Australian Terrier
Known in French as Terrier Australien
- Height at the withers
- 25 to 28 cm
- Weight
- 7 to 9 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Australia
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- a home with cats
Overview
A small, sturdy terrier with a harsh double coat and a distinctive topknot, known for its keen, alert expression and its courageous personality.
History and origins
Developed in Australia in the 19th century from British terrier breeds including the Cairn, the Skye and the Yorkshire Terrier. Bred as an all-round exterminator of rodents and snakes, and as a loyal watchdog.
Health
Life expectancy is 11 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Diabetes mellitus
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Skin allergies
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Low shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Australian Terrier FAQ
How big does the Australian Terrier get?
The Australian Terrier stands 25 to 28 cm at the withers and weighs 7 to 9 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Australian Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide.
Can the Australian Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Australian Terrier need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Australian Terrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Australian Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 11 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and diabetes mellitus.
