Australian Terrier
Find Australian Terrier Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Australian Terrier puppies available.
Find Australian Terrier BreedersGet to Know Australian Terriers
- Small but Mighty Hunters: Despite their small size, Australian Terriers were bred to hunt vermin and snakes. Their fearless nature and sharp instincts make them excellent pest controllers!
- Big Personalities in a Tiny Package: Australian Terriers are known for their confidence and spunky attitude. They often act like much bigger dogs, showing bravery and independence that can surprise their owners!
- Weather-Resistant Coats: Their rough, double-layered coat isn’t just for looks — it protects them from harsh weather and rough terrain, making them well-suited for outdoor adventures.
- Deeply Loyal and Affectionate: While they have a strong independent streak, Australian Terriers form incredibly deep bonds with their families. They thrive on companionship and can be quite sensitive to their owner’s emotions.
- Low Shedding, High Maintenance: Their wiry coat doesn’t shed much, making them a great choice for those who dislike excessive fur around the house. However, they need regular hand-stripping or brushing to prevent matting and keep their coat looking its best.
Breed History
The first of the Australian breeds to be recognized and exhibited in its native land, this breed made its debut in 1868 Descended from British terriers like the Cairn, Skye, and Yorkshire Terrier, they were bred to be tough, all-purpose working dogs. Their primary role was vermin control on farms and mines, where they hunted rodents and snakes. Despite their rugged nature, they were also valued as loyal companions. Their weather-resistant coat and fearless spirit made them well-suited for Australia’s harsh conditions. Today, they are beloved for their intelligence, adaptability, and affectionate personalities.
Personality and Behaviour
- Spunky & Brave: Originally bred to hunt vermin and snakes, they have a bold, fearless nature. They may be small, but they act like big dogs when it comes to confidence!
- Intelligent & Trainable: They are smart and eager to please, but their independent terrier nature means they may try to do things their own way. Positive reinforcement works best in training.
- Loyal & Affectionate: They form strong bonds with their families and love being involved in daily activities. Despite their independent streak, they crave companionship.
- Alert & Watchful: Australian Terriers make great little watchdogs. They are quick to alert their owners to anything unusual, though they’re not typically aggressive.
- Energetic & Playful: They have a lively, fun-loving side and enjoy playtime, walks, and interactive toys. They need regular exercise to stay happy and avoid boredom.
Care
- Grooming: Their weather-resistant, rough coat doesn’t shed much but benefits from weekly brushing with a bristle brush or a comb to prevent tangles and remove dirt. Unlike other breeds, their coat should not be clipped, as this can alter its texture—hand-stripping (removing dead hairs by hand) a few times a year helps maintain its natural look. Regular baths aren’t necessary unless they get particularly dirty, but routine ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are essential.
- Exercise: Though small, Australian Terriers are active and energetic dogs that need daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They love interactive toys, agility training, and even digging (a natural terrier trait!). A secure yard or leash walking is important since they have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals.
- General Care: They thrive on consistent training and positive reinforcement but can have a stubborn streak. Socialization from a young age helps them develop into well-mannered companions. They also form strong bonds with their families and don’t do well if left alone for long periods, as they can develop separation anxiety.
Australian Terrier Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Australian Terrier Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Eye Exam | Should have annual eye examinations |
| Autoimmune Thyroiditis | Should have an Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved lab |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. Minimum age 1 year. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own an Australian Terrier Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning an Australian Terrier is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Australian Terrier
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Australian Terrier puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Australian Terrier, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether an Australian Terrier is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
