Australian Terrier

As the keenest of the terrier breeds, Australian Terriers are smart, cheerful, and alert. Their bodies may be small, but their high energy and excitement are larger than life. Aussies love to pretend they’re big dogs looking for adventure and mischief. Their extremely keen sense of hearing and loud bark also make them great watchdogs. Though they’re tentative around strangers, they warm up quickly once they get acquainted and bond with people who show them affection.

Aussies have wiry and weatherproof hair that looks straight out of Devo music video from the '80s. Their thick outercoats rest on top of a soft undercoat, with a thick ruff on the back of their necks. Their fur tends to be mostly tan and bluish-brown but can also be sandy or even solid red. They don’t shed much, but they do require weekly brushing and quarterly plucking.

Australian Terriers are small and get along well with kids and dogs their own size. Families have great relationships with Aussies as long as the kids are respectful. These dogs are generally peaceful unless they’re alerted to danger, and because of their high prey drive, they need training and socialization to live with other pets. Aussies are adventurous, so they love traveling and playing. When they’re home, they enjoy living indoors, where they can be comfy and surrounded by family.

Aussies are eager to exercise and need a few good workouts each day. They enjoy walking and specialize in agility and earthdog training. Australian Terriers are quick to adapt to any living environment, but they prefer to stay indoors most of the time, occasionally stepping outside to an outdoor space where they can run and play.