Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is described by the AKC as courageous, affectionate, spirited, a member of the Terrier Group, originally from Australia.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 10-11 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 15-20 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 11–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Courageous / Affectionate / Spirited [1] |
| AKC group | Terrier Group [1] |
| Origin | Australia [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 150 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Terriers in general have a high energy level, and the Aussie is no exception. The breed is very active and requires regular exercise to keep from becoming bored and unhappy. Boredom leads to undesirable behavior. [1]
Grooming
The Australian Terrier's harsh, weatherproof, double coat does a good job of repelling dirt and mud, and is very easy to maintain. A quick brushing once a week is usually enough to keep it in fine shape. The long hairs that grow in front of and between the eyes can irritate the eyes if left unchecked; fortunately, they are easily plucked out with tweezers or fingers. [1]
Health issues to budget for
In general, the Australian Terrier is a sturdy breed with few health problems. A responsible breeder will test breeding stock for health conditions such as luxating patella (a dislocated kneecap called a 'trick knee' in humans) and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a malformation of the hip joint that manifests early and can be corrected with surgery. Some dogs can develop itchy skin conditions, and flea control is essential. As with all breeds, the ears should be checked regularly, and the teeth should be brushed often. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Australian Terrier in 1960. [1]
- It ranked No. 150 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 125 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Australian Terrier.” [1]
- The AKC lists Australia as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
Common questions
How long do Australian Terriers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11-15 years.
How big does a Australian Terrier get?
AKC breed information lists height 10-11 inches and weight 15-20 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Australian Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Australian Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.