Australian Terrier

Australian Terriers are really low maintenance when it comes to their coat care. This dog’s coat is more than just for looks—the Australian Terrier uses their coat for protection. In the Australian Outback, the longer hair around their neck protects them against snake bites when nosing around in the brush, so their neck ruff should be left intact. Their coat also acts as a defense against the elements. They’re a double-coated breed, and that coat keeps them warm in the winter, and in the summer, it regulates their body temperature and protects them from sunburn.

Because their coats are so low-maintenance, many pet parents handle grooming themselves. To care for your Australian Terrier’s coat, brush it once a week using a stripping comb or knife to remove the dead hair, keep the coat from getting matted and maintain that signature terrier look. There’s no need to give this breed a haircut.

While you’re brushing your pup, peek inside their ears once a week to check for dirt, and wipe the ears out using a cotton ball dipped in a mild canine ear solution to keep them free of infection.

Your pup’s nails will most likely need a trim about once a month. If they get too long, it can be more difficult for your pup to walk and even lead to arthritis. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you hear your pup tap dancing on your kitchen floors.

These dogs don’t require frequent bathing, so aim to pop them in the tub no more than three to four times a year unless they’ve played in something particularly stinky or muddy.

If possible, brush your Australian Terrier’s teeth daily to defend against periodontal disease, and schedule an annual professional cleaning with your vet. Be sure to familiarize your Aussie with the toothbrush when they’re a puppy, so they’re used to the process as they get older.

Australian Terriers respond well to structure and routine, and keeping them on a schedule can make training them much easier. Everyone likes to be rewarded when they do a good job, so be sure to use lots of treats and praise when your Australian Terrier does the right thing. (This is known as positive reinforcement training.) Start with the basics of obedience, like sit, stay and come, and be sure to teach them how to walk nicely on a leash.

If you find your Australian Terrier puppy doesn’t take easily to house training, don’t fret! Sometimes small dogs are just harder to train; they have small bladders and need to go out more often, and their potty time cues may not be as instantly recognizable as a larger dog’s. Consistency is the key. Be sure to take your pup out about 20 minutes after every meal and reward them when they potty outside. (Be sure to use the same cue words, like “Let’s go potty,” so they start to learn what it means.)

Crate training is a great way to help potty train your puppy. Dogs like to keep their “dens” clean, and a crate that’s just the right size mimics that den-like feel. Find a crate that fits the “Goldilocks” zone: not too small and not too large. You want a crate with enough room they can turn around in, not one so large your puppy chooses to use one end as a bathroom.

Australian Terriers are not naturally friendly; socialization is crucial to help these pups get used to meeting new people and other dogs and other social situations. Starting while they’re a puppy, take your dog on walks and let them sniff and meet new people and other friendly dogs. Enroll in puppy preschool, where they’ll learn to play nicely with other puppies and interact with other pup parents all in one location.

One characteristic you might need to work on with your Australian Terrier is excessive barking. It’s natural for them to bark at visitors, strangers or other dogs, but you can teach them to know when to bark and when to keep their thoughts to themselves. It’s important to remember that, while you can teach your pup to curb their natural instincts, like barking and chasing, you’ll never train these traits completely out of your dog.

Because Australian Terriers are so active, it’s important to feed them a high-quality commercial dog food that sustains them on those long walks and chase sessions in the yard. Be sure to choose a formula that fits their age and stage in life (puppy, adult or senior). Talk to your veterinarian about the best food and feeding schedule for your individual dog.

One topic of conversation that might come up with older dog is obesity—something many small dogs struggle with as they age. It’s important not to overfeed your Australian Terrier, as obesity can limit their mobility and lead to other health issues down the road like heart disease.

You’ll probably go through quite a few treats during obedience training, but remember that treats equal calories. Instead of always rewarding your pup with food, give your dog playtime with a special toy you only use during training or give them a massage.

When feeding your Australian Terrier, watch out for food sensitivities and allergies. If you notice your dog isn’t doing well with a particular food—symptoms may include itching, vomiting or diarrhea—consult your vet right away. They can help you determine what’s causing your pup’s symptoms and the best course of action, whether that’s a change in food or medication.

The Australian Terrier’s short legs may lead you to believe they prefer a short stroll down the sidewalk to a mountain hike, but don’t underestimate these energetic and adventurous dogs. Plan on between 60 to 90 minutes of exercise throughout the day.

They need vigorous exercise and play sessions several times a day, whether that takes the form of a long walk in the woods, an off-leash romp in a fenced yard or a rousing game of hide-and-seek. Australian Terriers play well with older kids and young children they’re already comfortable with and will run circles around them for days before tiring themselves out.

It’s important to keep these pups on a leash if you’re not in an enclosed area, like a fenced backyard. These dogs have a very high prey drive and will chase when they see something that needs chasing. So, for their safety and your mental well-being, keep them on a leash when out and about.

Australian Terriers are smart cookies; be sure to engage their brains as well as their bodies. You may want to participate in dog sports, like agility, or give them a job to do, like pick up their toys or socks or shoes left lying around the house. You can also give them a few puzzle toys to solve on those days when you can’t get outside to run and play.

Australian Terriers love a home where they can run around to their heart’s content, making a home with a fenced yard they can speed around on their Top 10 list. Their compact size makes them ideal for apartments, but you’ll need to be able to give them the abundant exercise they need every day. Without it, they’ll annoy your neighbors as they sing the song of their people. All. Day. Long.

Australian Terriers are active little pups who love adventure; they will not be happy left at home with their thoughts. And because they’re so active and think they’re pretty smart, they’re better suited for pet parents who have experience training dogs.

These pups have an affinity for both children and the elderly. They can be very gentle with kids, particularly if they’re introduced to them as puppies. While they prefer to be the only dog in the home, Australian Terriers can get along with other dogs if raised together. They won’t do well with another Australian Terrier of the same sex, though, as both will vie to be top dog and may get aggressive. And because of their high prey drive, they don’t mix well with small animals like cats or rabbits.

These dogs are not the most welcoming with strangers or people they don’t know well, so they may not thrive in homes that are “party central.” Socialization can help, but they’ll never be as friendly as a Biewer Terrier.