What Are the Traits and Care Tips for Australian Terriers?

Australian Terrier: a harsh double coat in a low outline

The Australian Terrier has a body longer than its height and a definite ruff around the neck. Its harsh double coat is a useful starting point for comparing everyday care, without confusing it with the separately named Australian Silky Terrier.

Proportions and size

FCI describes a sturdy, low-set dog, rather long for its height. Its desirable height is approximately 25 cm for males, with females slightly less; desirable male weight is approximately 6.5 kg, again with females slightly less. The earlier UK description gives approximately 25.5 cm and 6.5 kg without that sex-specific wording.

The FCI body coat has a harsh, straight, dense outer layer about 6 cm long and short, soft undercoat. The UK description gives approximately 6.35 cm. The ruff and shorter-haired muzzle, lower legs and feet are part of this particular coat arrangement.

Brush and check the small details

The UK guide lists grooming more than once a week. AKC care advice describes a quick weekly brushing, bathing only when needed and regular nail care. It also draws attention to long hairs near the eyes: ask a groomer to demonstrate appropriate tidying rather than attempting unfamiliar work close to the eyes.

The guide’s health section adds regular ear checks and frequent tooth brushing. Those practical tasks can be included alongside the coat routine without assuming that a small dog has little maintenance.

Activity at home and outdoors

The UK categories are up to one hour of exercise, a flat or apartment, small or medium garden and either town or country. AKC recommends daily play, indoors or outdoors, a securely fenced yard for outside play and a leash on walks or hikes.

Choose routes and play opportunities you can use consistently. A small-home category concerns floor space; it does not organise the time you will spend walking and playing with the dog.

Two useful contrasts

Skye Terriers have a much longer, straight outer coat and their own long, low proportions. Manchester Terriers have a close, smooth coat and ideal heights of 41 cm for males and 38 cm for females. Compare those coat tasks and dimensions rather than using small terrier as a complete description.