The Vet’s Guide to Australian Terrier Dogs: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Don’t let their size fool you — Australian Terriers are bold, intelligent, and full of personality. Bred for life in the tough Australian outback, these little dogs were made to work hard and stay loyal. With their wiry coats, bright eyes, and spirited nature, Aussie Terriers make charming and energetic companions for the right home.

Background

Australian Terriers were developed in Australia in the early 19th century, making them one of the country’s first recognised native breeds. Originally bred from a mix of rough-coated British terriers, their purpose was to hunt snakes and rodents, guard property, and offer companionship to settlers. Their resilience, alertness, and independence are all traits that reflect this working background.

Appearance

Australian Terriers are a small but sturdy breed, typically standing 23 to 28 centimetres tall and weighing between 5 and 7 kilograms. They have a distinctive, harsh-textured coat, upright ears, and dark, alert eyes. Common coat colours include blue and tan, sandy, or red, often accompanied by a ruff of longer hair around the neck and a tail carried upright.

Physical Characteristics

Their coat is double-layered, with a rough, straight outer layer and a soft undercoat that provides protection from the elements. The breed is known for its weather-resistant fur and compact frame, which makes them agile and well-suited to both urban and rural living. Their confident posture and energetic gait reflect their high level of awareness and curiosity.

Temperament

Australian Terriers are affectionate and loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. They are known to be fearless, playful, and spirited, often acting much larger than their size would suggest. These dogs are also excellent watchdogs — naturally alert and vocal, they won’t hesitate to let you know if something seems off in their environment. While they can be wary of strangers and assertive around other dogs, early socialisation helps promote balanced behaviour.

Activity Level

These terriers are energetic and love to explore. They benefit from daily walks, mental stimulation, and interactive play. Digging is a common behaviour, a natural trait carried over from their vermin-hunting ancestry. To prevent destructive habits, it’s important to give them appropriate outlets like supervised digging areas or puzzle toys.

Health

Australian Terriers are generally healthy, but some may be prone to conditions such as patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, diabetes mellitus, and skin allergies. Regular vet checkups and early screening can help detect and manage these issues. Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle will also go a long way in preventing joint and metabolic problems.

Lifespan

With proper care, Australian Terriers are known to live long, healthy lives. Their average lifespan is between 12 to 15 years, though some may live even longer. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine vet visits are key to ensuring a long and happy life for your Aussie Terrier.

Australian Terriers may look rugged with their shaggy coats and alert stance, but they still require regular grooming to stay clean, healthy, and comfortable. While they’re relatively low maintenance compared to some long-haired breeds, keeping their coat and skin in top condition takes a little effort.

Grooming Requirements

Australian Terriers have a straight, harsh outer coat and a softer undercoat that protects them from the elements. We recommend brushing your Australian Terrier at least twice a week with a slicker brush or pin brush to prevent matting and remove loose hairs. Pay close attention to areas around the neck, legs, and tail where tangles are more likely to form.

Importantly, their coat should never be clipped. Clipping can damage the texture and dull the natural colouring of the coat. Instead, tidy up the coat with scissors or consider hand-stripping a couple of times a year to maintain its weather-resistant qualities.

Bathing

Aussie Terriers don’t need frequent baths. A bath every four to six weeks is usually enough to keep them clean, unless they roll in something unpleasant or get muddy. Use a gentle dog shampoo that won’t strip away the natural oils in their coat, and be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid residue build-up.

Skin Requirements

Thanks to their dense, weatherproof coat, Australian Terriers generally have good skin protection, but they can be prone to dryness and irritation if over-bathed or exposed to harsh shampoos. Watch for signs of flaking, redness, or hot spots, particularly in warmer months. If skin issues persist, speak with your vet about switching to a sensitive-skin formula or adding omega-3 supplements to their diet.

Dental Care

Like many small breeds, Australian Terriers are prone to dental issues. To keep their teeth healthy, we recommend brushing them once or twice a week with a dog-friendly toothpaste. Dental chews and professional cleanings every 6–12 months will help reduce tartar build-up and prevent gum disease.

Clean Ears

Australian Terriers have upright ears that allow for better air circulation than floppy-eared breeds, but it’s still important to check their ears weekly. Look for wax build-up, redness, or an unusual smell. Clean gently with a cotton pad and a vet-approved ear cleaner — never insert anything into the ear canal.

Nail Trimming

Trim your Australian Terrier’s nails every four to six weeks, or as needed. If you hear clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim. Long nails can cause discomfort and even affect their posture. Introduce nail trims early to help your dog become comfortable with the process.

Australian Terriers are generally hardy little dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to a few hereditary and age-related health conditions. Knowing what to look out for can help you manage any issues early and keep your Aussie feeling their best.

Patellar Luxation

This condition occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, causing intermittent lameness or an unusual gait. It’s a common issue in small breeds and may range from mild to severe. Mild cases can often be managed with exercise and weight control, while more serious cases might require surgery.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

This is a degenerative disease of the hip joint where the head of the femur bone deteriorates. It typically affects young dogs and can cause limping, pain, and muscle loss in the hind legs. Treatment may include surgery, followed by rehabilitation to restore mobility.

Diabetes Mellitus

Australian Terriers have a higher-than-average risk of developing diabetes, particularly in middle-aged or older dogs. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss. Early diagnosis and daily insulin management can help affected dogs live full, active lives.

Allergies and Skin Irritations

Some Australian Terriers are prone to environmental and food-related allergies, which can lead to itchy skin, ear infections, or gastrointestinal upset. Identifying and managing triggers — whether through diet changes or medication — can greatly improve your dog’s comfort.

