Introduction
Short in stature but bursting with charisma, the Australian Terrier is an energetic and spirited companion. True to its name, this terrier originated in Australia in the 1800s through the careful crossbreeding of several small English terrier breeds, including the Cairn, Skye, and Yorkshire Terrier. The aim was to create a tenacious and agile dog capable of helping Australian ranchers and farmers protect their lands from rodents and other intruders.
Since the 1850s, this breed has carved out its own distinct identity as the Australian Terrier, proudly becoming the first native breed officially recognized in Australia. The breed gained recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1960, cementing its reputation internationally.
An adult Australian Terrier stands about 10–11 inches tall at the shoulder and typically weighs between 15 and 20 pounds.
Caring for an Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are wonderfully adaptable, thriving in a variety of environments as long as their needs for companionship, training, and exercise are fulfilled. These spirited dogs, bred for hunting rodents, demand more activity than just lounging on the couch. Their compact size makes them excellent candidates for apartment living—provided they receive plenty of physical exercise and mental challenges.
Australian Terrier Health Issues
Generally healthy, Australian Terriers boast an average lifespan of 11 to 15 years. While they don’t commonly face serious health problems, certain joint-related conditions have been known to appear within the breed.
Luxating Patella
Similar to many small dog breeds, Australian Terriers can experience luxating patella, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place. Signs may include limping, a bowlegged posture, or a distinctive popping or cracking noise when the knee moves.
Treatment varies with severity and may involve anti-inflammatory medications, careful weight management, limiting activity, or surgical intervention in more severe cases.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease affects the hip joint by causing the bone to deteriorate and inflame, resulting in discomfort when the dog moves the affected leg. This condition typically arises in Australian Terrier puppies younger than one year.
While rest and cold therapy can help ease pain and swelling, surgical correction is the definitive solution. With timely surgery and follow-up rehabilitation, most dogs regain a high quality of life with minimal lasting effects.
What To Feed an Australian Terrier
Feeding your Australian Terrier a premium-quality commercial dog food that complies with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards is key. If you’re uncertain about the best options, consult your veterinarian for tailored dietary recommendations.
How To Feed an Australian Terrier
Adult Australian Terriers thrive on two measured meals daily. Puppies benefit from three smaller meals to support their rapid growth and nutritional needs. Feed measured portions of kibble or canned food suited to their life stage—puppy, adult, or senior—to maintain optimal health.
While treats are a great way to reward good behavior, avoid overindulgence to prevent weight gain. Instead, consider offering wholesome treats like small chunks of apple or carrots as a nutritious alternative to commercial snacks.
How Much Should You Feed an Australian Terrier?
Feeding guidelines on dog food packaging, based on your dog’s weight, are a helpful starting point. Your veterinarian can provide personalized advice to ensure portion sizes meet your Australian Terrier’s specific needs.
If you notice sudden weight changes or want expert guidance tailored to your dog’s lifestyle, consult your vet promptly.
Nutritional Tips for Australian Terriers
Given their predisposition to joint issues, your vet may recommend joint supplements or special diets designed to support joint health. However, a balanced AAFCO-approved diet usually supplies all necessary nutrients without additional supplementation.
Australian Terrier Personality and Temperament
Australian Terriers shine with a confident, spirited temperament. Like any breed, they benefit immensely from early socialization and training to navigate new environments with ease.
This breed forms strong bonds with their human families and thrives on constant companionship. Australian Terriers do not fare well when left alone for long stretches. Their high energy and lively nature make them excellent playmates for children.
Australian Terrier Behavior
Ever-alert, the Australian Terrier will readily bark to announce the arrival of strangers or unexpected sounds. While not guaranteed to be a quiet guard dog, consistent training can help moderate excessive barking.
Digging is another hallmark of this breed, rooted in their history as hunters of burrowing prey. If left unsupervised in the yard, they may dig for fun or to chase after underground animals. To discourage destructive digging, you can place rocks or chicken wire over problem spots, or better yet, create a dedicated digging area to channel this natural behavior constructively.
The Australian Terrier’s strong prey drive means off-leash freedom should be limited to safely enclosed spaces. Their skills make them exceptional candidates for scent detection, tracking events, and they excel in obedience and agility competitions due to their eager work ethic.
Because the Australian Terrier was bred to hunt rodents, it’s no surprise they possess a strong prey drive. This is a breed that should never be trusted off-leash or in an unfenced area.
Australian Terrier Training
Positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of effective Australian Terrier training. Their keen intelligence and abundant energy make them quick learners, especially when training is engaging and feels like a game.
Begin socializing your Australian Terrier puppy right away. Your veterinarian can help identify appropriate socialization opportunities to build confidence and good manners.
Fun Activities for Australian Terriers
- Earthdog trials
- Agility courses
- Neighborhood walks
- Nose work games
- Interactive play sessions
- Obedience training
- Rally competitions
Australian Terrier Grooming Guide
The Australian Terrier sports a distinctive double coat available in blue and tan, solid sandy, or solid red shades. Their coarse outer coat, around 2–3 inches in length, requires relatively low maintenance.
Skin Care
Frequent baths are not recommended, as they can strip natural oils, leaving the skin dry and flaky. A bath every few months or as needed when the dog becomes particularly dirty is sufficient. Consult your veterinarian for the best bathing routine.
Coat Care
Professional grooming is generally unnecessary to keep the Australian Terrier’s coat looking its best. A weekly brushing helps remove tangles, dirt, and loose hair, while preventing matting of the dense undercoat.
Eye Care
While specific eye care needs are minimal, regularly inspect the eyes for unusual discharge or irritation. Keep fine hairs trimmed around the eyes to help avoid discomfort.
Ear Care
Trim the hair on and around the ears to prevent excessive buildup. Check ears regularly during grooming sessions for wax accumulation, odors, or signs of infection. Clean ears as needed with products recommended by your veterinarian.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Australian Terriers are spirited, affectionate dogs that require consistent exercise, mental stimulation, and close interaction with their human families. They do not thrive in isolation and should not be left alone for long periods. Known for their alertness, they tend to bark at unfamiliar sights and sounds, so prospective owners should be prepared for this lively behavior.
Bringing home an Australian Terrier means committing to proper training and socialization to channel their zest and self-confidence in positive ways. This breed is an excellent partner in dog sports like agility and Earthdog trials. With minimal grooming needs and the right nutrition, Australian Terriers are robust, lively companions ready to enrich your life.
Are Australian Terriers good family dogs?
Absolutely! Australian Terriers make wonderful family pets because of their lively nature and devotion to their human companions. They can effortlessly keep pace with active children but also adjust to calmer homes given enough exercise and mental activity.
Is an Australian Terrier a Yorkie?
No, the Australian Terrier is a distinct breed, although it shares some traits with the Yorkshire Terrier due to its ancestral ties.
Australian Terriers are generally larger, standing about 10 inches tall and weighing 15 to 20 pounds. In contrast, Yorkshire Terriers usually measure 7 to 8 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 7 pounds.
Are Australian Terriers high-maintenance?
Australian Terriers are not considered high-maintenance but do require more physical and mental exercise than some breeds, reflecting their active farming heritage. Their grooming needs are straightforward, and they can adapt well to apartment living if given enough activity.
