Terrier Small size 5-7 kg
Australian Terrier
A small, spirited, adaptable terrier that is affectionate and trainable for its type, with a big personality in a tidy package.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Small
Size
5-7 kg · 25-28 cm
Moderate
Exercise needs
Moderate; a daily walk plus some play
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Copes with a normal workday if eased in
Trainable
Training
Eager and responsive to training
Moderate
Coat care
Weekly brushing keeps it tidy
Good
Fit with kids
Good, patient family dog
Moderate
Other pets
Usually fine with early socialization
Light
Health burden
Obesity, Luxating Patella
The Australian Terrier typically weighs 5-7 kg, stands 25-28 cm, and lives 12-15 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a small dog with a real dog's attitude, not a toy lapdog,
you like terrier spirit but want one of the more biddable ones,
apartment or house - it adapts, given daily walks and play,
you want a sturdy small companion for an older household or a family.
Do not consider this breed if…
you have free-roaming small pets - rats, rabbits, hamsters are prey to a terrier,
you dislike barking; it is an alert watchdog by design,
you expect off-leash reliability around squirrels,
a dug-up flowerbed would end the relationship.
A typical day with a Australian Terrier
- 7:00 · MorningBrisk 30 min walk, neighborhood inspection
- 9:00 · MidmorningNaps, guards the window between naps
- 12:30 · NoonShort walk or garden patrol
- 16:00 · AfternoonPlay session, trick training
- 18:30 · EveningSecond walk, then family time
- 21:30 · NightSleeps soundly, one ear on duty
Family and environment
Kids Good
Sturdy and playful with respectful kids.
Dogs Conditional
Usually fine, but won't back down if challenged.
Cats Conditional
Household cats OK when raised together; chases strays.
Apartment Suitable
Size fits well; manage the alert barking.
House with a yard Great fit
Expect digging; fence the vegetable beds.
City Good
Adaptable and portable urban companion.
Countryside Good
In its element - born vermin patrol.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Light
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Obesity Control the diet and keep weight in check
Luxating Patella Watch for a skipping gait; may need surgery
Allergies & Skin Issues Ongoing skin and diet management
Dental Disease Routine dental care and cleanings needed
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Close relative with a finer coat
Silky Terrier
A confident toy terrier with a fine, glamorous coat that needs steady grooming - lively company for owners who can handle a big personality.
View profile →
Similar rugged small working terrier
Cairn Terrier
A hardy, spirited little earthdog that stays busy and vocal - great for active owners who can handle a strong terrier prey drive.
View profile →
Compact, comparatively sociable terrier
Norwich Terrier
A cheerful, hardy little terrier that fits family life better than most of its cousins - but the prey drive, the rarity, and the price tag are all real.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does an Australian Terrier cost?
Reputable US breeders typically charge $1,200-$2,500; the breed is uncommon here, so expect waitlists rather than instant availability. Running costs are on the low end - roughly $1,000-$1,500 a year - but across a 12-15 year life that still totals $15,000-$20,000 or more, and diabetes or knee surgery can add thousands.
Australian Terrier vs Silky Terrier - what's the difference?
They share ancestry and are often confused. The Australian Terrier is the sturdier working earth dog with a harsh, weatherproof coat; the Silky is lighter, with a fine, silky coat closer to a Yorkshire Terrier's, and leans more toward companion life. The Aussie generally sheds less grooming time but carries more all-terrain terrier attitude.
Is it good for first-time dog owners?
One of the better terriers for a beginner: keen to work with its person, small enough to manage and less fiery than many of its cousins. It is still a terrier - consistent training, prey-drive management and bark control are required from day one, or the small dog quietly takes over the household.
Does the Australian Terrier bark a lot?
It is an alert barker: doorbells, delivery vans and passing dogs get announced. This is manageable with training and enough exercise, but it will never be a silent breed. Notably, its watchdog instinct is genuine - it just lacks the size to follow through.