable feeding to prevent hypoglycaemia. Quality protein 20–24% supports active nature.
Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias
Finding a Reputable Australian Terrier Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au) — Australian breed
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Australian Terrier in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Australian Terrier Rescue Australia (if active in your state)
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Australian Terrier — Frequently Asked Questions
Are Australian Terriers good for apartments?
Moderately. Small size suits apartments, but their barking can disturb neighbours. Training helps manage vocalisations.
How much grooming do Australian Terriers need?
Moderate. 2–3 times weekly brushing; hand-stripping quarterly. Rough coat requires maintenance but not excessive.
Can they live with cats or small pets?
No. High prey drive makes them unsuitable for small animals. Not recommended for multi-pet homes.
What's the annual cost to own an Australian Terrier in Australia?
Approximately $1400–$2000/year including food ($70–$100/month), grooming ($50–$80/visit, 6 visits/year), insurance ($30–$50/month), and veterinary care.
How much exercise do Australian Terriers need?
50–70 minutes daily including walks, play, and mental stimulation. Moderate-energy; suitable for fairly active owners.
Do Australian Terriers get along with other dogs?
Variable. Early socialisation important; some are friendly, others territorial. Not ideal for homes with dominant dogs.
How long do Australian Terriers live?
12–15 years, typically 13–14 years with good care.
Are they good for first-time owners?
Yes, with willingness to manage barking and prey drive. Intelligent, trainable, and affectionate; good choice for committed novices.
What health issues should I be concerned about?
Patellar luxation, dental disease, intervertebral disc disease, and progressive retinal atrophy. Dental care important; buy from health-tested parents.
What makes Australian Terriers unique?
One of the first breeds developed in Australia, bred specifically for Australian conditions. Over 130 years of breeding history in Australia.
