Australian Terrier
澳洲㹴
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Australian Terrier is a small, sturdy, rough-coated working terrier put together by 19th-century settlers from British terriers to kill rats and snakes and keep watch on remote homesteads — the first Australian breed to be recognised in its homeland. Plucky, spirited and self-confident, with a soft silky topknot and a bit of the clown about it, it is friendly and affectionate with its family, good with children and older people, easy to live with in town or country, and its harsh weatherproof coat needs little more than a weekly brush. It is still a hunter: fence the garden and keep it on a lead.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 25–28cm |
| Weight | 6.8–9.1kg |
| Life expectancy | 11–15years |
| Breed group | AKC: terrier FCI: 3 |
| Role | Terrier |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 1/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 2/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 4/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (a hip condition of small breeds) is reported in the breed. Ask your vet if a young dog shows hind-leg lameness.
Skin and allergy problems
Skin problems and allergies are commonly reported in the breed. Ask your vet if you notice itching, redness or recurring ear/skin infections.
Diabetes
Diabetes is reported at higher rates in the breed. Ask your vet if your dog drinks or urinates more than usual.
Behaviour
Tough, smart, cheeky — and friendly with people
The CKC describes the Aussie as tough, smart, alert and courageous with a healthy helping of self-confidence, noted for being friendly and affectionate with humans; though spunky and spirited, its exercise needs are easily met by the average owner. The AKC calls it plucky and lively, a quick study in training that excels in performance events and adapts to most situations.
Never off lead; short, varied training
The AKC warns that an Aussie should never run loose: its hunting instinct is very strong, it may bolt after a cat or squirrel and pursue it so far it cannot find its way home, so play in a securely fenced yard and walk on a lead. Boredom leads to undesirable behaviour, so give it daily play; it is an independent thinker easily bored with routine, so training sessions will be short whether you like it or not, and a firm, consistent approach with treats, toys or praise works best.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Australian Terrier
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Australian Terrier (Terriers)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Australian Terrier
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 12 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Australian Terrier (standard no. 8, group 3)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club describes the Aussie as a small, spirited, self-confident preservation breed that can be a bit of a clown; developed as companions, Aussies are happiest in close contact with their families, most are good with children as well as senior citizens, and they suit town or country living equally. Its breeder listings expect responsible breeders to follow the latest CHIC testing recommendations before every breeding.”
— Australian Terrier Club of America via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Australian Terrier — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Australian Terrier — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Australian Terrier — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Australian Terrier — FCI standard no. 8 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Australian Terrier Club of America — The Australian Terrier (breed introduction) — Australian Terrier Club of America (public breed pages) (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.