Most important facts
- Group
- Terrier
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5–7 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Harsh
- Energy
- Moderate
- Height
- 24–28 cm
- Colours
- Blue and tan, sandy or red
- Shedding
- Light
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£18/mo
- Gear to consider
- Slicker brush and stripping comb, secure well-fitted harness, dental chews
Typical dry food, adult
About the Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier grew out of the British terriers that sailed with nineteenth-century settlers. Farms and goldfields shaped an all-purpose worker that killed rats and snakes, sounded the alarm and shrugged off the climate. It became the first Australian breed to gain official recognition at home and abroad. The harsh coat and the confidence both come straight from that frontier apprenticeship.
Bred as an all-purpose farm terrier, the Aussie Terrier is alert, confident and quick-witted, with a bold streak far bigger than the dog. They are always ready to investigate a noise or follow a scent, so early socialisation and consistent, reward-based training pay off. They were the first Australian breed to be officially recognised, and they carry themselves like they know it.
They are affectionate, devoted family dogs for all their independence, often closest to one person while staying friendly with everyone. The food motivation helps training and threatens the waistline in equal measure, so treats live inside the day's allowance.
Common health conditions
Things Australian Terrier owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
A developmental hip condition seen in small terriers. A lean body condition while young reduces strain on maturing joints.
Patellar luxation
The kneecap can slip its groove, a common problem in small breeds. Accurate portions keep extra load off the joint.
Diabetes mellitus
The breed is affected more often than many, so manage weight, keep feeding routines steady and raise sudden thirst or weight change with your vet promptly.
Dental disease
Small mouths crowd the teeth and gather plaque. Daily brushing plus dental-friendly chews or kibble keep it in check.
Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
Reduced tear production causes sore, dry eyes. Watch for squinting or discharge and have changes checked.
Feeding a Australian Terrier
A small, active terrier does well on a nutrient-dense complete food in modest, weighed portions rather than generous bowlfuls, because at 5 to 7 kg even small excesses show quickly. Splitting the day's food into two meals suits the energetic build and heads off the begging this breed has a talent for. A slow feeder stretches dinner for a keen eater.
With diabetes and small-dog joint conditions in the breed's background, keeping a lean, visible waist for life is the most useful thing an owner can do. Controlled fat, consistent mealtimes, few scraps and a dental-friendly kibble cover the rest of the routine.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Australian Terrier needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
5–7 kg
Est. daily calories
280–480 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Australian Terriers eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£0.58
- Per month
- ~£18
- Per year
- ~£212
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Australian Terrier
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Australian Terrier by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs5/10
- Appetite7/10
- Trainability6/10
- Good with children6/10
- Shedding2/10
- Tolerates being alone4/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Low grooming needs for a terrier
- Loyal and adaptable to town or country
- True terrier grit in a compact size
Worth knowing
- Quick to bark at passers-by
- A strong prey drive around small animals
- A keen digger when bored
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much should I feed an Australian Terrier?
Start from the guideline for a dog of 5 to 7 kg, then adjust to their waistline rather than the bag, with ribs easy to feel but not see. The Food Finder can match a food's calorie density to your dog's actual activity.
Is the Australian Terrier prone to putting on weight?
Yes. A small dog with a terrier appetite and a love of treats gains quickly, and extra weight strains joints already at some risk in the breed. Weigh the food and count the treats inside the daily allowance.
Do Australian Terriers shed much?
Very little, but the harsh double coat benefits from regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping to stay tidy, particularly around the ears and legs. A tidy coat also sheds less around the house.
Are Australian Terriers good with children and other pets?
Typically affectionate with family and good with considerate children. The strong prey drive means supervision is wise around cats, rabbits and other small pets.