Introduction

Short in stature but bursting with personality, the Australian Terrier is a spirited and devoted companion. True to its name, this lively terrier was born in Australia during the 1800s, created by blending several small terrier breeds from England, including the Cairn, Skye, and Yorkshire Terrier. The aim was to craft a nimble and tenacious dog capable of assisting Australian ranchers and farmers by vigilantly guarding their property against rodents and other pesky predators.

Since the 1850s, this breed has proudly carried the identity of the Australian Terrier, becoming the first native breed to earn official recognition in Australia. Across the globe, the American Kennel Club (AKC) formally acknowledged the Australian Terrier breed in 1960.

Standing about 10–11 inches tall at the shoulder, a fully grown Australian Terrier weighs in at a compact but sturdy 15–20 pounds.

Caring for an Australian Terrier

Australian Terriers are remarkably adaptable and thrive in a variety of living environments, provided their needs for companionship, consistent training, and daily exercise are met. These spirited dogs were originally bred for rodent hunting, so they are far from couch potatoes. Their small size makes them ideally suited for apartment living—so long as they receive ample physical activity and mental challenges to channel their boundless energy.

Australian Terrier Health Issues

Generally robust and healthy, Australian Terriers enjoy an average lifespan of 11–15 years. While they are not usually plagued by many serious health issues, a handful of joint-related conditions can occasionally affect the breed.

Luxating Patella

Like many small breeds, Australian Terriers can experience luxating patella, a condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal position. Signs include limping, a bowlegged stance, or a distinctive clicking noise when the knee bends.

Treatment depends on how severe the condition is—it may involve anti-inflammatory medications, weight management, restricted exercise, or, in the most serious cases, corrective surgery.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a painful condition where the hip joint starts to deteriorate and become inflamed, causing discomfort in the affected leg. This disease typically appears in Australian Terrier puppies younger than one year.

While rest and cool compresses can ease pain and reduce swelling, surgery is the definitive treatment. With the right surgical care and rehabilitation, affected dogs can regain a high quality of life with minimal long-term effects.

What To Feed an Australian Terrier

Feeding your Australian Terrier a premium commercial dog food that satisfies the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is crucial. When in doubt, your veterinarian is an excellent resource to help select the ideal diet for your furry friend.

How To Feed an Australian Terrier

For adult Australian Terriers, feeding two carefully measured meals daily works best. Puppies require more frequent nourishment, so three meals per day support their rapid growth and nutritional needs. Each meal should consist of a measured portion of kibble or canned wet food suited to your dog’s life stage—whether puppy, adult, or senior.

While treats can be a great way to reward your dog, be mindful not to overfeed by adding too many extras. Consider swapping commercial treats for healthy whole-food options, like small pieces of apples or carrots, to keep calorie intake balanced.

How Much Should You Feed an Australian Terrier?

The feeding guidelines on your chosen dog food package offer a great starting point, typically based on your dog’s weight. For personalized advice tailored to your Australian Terrier’s lifestyle and health, consult with your veterinarian.

If you notice sudden weight changes or other concerns, seek professional guidance promptly to ensure your dog stays in peak condition.

Nutritional Tips for Australian Terriers

Given this breed’s susceptibility to joint problems, your veterinarian might recommend joint supplements or specialized joint-health diets. Nevertheless, dogs eating a balanced, AAFCO-approved diet generally receive all the nutrients they need without extra supplementation.

Australian Terrier Personality and Temperament

Australian Terriers embody a confident and spirited temperament. Though naturally self-assured, they require early socialization and consistent training to comfortably navigate new environments—just like any thoughtful pup.

Breeders stress that Australian Terriers flourish through close bonds with their human families and are not suited to long bouts of isolation. Their energetic nature also makes them wonderful companions for children who can match their lively pace.

Australian Terrier Behavior

Ever alert, the Australian Terrier readily barks at strangers or unusual sounds, making them excellent watchdogs. Although they won’t remain silent sentries, patient and consistent training can help manage their barking.

Digging is another hallmark behavior of this breed. Bred to chase and capture vermin underground, digging comes naturally. If they resort to digging in your yard or garden when bored or detecting small animals, you can curb this by laying down rocks or chicken wire in problem areas. Alternatively, creating a special digging zone can satisfy their instinctual urge without damaging your landscaping.

With a robust prey drive rooted in their hunting heritage, Australian Terriers should never be let off-leash or allowed to roam unfenced areas unattended. Their keen nose and drive for work also shine in canine sports like scent detection, tracking, obedience, and agility, where they eagerly work alongside their owners.

Given the Australian Terrier’s strong prey drive from being bred to hunt rodents, it’s essential never to trust them off-leash or in an unfenced yard.

Australian Terrier Training

Australian Terriers flourish with positive reinforcement-based training methods. Their sharp minds and lively spirit make them eager learners, especially when training is engaging and fun.

Start socializing your Australian Terrier puppy promptly to help them thrive around new faces and environments. Your veterinarian can guide you on suitable socialization opportunities for your pup.

Fun Activities for Australian Terriers

• Earthdog trials
• Agility courses
• Leisurely neighborhood walks
• Nose work challenges
• Interactive play sessions
• Obedience training
• Rally competitions

Australian Terrier Grooming Guide

Boasting a dense double coat that appears in combinations of blue and tan, solid sandy, or solid red, the Australian Terrier’s coarse outer fur grows about 2–3 inches long. Fortunately, their grooming needs are straightforward and manageable.

Skin Care

Frequent baths are unnecessary and can dry out their skin, leading to flakiness. A bath every few months or when they get particularly dirty is plenty. Always check with your veterinarian for the best bathing routine suitable for your dog.

Coat Care

Maintaining your Australian Terrier’s coat is simple—regular weekly brushing removes tangles and debris, preventing mats in the undercoat and keeping your dog looking neat without needing professional grooming.

Eye Care

Though these dogs don’t require special eye care, you should routinely inspect their eyes for any unusual discharge or changes. Trim any fine hair around the eyes to avoid irritation and maintain comfort.

Ear Care

Keep the hair on the ears trimmed short, and routinely check ears during grooming for excess wax, smells, or signs of infection. Clean ears occasionally using a vet-approved cleaner to maintain ear health.

Considerations for Pet Parents

Australian Terriers are lively, affectionate dogs that demand consistent physical exercise, mental stimulation, and close companionship. They do poorly as solitary pets and should not be left alone for long stretches. Their quickness to alert you with barking at new sights and sounds is part of their charm but something to prepare for before bringing one home.

With proper training and socialization to channel their spirited, confident nature, Australian Terriers can become excellent partners in various canine competitions, such as agility and Earthdog trials. Their grooming demands are modest, and with thoughtful care and nutrition, this breed remains hearty and vibrant.

Are Australian Terriers good family dogs?

Absolutely! Australian Terriers make wonderful family pets due to their active and affectionate nature. They keep pace with active children, yet can also adapt well to calmer households if their exercise and mental engagement needs are met.

Is an Australian Terrier a Yorkie?

No, an Australian Terrier is not a Yorkshire Terrier, though the breeds share some traits because the Yorkshire Terrier was part of the Australian Terrier’s ancestral mix.

Typically, Australian Terriers are slightly larger—standing about 10 inches tall and weighing 15–20 pounds—compared to Yorkies, which usually measure 7-8 inches and weigh around 7 pounds.

Are Australian Terriers high-maintenance?

While not excessively high-maintenance, Australian Terriers require more physical activity and mental challenges than some breeds due to their working dog heritage. On the upside, they have relatively simple grooming needs and can adjust well to apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise.