Australian Terrier
Is apartment friendly Can live in small spaces Is suitable for city living Can live in hot weather Is good for seniors or low-activity homes Does shed a lot Is good with children Is good with cats Is good for first-time owners Is affectionate with family Is protective or territorial Is prone to separation anxiety Is a good guard dog Is prone to allergies Can be used as a therapy or service dog Can be trained for herding or hunting Is recognized by major kennel clubs 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:


Is Australian Terrier prone to allergies?

Is Australian Terrier a hypoallergenic breed?

What are common health issues in Australian Terrier?

How much does it cost to raise a Australian Terrier annually?

Does Australian Terrier drool a lot?

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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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Basic Info

What are the breed characteristics of Australian Terrier?

The Australian Terrier is a small and spirited breed known for its wiry coat and lively, affectionate personality. They are affectionate with family, good with young children, and get along well with other dogs. This breed is spirited, intelligent, self-assured, and courageous, with a high level of sensitivity. Australian Terriers are alert, confident, and were originally bred to hunt rodents. They are loyal and loving companions, suitable for both young kids and older individuals. These dogs are loving, playful, and always ready for new activities, thriving in active families that can properly socialize them. The breed is characterized by its small, solid build, long body and neck, short legs, intelligent-looking eyes, and pricked ears.


What is the average litter size of Australian Terrier?

The average litter size of Australian Terriers typically ranges from 2 to 6 puppies, with 4 puppies being the most common number. Some sources mention an average litter size of 4 puppies, while others state that litters can range from 1 to 12 puppies, with 5-6 puppies being average across all dog breeds. Australian Terriers are known to have litters of about 3-5 puppies on average, with few whelping problems. Additionally, the breed is described as spirited, alert, and courageous, with a lifespan of 11-14 years.


What does a Australian Terrier look like?

The Australian Terrier is a small and solid dog with a long body, short legs, and a medium-length double coat with a wiry texture. They have pointed upright ears, intelligent-looking eyes, and a topknot of soft, silky hair that contrasts with their otherwise harsh coat. Typically measuring around 25 centimeters in height and weighing approximately 6.5 kilograms, Australian Terriers come in various colors such as blue and tan. Known for their self-confidence and sturdy build, these terriers are lively companions with a lifespan of 12-15 years. They were originally bred as ratters and are skilled at catching snakes, often found in Australian mines.


What is the typical lifespan of Australian Terrier?

The Australian Terrier typically has a lifespan ranging from 11 to 15 years, with an average life expectancy of around 13 years. This breed is generally healthy and can live longer with proper care, attention to diet, and love from their owners. Common causes of death for Australian Terriers include cancer. They are known for their boundless energy, companionship, and small stature, making them a beloved pet for many years.


What is the origin of the Australian Terrier?

The Australian Terrier originated in Australia in the early 19th century, with its roots traced back to Tasmania. It is descended from rough-coated terriers brought from Great Britain by European settlers. The breed likely resulted from the breeding of various terrier breeds such as Yorkshire, Scottie, Norwich, Skye, Cairn, and Dandie Dinmont terriers. The Australian Terrier was developed in response to the need for tough, rough-coated working terriers to combat invasive rodent populations. The breed's history involves the spread of breeding efforts from Tasmania to Victoria and eventually to other parts of Australia. The Australian Terrier was eventually recognized by the American Kennel Club.


What is the average size of Australian Terrier?

The Australian Terrier is a small breed with an average weight ranging from 6.5 to 16 pounds and a height of 9.8 to 11 inches at the withers. They have a compact body with a medium-length shaggy double coat that is not typically trimmed. The breed's overall body length is around 18 to 20 inches, and they have a lifespan of 11 to 15 years. The repeated information across sources emphasizes the Australian Terrier's small stature, with males and females standing between 10 to 11 inches tall and weighing around 14 to 16 pounds.


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