Australian Terrier
A small, hardy Australian terrier with a ruff around its neck, a confident nature and a strong instinct to chase.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at the withers
- 24–26 cm
- Weight
- 6–7 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- 45–60 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Rough, Double coat, medium
- Colours
- Blue, Tan, Red, Wheaten
- Bred for
- Terrier work, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Australia
- FCI
- Group 3, no. 8 · Terriers
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 2/5 – Low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 4/5 – High |
| Suits apartment living | 4/5 – High |
| Adaptability | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with cold | 3/5 – Moderate |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a small, robust and adaptable dog
- live in a flat or small house
- enjoy a dog with plenty of character
Think twice if you …
- keep small pets such as rodents or birds
- need a quiet dog
- expect perfect off-lead recall
Care
Temperament
Confident, spirited and affectionate, with a loyal attachment to its household. Alert and quick to bark at anything unusual.
Exercise
About an hour of daily walking and play is enough; it enjoys scent games, earthdog activities and short training challenges.
Grooming
The harsh coat needs a weekly brush and occasional tidying or stripping; it sheds little.
Training
Fairly eager to learn with positive, consistent methods, though its chase instinct can override recall outdoors.
Health
Patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and diabetes are among the conditions seen in the breed. Ask the breeder for knee and eye results on both parents.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Kneecaps (patella)
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Australian Terrier was developed in the nineteenth century from rough-coated terriers brought by British settlers. Farmers and miners needed a small, tough dog to kill snakes and rodents and to warn of intruders, and this breed filled that role around homesteads.
Today it is a sturdy, affectionate companion that adapts well to town or country life. It likes to be near its people and enjoys walks, play and having something to investigate. Like most terriers it can be vocal and keen on chasing, but it is usually easier-going than its size and history might suggest.
Did you know?
In 1960 the Australian Terrier became the first Australian breed recognised by the American Kennel Club.