Eye Conditions

Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) may occur in older Australian Terriers. While PRA is a genetic condition with no cure, cataracts can sometimes be treated surgically. Regular eye exams are a good idea, especially in senior dogs.

Australian Terriers are smart, spirited, and eager to please — but don’t mistake them for pushovers. With their independent nature and terrier tenacity, consistent training is essential to bring out the best in this bold little breed.

Best Training Methods

Start training your Australian Terrier as early as possible. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods, so be sure to reward good behaviour with praise, treats, or toys. Avoid harsh discipline — it’s not effective with this breed and may lead to stubbornness or anxiety.

Short, focused training sessions work best. Australian Terriers are quick learners, but their attention span can be short, especially if they become bored. Keep sessions fun and varied to maintain their interest. If they lose focus, take a break and come back later with a new activity or command.

Use of Treats and Incentives

High-value treats are your best friend when training an Aussie Terrier. Use small, soft treats that are quick to chew and don’t interrupt the flow of training. Pair treats with lots of verbal praise to build a strong association between good behaviour and positive outcomes.

Socialisation

Australian Terriers can be wary of new people and animals if not properly socialised. Introduce your pup to a range of environments, people, and pets from an early age. Puppy preschool or group obedience classes can be great for both social skills and structured learning.

Australian Terriers are energetic, alert, and love having a job to do. While they don’t require extreme amounts of exercise, they do need daily activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

Daily Walks

A brisk 30-minute walk each day is a good baseline for this breed. These walks help them burn energy, explore new smells, and stay mentally stimulated. Be sure to keep your Aussie on a lead or in a secure area — their strong prey drive can make them dart after birds, cats, or even leaves blowing in the wind!

Playtime

Play sessions are just as important as walks. Games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek with treats are excellent for engaging their mind and body. Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting and avoid boredom.

Puzzle Toys and Brain Games

Australian Terriers are intelligent and curious, making them great candidates for puzzle feeders and interactive toys. These keep them busy when indoors and help reduce behaviours like barking or chewing that may arise from boredom.

Digging Outlets

As a breed originally used for vermin control, digging comes naturally to Australian Terriers. If this becomes an issue in your garden, try creating a designated digging area or sandpit where your dog is allowed to dig freely. Reward them when they use the appropriate area, and redirect them when they go elsewhere.

Agility and Obedience

Many Australian Terriers excel at agility and obedience training. These structured activities are not only great exercise but also build confidence and strengthen your bond. If you're looking to take your training to the next level, consider joining a local dog sports club.

While Australian Terriers are full of charm and personality, they can also develop behavioural issues if their mental and physical needs aren’t met. With their terrier instincts and independent streak, it’s important to provide structure, training, and engagement to keep unwanted behaviours at bay.

Barking

Australian Terriers are naturally alert and can be quite vocal, especially if they hear noises outside, spot a stranger, or feel bored. While their barking can be helpful for guarding, it may become excessive if not managed. Teaching a “quiet” command and providing plenty of enrichment and exercise can help reduce unnecessary barking.

Digging

As former vermin hunters, digging is hardwired into this breed. You may find them trying to tunnel in your garden or yard, especially if they’re left unattended or under-stimulated. To manage this, offer them a designated digging space and praise them for using it. Regular walks, games, and puzzle toys can also redirect this natural behaviour.

Stubbornness

Australian Terriers are smart, but they can also be strong-willed. This may show up as ignoring commands or testing boundaries. Consistent training with positive reinforcement, rather than harsh corrections, is the best approach. Keep sessions short and engaging, and reinforce your leadership with routine and clarity.

Resource Guarding

Some Australian Terriers may become protective over toys, food, or even their bed. If you notice growling or possessiveness, it’s important to address it early through training and desensitisation. Teaching “leave it” and “drop it” commands can be helpful tools.

Feeding your Australian Terrier a well-balanced, portion-controlled diet is essential to support their energy levels, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent common breed-related health issues. Despite their small size, Australian Terriers are active and benefit from high-quality nutrition tailored to their needs.

General Nutrition Needs

Australian Terriers do best on a premium dog food formulated for small to medium-sized breeds. Their diet should include lean protein for muscle maintenance, healthy fats for coat condition, and complex carbohydrates for steady energy. Watch portion sizes carefully — overfeeding can lead to obesity, which puts added strain on their joints and increases the risk of diabetes.

We recommend feeding adult Australian Terriers twice a day to maintain stable blood sugar and energy levels. Fresh water should be available at all times, especially after play or walks.

Puppy Nutrition

Growing Australian Terrier puppies require specially formulated puppy food to support their developing bones, joints, and immune system. Choose a small breed puppy food and feed them three to four small meals a day until they’re around six months old. After this, gradually transition them to two meals a day.

Slow, steady growth is especially important to avoid issues like Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease or joint strain. Avoid overfeeding during this critical stage of development.

Special Nutritional Considerations

As Australian Terriers are predisposed to diabetes mellitus, it’s important to maintain a consistent feeding schedule and avoid high-sugar or highly processed treats. Look for dog food and snacks that are low in simple carbohydrates and rich in fibre, protein, and healthy fats. If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, your vet will recommend a specialised diet to help manage the condition.

Some Australian Terriers may also develop sensitivities to certain ingredients. If you notice signs like itching, loose stools, or ear infections, talk to your vet about switching to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet.

Whether you're welcoming an Australian Terrier into your family or already sharing your life with one, we hope this guide has given you a helpful overview of the breed. With the right balance of training, routine care, and daily engagement, Australian Terriers make wonderfully loyal and spirited companions.

Continue to explore more about their specific needs, keep up regular check-ins with your vet, and enjoy the unique personality your Aussie Terrier brings to your home.

This article was written by Dr Jane Miller