Australian Terrier

Also called Aussie Terrier, Aussie, Rough Coated Terrier (historic)

A spirited, curious and confident terrier that brings real working grit to a small frame.

Size	Small
Weight	6.5 kg (14 lb)1 2
Height	25 cm (10 in)1 2
Lifespan	11 to 12 years2 3
Coat	Harsh double coat
Origin	Australia.1 2
Group	Terriers (FCI group 3)

Recognised breedShort profile

loyal with an even disposition

small but hardy working terrier

1 4 2

Personality what they are like

A spirited, curious and confident terrier that brings real working grit to a small frame. It is loyal and steady with its family, which makes it a good companion as well as a capable ratter.1 4 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

harsh double coat

A sturdy, low-set little working terrier. Its straight, harsh topcoat is about 6 cm long over a soft undercoat, shorter on the muzzle and lower legs, with a ruff around the neck and a soft, lighter topknot.1 2

Coloursblue, steel blue or dark grey-blue with rich tanclear sandyred1 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Australian Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to about an hour of exercise a day; it enjoys walks, play and anything that lets it use its terrier curiosity.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The harsh coat needs grooming more than once a week to keep it neat; it is medium length and sheds.3 1

Home where they are happiest

Suits a flat or a house, in town or country, ideally with access to a small or medium garden.3

Company who they like around

Bred as both a helper and a companion, it likes to be involved in family life.1 3

The story where it all began

Settlers took rough-coated British terriers to Australia in the early 1800s and blended types related to the Skye, Scottish, Cairn and Dandie Dinmont to make a small, hardy dog for keeping down rodents. First known as the Rough Coated Terrier, it was renamed the Australian Terrier in 1892 and appeared at a Melbourne show in 1906.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is one of the smallest of the working terriers.1
2
The breed was called the Rough Coated Terrier until it got its current name in 1892.2
3
Early Tasmanian dogs of this type were described as blue-sheened with tan markings and weighed around ten pounds.1
4
Australian settlers used it to keep rodents and other pests down around their homes and farms.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed was developed in Australia from rough-coated terriers brought from Great Britain in the early 19th century. It was first called the Rough Coated Terrier, then officially renamed the Australian Terrier in 1892.2

Famous ones stars of the breed

Duffy A famous Australian Terrier who was the beloved pet of U.S. President Calvin Coolidge.2
Toto The dog who played Toto in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz was a Cairn Terrier, but the breed was often confused with the Australian Terrier in early Hollywood.2

Name ideas for your new friend

ScoutPippaRustyTillyBusterDaisyFinnCocoArchieMollyZiggyPoppy

A day in the life told by an Australian Terrier

I start my day with a big sniff under the back door – something smells interesting! My human takes me for a walk, and I march ahead like a little soldier. I spot a squirrel and give chase, but it escapes up a tree. No matter – I find a stick to carry home. After breakfast, I dig a small hole in the garden, just for fun. Then I curl up on the couch, one ear cocked for any sound. At night, I guard the house with a proud bark. Being a terrier is the best!

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 8, Group 3 Terriers, Section 2 Small-sized Terriers; standard dated 08.10.2012.1
ANKC: Recognised with a breed standard.2
The Royal Kennel Club: Listed in the Terrier Group.3
AKC: Listed by the AKC with a breed page.4

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Australian Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your Australian Terrier at least two meals a day for an adult, or three to four smaller meals for a puppy. The exact times can be set to fit your routine, but avoid free feeding. Check the food label and ask your vet for the right amount.5

What should an Australian Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and chives, which are especially risky for dogs. Never give alcohol, yeast dough, or bones.6

How often should I bathe an Australian Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a dog-safe shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Australian Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Australian Terrier more than once a week to keep its harsh double coat neat and reduce shedding. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly brushing. This helps prevent mats and keeps the coat healthy.3 1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Australian Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 21 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Australian Terrier need?

The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to about an hour of exercise daily. This spirited terrier enjoys walks, play, and activities that let it use its curiosity. Daily walks and play are ideal.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Australian Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears every 14 days and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily teeth brushing and bi-weekly ear checks.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Australian Terrier live?

An Australian Terrier typically lives 11 to 12 years. With good care, regular vet visits, and a healthy lifestyle, it can enjoy a long life. Senior years usually start around age 10.2 3 Pet Wiki plan

Is an Australian Terrier good with children and other pets?

Yes, this loyal and steady terrier is good with its family, including children, when properly socialized. It can get along with other pets, but its terrier curiosity may need supervision. Always introduce new pets slowly.1 4 2

Can an Australian Terrier be left alone?

This breed likes to be involved in family life and may not do well left alone for long periods. It can adapt with proper training and enrichment, but separation anxiety is possible. Ask a good breeder or trainer for advice.1 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.