Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier was the first native breed to be officially recognized in its homeland and the first Australian breed to be recognized abroad. Developed by British settlers in the 19th century from rough-coated terriers, these dogs were trained to suss out snakes in rural areas and vermin on ships. Resilient and affectionate, they became companion dogs, first arriving in the U.S. in the early 20th century.

Australian Terrier dogs can be feisty and need an owner who can balance out their spirit with a sense of calm and quiet. Owners should enjoy training, enjoy a long walk, and have plenty of energy to keep up with this breed. The Australian Terrier breed desires to be around people, so someone who is home most of the day or can take their pet with them is ideal.

The Aussie Terrier is high-energy and requires regular exercise to prevent them from becoming bored, which can lead to behavioral problems. Play sessions, games, long walks, and hikes are all recommended. When off-leash, it’s best to be vigilant on their behalf as their terrier instincts can take over if they see something they like and they might become selective in their hearing.

Australian Terriers don’t need much space and can do well in suburban and rural areas, as well as the city if they have access to lots of walks and potty time. They love to be outside, so a fenced-in yard where they can sniff and explore is key. Just make sure it’s secure on the bottom—they are known diggers!

The double coat of the Australian Terrier dog is weatherproof and does a decent job of keeping dirt and mud at bay, making them pretty easy to maintain. Frequent brushing and spot-checking of the hair between their eyes to ensure they can see well is recommended. Bathing should be kept to a minimum as this softens their harsh coat and can make their skin irritated and flaky.

Australian Terrier dogs are typical overachievers—they seek praise and love to show off. They are clever and learn fairly quickly; however, they can become easily bored with repetition. Training sessions should be kept relatively short. They are independent thinkers, so firm yet consistent training with an emphasis on positive reinforcement is the best path forward with them.

Aussie Terriers make good family pets if they get the attention and exercise they need. These dogs do not like to be left alone, so a family who is around during the day is ideal. They do best with older children or families with no children.

The cost of an Australian Terrier from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.