Australian TerrierVSBull Terrier

The Australian Terrier is known for being spirited, affectionate, courageous, while the Bull Terrier is typically described as playful, mischievous, exuberant. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Bull Terrier tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the Australian Terrier's 4/5. Expect the Bull Terrier to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Australian Terrier is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Bull Terrier is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Bull Terrier may be the better choice.

The Australian Terrier is a small breed standing 23–28 cm (9–11 in) tall and weighing 6–7 kg (13–15 lbs). In comparison, the Bull Terrier is a medium breed at 53–56 cm (21–22 in) and 22–32 kg (49–71 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Bull Terrier is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Australian Terrier's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Australian Terrier has a wiry coat available in blue and tan, sandy, red, while the Bull Terrier sports a short coat in white, brindle, red, fawn, tricolor. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Australian Terrier has high energy (4/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Bull Terrier has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Bull Terrier, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Australian Terrier is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

For apartment dwellers, the Australian Terrier is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Bull Terrier's 3/5. The Bull Terrier generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (2/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

The Australian Terrier demands more grooming attention with a score of 2/5, while the Bull Terrier is lower-maintenance at 1/5. The Australian Terrier's wiry coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $150 for the Australian Terrier and $100 for the Bull Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Australian Terrier has a lifespan of 11–15 years, while the Bull Terrier lives 11–14 years. The Australian Terrier tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Australian Terrier scores 4/5 compared to the Bull Terrier's 3/5. The Australian Terrier is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Australian Terrier include patellar luxation, diabetes, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, allergies. The Bull Terrier is prone to deafness, heart disease, kidney disease, patellar luxation. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $400 for the Australian Terrier and $500 for the Bull Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Australian Terrier is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Bull Terrier scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Australian Terrier ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Australian Terrier outranks the Bull Terrier with a score of 4/5 compared to 3/5. The Australian Terrier tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Australian Terrier leans toward obedience intelligence — quickly learning and responding to commands from their handler. The Bull Terrier, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

The Australian Terrier's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (4/5 vs 3/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

For families with children, the Australian Terrier is the stronger choice, scoring 4/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Bull Terrier's 3/5. The Australian Terrier's spirited nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Australian Terrier tends to get along better with other dogs (3/5) than the Bull Terrier (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Australian Terrier is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The initial purchase price for a Australian Terrier ranges from $1,000–$2,000, while a Bull Terrier typically costs $1,200–$3,500. The Bull Terrier is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $850 for the Australian Terrier and $1,260 for the Bull Terrier. The Bull Terrier costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $25 for the Australian Terrier and $55 for the Bull Terrier. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.