Australian Terrier — breed guide
The first breed developed in Australia to be recognised abroad — bred to kill snakes and rats around remote homesteads.
At a glance
- Group
- terrier
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 6–7 kg (13–15 lb)
- Life span
- 11–15 years
- Coat
- Harsh, straight double coat with a ruff
Living with a Australian Terrier
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Light grooming — a brush now and then.
- Light shedding.
- Quick to learn.
- Barks readily.
- Good with children.
- Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Handles warm weather well.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Spirited · Self-assured · Loyal · Alert
Health to watch
- Diabetes mellitus
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Allergies
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Australian Terrier good with kids?
Generally yes. Australian Terriers are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Australian Terrier good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Australian Terrier need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Australian Terrier handle hot weather?
It copes well with warm days.
Leash Life keeps a Australian Terrier's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.