Is the Australian Terrier a good family dog?
Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are small, spirited and affectionate dogs with the confidence and determination typical of a working terrier. Intelligent, alert and adaptable, they form close bonds with their families and can make lively companions for both city and country households when given appropriate exercise, training and mental stimulation.
| Recommended for | Active singles, couples and families |
| Breed Classification | Terriers |
| Other names | Aussie Terrier, Aussie |
| Lifespan | Approximately 12-15 years |
| Size | Small |
| Temperament | Alert, affectionate, loyal, courageous |
| Intelligence | High: clever, quick learners with an independent terrier streak |
| Tendency to bark | High: alert watchdogs who are quick to bark at unfamiliar sights and sounds |
| Maintenance Level | Low to to moderate: regular brushing, daily activity and ongoing training |
| Health Risk | Australian Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but can be predisposed to patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, diabetes, allergies, eye conditions and hypothyroidism. |
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Explore the Top 5 health issues claimed for Australian Terriers, including highest claims paid and how much pet insurance could help you save on eligible vet bills.
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Australian Terrier personality and temperament
Australian Terriers are confident, alert and affectionate dogs with plenty of classic terrier character. They are intelligent and often eager to interact with their owners, although their independent nature can sometimes make them strong-willed. They tend to form close bonds with their families and generally prefer being involved in household life rather than spending long periods alone.
Originally bred for vermin control and other work around Australian farms and properties, they retain a strong prey drive and are naturally alert to unfamiliar people, animals and sounds. This can make them effective little watchdogs, although early socialisation and consistent training can help prevent excessive barking or over-reactivity.
Australian Terriers with kids and other pets
Well-socialised Australian Terriers can make affectionate family companions and often do well with respectful children. Because they are small but confident, interactions with very young children should be supervised to protect both the dog and child.
Australian Terriers have a strong hunting instinct, so homes with rabbits, guinea pigs or other small pets need secure separation and careful management. Socialisation does not guarantee that a dog will be safe around smaller animals.
Australian Terrier training and exercise
Australian Terriers are active dogs that need daily physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. Around 45–60 minutes of exercise per day is generally appropriate for a healthy adult, combining walks, play and training, although individual needs vary with age, health and temperament. Activities such as agility, scent work, Earthdog, obedience and interactive games can provide useful outlets for their energy and natural working instincts.
They are intelligent and generally responsive to training, although their independent terrier nature can make them stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement, varied training sessions and early socialisation tend to work well. Because of their strong prey drive, use a lead outside securely enclosed areas. Practise recall regularly, but remember that the instinct to chase can override training.
| Energy level | High: active, lively terriers |
| Exercise requirements | High; around 45–60 minutes of daily activity like walks, play and short training sessions |
Common health issues for Australian Terriers
What do Australian Terrier owners claim for the most?
Australian Terriers are generally considered a healthy breed, but they can be predisposed to several joint, endocrine, skin and eye conditions.
- Patella luxation: The kneecap slips out of its normal position, potentially causing intermittent lameness, pain and arthritis.
- Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease: A condition in which reduced blood supply causes degeneration of the head of the femur. It typically develops in young dogs and may require surgery in more severe cases.
- Diabetes mellitus: Australian Terriers have an increased predisposition to diabetes. Signs can include drinking and urinating more than usual, increased appetite and unexplained weight loss. Dogs showing these signs should see a vet. Treatment usually involves ongoing insulin therapy, a consistent feeding routine and regular monitoring.
- Allergic skin disease: This can cause itching, redness, recurrent skin or ear irritation and hair loss.
- Inherited or age-related eye conditions, including cataracts: Responsible breeders may undertake regular eye examinations as part of health screening.
- Hypothyroidism: Caused by insufficient thyroid hormone production and associated with signs such as lethargy, weight gain and skin or coat changes.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
How to choose the right insurance for your Australian Terrier
When comparing cover for your Australian Terrier, look for:
Cover for common Australian Terrier conditions:
Check that the policy covers conditions Australian Terriers can be prone to, including common health issues.
Cover for hereditary conditions:
No exclusions for hereditary or congenital conditions⑅.
Flexible cover options:
Options to adjust your annual benefit limit, reimbursement rate and excess.
Bow Wow Meow's Nose-to-Tail Cover offers flexible options for your Australian Terrier, with cover for accidental injuries, illnesses and hereditary conditions⑅. Get a quick quote for cover that suits your Australian Terrier and your budget.
Australian Terrier feeding and nutrition
Australian Terriers should be fed a complete and balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, activity level and health. Puppies should receive a nutritionally complete food formulated for growth, while adults and seniors should be fed a diet suited to their life stage.
