Lily’s Second Chance

Australian Terrier Guide: Temperament, Size, Grooming and Health

Australian Terrier history and background

The American Kennel Club places the Australian Terrier in the Terrier Group, lists its origin as Australia, and recognized it in 1960. One account of its ancestry names the Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Irish and Manchester Terriers.

Australian Terrier size and weight

The American Kennel Club puts the breed in its small size category and gives a height of 10-11 inches. VCA Animal Hospitals describes a similar height of 10 to 11 inches, while the United Kennel Club gives a desired height of about 10 inches for males and slightly less for females. On weight the publishers differ: the American Kennel Club gives 15-20 pounds, VCA Animal Hospitals gives about 12 to 14 pounds, and the United Kennel Club gives about 14 pounds for males and slightly less for females.

Australian Terrier temperament and personality

The American Kennel Club describes the breed's temperament as courageous, affectionate and spirited. The United Kennel Club calls it a typical terrier in character, loyal with an even disposition, and equally suited to companion life. VCA Animal Hospitals describes a happy, feisty dog that barks at approaching people and often wants to be on a lap or at your side. Many can get scrappy with other dogs, especially of the same sex, and they tend to chase small animals. Because of a strong hunting instinct, VCA Animal Hospitals advises a leash or fenced yard, with most of the time spent indoors.

Australian Terrier training

The American Kennel Club rates the breed's trainability 4 of 5. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that the Aussie learns quickly but finds drilling boring and can be stubborn at times. Short, fun, reward-based sessions work better than harsh treatment or punishment.

How to groom an Australian Terrier

The American Kennel Club lists the coat as medium, double and rough, with grooming frequency rated 2 of 5 and shedding rated 1 of 5. VCA Animal Hospitals suggests brushing the wiry coat about once a week and plucking long stray hairs by hand, especially around the eyes and ears. The feet and tail can be neatly trimmed, a bath every month or two is enough, and nails and teeth also need regular care.

Australian Terrier lifespan and health problems

The American Kennel Club gives a general life expectancy of 11-15 years for the breed. VCA Animal Hospitals calls them generally healthy but says they can be prone to diabetes, thyroid disorders and epilepsy. They can also be prone to luxating patellas and Legg-Calve Perthes disease, which is a degenerative hip disease. Ask a veterinarian about these issues.

AKC breed facts

These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Australian Terrier as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.

AKC group
Terrier Group
AKC recognition year
1960
Height (AKC published)
10-11 inches
Weight (AKC published)
15-20 pounds
General life expectancy
11-15 years
AKC size category
Small

AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)

  • Energy: 3 of 5
  • Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
  • Trainability: 4 of 5
  • Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
  • Shedding: 1 of 5
  • Vocalization: 3 of 5
  • Drooling: 1 of 5
  • Adaptability: 4 of 5
  • Playfulness: 3 of 5
  • Watchful or protective tendency: 4 of 5
  • Affection toward family: 4 of 5
  • Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
  • AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
  • AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5

Health screenings AKC lists for the breed

Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.

  • Patella Evaluation
  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation
  • Thyroid Evaluation

Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).

Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 9, 2026.

References

Senior Australian Terrier dogs looking for homes

Each dog is listed by the shelter or rescue named on the card. Please confirm availability with them.