Small, sturdy terrier with harsh double coat and distinctive topknot, known for its spirited, alert expression and courageous personality
Developed in Australia during the 19th century from British terrier breeds including Cairn, Skye, and Yorkshire Terriers. Bred as all-purpose exterminators of rodents and snakes, as well as loyal watchdogs and companions. Recognized by AKC in 1960.
“Essentially a working terrier, but its loyalty and even disposition make it equally suitable as a companion dog”
Quoted from FCI standard n°8. It describes the breed the registry recognises, not any individual animal.
Breed reference from The Dog API.
Drawn from sources, not opinion: FCI breed standard. An empty column means we hold nothing for that side, not that there is nothing to say.
The Australian Terrier standard is published by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), the international federation of pedigree-dog clubs, and it is what show judges apply. This section sums up what it says about coat and colour and size. It does not assess any one animal: use it to know what to ask the breeder.
The body coat consists of a harsh straight dense top coat approximately 6 cms long with short soft textured undercoat.
The muzzle, lower legs and feet to be free from long hair
Preferred
Shortened from FCI standard n°8 — each label is the standard’s own wording with the verdict lifted into the tag beside it. Read the full clause at source.
The colours and patterns the standard admits, and what it prefers, discourages or disqualifies in each. An accepted colour says nothing about health.
Quoted from FCI standard n°8. It describes the breed the registry recognises, not any individual animal.
An adult's measurements, per the standard. It does not say how big this puppy will be. Quotations from the FCI are in English, as the standard publishes them; the headings are ours.
Breed-level information from The Dog API. It describes the Australian Terrier in general; any individual animal can differ.
Known hereditary risks for the Australian Terrier breed, and the specific documentation to request from any breeder before paying a deposit. A responsible breeder will have these readily available; deflection is a red flag.
1 condition documentedThis is breed-level literature, not veterinary advice about an individual animal — your vet knows the animal.
Health checklist (PDF)Documented in this breed, but no source says how many of its dogs carry or have them. That is a gap in the evidence, not a sign they are rare.
An overgrowth of bone in the jaw and skull of young, growing dogs, usually before a year old: the jaw swells and is painful, so the puppy struggles to open its mouth and eat, and it often runs a fever. It usually settles by itself once the skeleton stops growing. It has been diagnosed in this breed, but its genetic cause here is not established.
What to ask for
No validated DNA test for this breed — the COL1A1 variant found in one affected Australian Terrier is, in its authors' words, preliminary. Ask whether the parents or their close relatives had a painful, swollen jaw as puppies.
An overgrowth of bone in the jaw and skull of young, growing dogs, usually before a year old: the jaw swells and is painful, so the puppy struggles to open its mouth and eat, and it often runs a fever. It usually settles by itself once the skeleton stops growing. It has been diagnosed in this breed, but its genetic cause here is not established.
What to ask for
No validated DNA test for this breed — the COL1A1 variant found in one affected Australian Terrier is, in its authors' words, preliminary. Ask whether the parents or their close relatives had a painful, swollen jaw as puppies.