Because Australian Terriers can gain excess weight if overfed, monitor their body condition and portion treats appropriately. Include treats in your dog’s daily food allowance, especially when using food rewards for training. Speak to your vet if you have questions about your dog’s diet, weight or individual nutritional needs.
Australian Terrier care and grooming
Australian Terriers have relatively low grooming requirements. Their harsh, weather-resistant double coat sheds relatively little and generally needs brushing about once a week to remove loose hair, debris and tangles, with extra attention when the coat collects debris or develops tangles. Longer hairs around the eyes, ears, feet and tail may need occasional tidying. Ask a groomer for help with coat tidying if needed, particularly around sensitive areas.
Bathing is usually only required when the dog is dirty. Very frequent shampooing may dry the skin and soften the characteristic harsh outer coat, so use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid unnecessary bathing. Include nail checks and regular tooth brushing in your dog’s care routine.
Size, appearance and coat of Australian Terriers
The Australian Terrier is a small, sturdy, low-set dog with a body slightly longer than its height. It has a long, strong head, small erect ears and dark brown, oval eyes with an alert expression.
Its weather-resistant double coat consists of a harsh, straight outer coat around 6 cm long over a short, soft undercoat. A distinctive ruff surrounds the neck and chest, while a softer topknot covers the head. Recognised colours include blue or blue-grey with rich tan markings, clear sandy and red.
| Weight range | Approximately 6.5 kg for males, females slightly lighter |
| Height range | Approximately 25 cm for males, females slightly shorter |
| Colours | Blue, steel blue or dark grey-blue with tan; clear sandy or red |
| Coat length | Medium: a harsh, straight outer coat approximately 6 cm long over a soft undercoat |
Breed history of Australian Terriers
The Australian Terrier developed during the 19th century from rough-coated British terriers brought to Australia by settlers. Early dogs were valued for controlling vermin, alerting households to visitors and providing companionship in demanding conditions.
Rough-coated terriers were exhibited in Melbourne in 1868, and the Australian Rough Coated Terrier Club formed there in 1889. Selective breeding gradually established the distinctive Australian Terrier recognised today.
Explore related breeds
Australian Terrier facts!
- The Australian Terrier is one of Australia’s original working dogs, of the same vintage as Cattle dogs.
- The breed was developed in response to the general need for a hunter of small pests and rodents throughout the country, particularly the Bubonic Plague carrying rat and those which destroyed grain and other food stocks.
- They were originally called “Rough Coated Terriers”, and the Australian Rough Coated Terrier Club formed in Melbourne in around 1889.
- A 35-cent Australian stamp released in 1980 featured an Australian Terrier adult and puppy playing with a ball of yarn.
- The softer hair on the head is called a topknot, contrasting with the harsh body coat.
- The breed can adapt to most climates.
Summary
The Australian Terrier is a small, energetic and affectionate dog with a tough, adaptable terrier character. Friendly and intelligent, it enjoys pleasing its family but also has the confidence and determination typical of a working terrier.
Australian Terriers can make lively companions for singles and families, but they may be bossy and vocal when they want attention. Their courage, alertness and protective nature also make them effective little watchdogs. Prospective owners should be comfortable managing barking, providing secure spaces for exercise and taking care around smaller pets.
FAQs about the Australian Terrier
They can be lively, affectionate family companions, particularly for owners who enjoy an energetic, confident terrier personality.
A healthy adult will often benefit from around 45–60 minutes of daily activity, combining walks, play and training. Adjust this to your dog’s age, health and fitness, and provide opportunities for mental stimulation.
They are intelligent but can be independent or strong-willed, so patient, consistent reward-based training and early socialisation are important.
They can be quite vocal, particularly when alerting, excited, bored or under-stimulated, so early training can help manage unnecessary barking.
Australian Terriers are low-shedding dogs, although they do lose some hair. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and maintain their wiry double coat.
They can adapt to apartment living in the right circumstances, but owners need to meet their daily exercise, enrichment and behavioural needs consistently. Their barking can affect neighbours.
They can live well with respectful children and other dogs, but terrier prey drive may make small pets tempting to chase and dog-to-dog compatibility varies.
Potential health concerns include patellar luxation, diabetes, skin problems and some eye conditions.
Yes. Australian Terriers were originally bred to hunt rats, snakes and other vermin, and many retain a strong instinct to chase small animals. Secure fencing, recall training and supervision around small pets are therefore important.
SEE MORE
Australian Terrier Club of NSW: http://atcnswinc.webstarts.com/
Australian Terrier Club of QLD: http://www.aussieterrierclubqld.com/
Australian Terrier Club of Victoria Inc: http://atcvic.org/
Australian Terrier Club of SA: http://www.atcsa.yolasite.com/
Australian Terrier Club of America: http://www.australianterrier.org/
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