Australian Terrier
A sturdy, low-set working terrier developed in Australia for pest control and companionship. Aussie Terriers are spirited, affectionate, and surprisingly courageous for their small size.
smallTerrierAustraliaspiritedaffectionatecourageousalert
Quick Stats
Weight
6–7 kg (13–15 lbs)
Height
23–28 cm (9–11 in)
Lifespan
11–15 years
Coat Type
wiry
AKC Popularity
#115
Good For
Apartments, Seniors, Families
Breed Ratings
Personality
Intelligence
4/5
Trainability
4/5
Playfulness
4/5
Energy Level
4/5
Social
Good with Kids
4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
Good with Strangers
3/5
Lifestyle
Apartment Friendly
5/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
Watchdog Ability
5/5
Barking Level
4/5
Care
Shedding
2/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
Health Robustness
4/5
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price
$1,000–$2,000
Monthly Food
$25
Annual Vet
$400
Annual Grooming
$150
Est. First Year Total
~$2,350
Est. Annual Total
~$850
Looking for Australian Terrier name ideas?
Browse 100+ name ideas organized by gender and category.
Common Health Issues
patellar luxationdiabetesLegg-Calve-Perthes diseaseallergies
Health robustness rating: 4/5. Australian Terriers are generally healthy dogs with fewer breed-specific health concerns than average.
Compare Australian Terrier with Other Breeds
Australian Terrier vs French Bulldog
See the full comparison →
Australian Terrier vs Labrador Retriever
See the full comparison →
Australian Terrier vs Golden Retriever
See the full comparison →
Australian Terrier vs German Shepherd
See the full comparison →
Australian Terrier vs Poodle
See the full comparison →
Australian Terrier vs Bulldog
See the full comparison →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Australian Terrier cost?
A Australian Terrier puppy typically costs $1,000–$2,000. The estimated first-year cost including food, vet visits, and grooming is around $2,350, with ongoing annual costs of approximately $850.
How long do Australian Terriers live?
Australian Terriers have an average lifespan of 11 to 15 years. Common health concerns include patellar luxation, diabetes, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, allergies.
Are Australian Terriers good with kids?
Australian Terriers score 4/5 for being good with children. They are generally excellent family dogs and get along well with children of all ages.
Do Australian Terriers shed a lot?
Australian Terriers have a shedding level of 2/5. They are relatively low shedders but still need occasional grooming.
Are Australian Terriers good for apartments?
Australian Terriers score 5/5 for apartment friendliness. They adapt very well to apartment living and don't require a large yard.