Some people joke about the 'terrier' name deriving from the word 'terror'. Whatever its origins, to avoid terror from your terrier, it is vitally important that you provide them with mental stimulation, daily exercise and good leadership.
Like most other terrier breeds, the Australian Terrier tends to be bossy and will nudge or bark at you until they get what they want. Don't be fooled by their innocent looks and adorable head tilt - they will take over your household if you let them!
Australian Terriers consider a game of chase to be great fun, and at the park they will want to chase a ball or other dogs around for hours. With their boundless energy, they can also excel in agility or other dog sports.
These balls of fun are more suitable for households with no kids as they tend to be a little bit wary of children and their bossy temperament can be too pushy for some children.
Weight: | 5.5-7 kg |
Health risk: | Medium |
Life expectancy: | 12-15 years |
Coat: | Medium |
Grooming intensity: | Medium |
Monthly cost (food): | Low |
Trainability: | High |
Activity level: | Very high |
There are many sources to get your Australian Terrier from. Considering the number of homeless dogs without a future, we strongly encourage you to consider rescuing a dog. Your local shelter or rescue organisation can be a helpful place to start, or try contacting your local or national breed club or a reputable breeder and asking if they have pets available for rehoming. Many rescue organisations have active Facebook pages, which can also be a good place to enquire.
Here are some links that could be useful for finding an Australian Terrier to adopt:
To help your rescued Australian Terrier to settle into your home, our Rescue Dog Guide gives you tips and advice on bringing your rescue dog home.
If you decide you’d prefer to get your Australian Terrier from a breeder, the following guides will help you to find a responsible breeder:
The following organisations will be able to help you find breeders in your state in Australia. They will also be able to connect you with your local breed clubs, which are always a great source of information in regards to finding good breeders and rescue organisations.