Who is this breed suited to?
The Australian Terrier suits someone seeking a small but purposeful companion who enjoys exploratory walks and terrier games. Its history includes controlling farm vermin.
Daily time commitment
RKC gives up to an hour of daily adult exercise. Include sniffing and brief training alongside walks, with supervision during garden exploration.
Coat and everyday care
Brush the medium coat more than once weekly, checking leg furnishings and the underside. Learn how to preserve comfortable coat texture.
Challenges to plan for
Digging and interest in rodents can persist in a companion home. Secure small-animal accommodation and boundaries rather than relying on the dog's size.
How does it compare?
The Australian Silky Terrier has a more flowing silky coat and Yorkshire Terrier ancestry. The Australian Terrier offers a different grooming routine and outline.
Questions to ask a breeder
How do the adults behave in a garden and around other pets? Ask for a grooming demonstration, health records and examples of early puppy handling.
Sources and further reading
Reviewed October 2026. Breed tendencies are not a prediction for an individual dog. Exercise guidance concerns healthy adults; age, condition and weather change the plan.