Australian Terrier

A healthy Australian Terrier typically lives 11 to 15 years, which is a normal-to-long span for a small breed. The two factors most under your control are body weight and screening for the breed's diabetes predisposition: an Aussie kept lean with a visible waist, fed measured meals, and monitored for early diabetes signs in middle age tends to reach the upper end of that range with a better quality of life than an overweight, under-exercised one.

Generally yes with school-age children — the Aussie is sturdy, playful, and people-oriented rather than fragile. The realistic cautions are that it is a high-prey-drive terrier that may not tolerate rough handling or having toys grabbed, and it can be possessive of its people. Supervise interactions with toddlers, teach children not to disturb the dog while eating or resting, and give the dog an undisturbed retreat space.

Plan on 45 to 60 minutes a day split across two walks plus active play, ideally with scent or puzzle work added. This is a working earthdog, not a sedentary toy breed: an under-exercised Aussie typically redirects energy into digging, barking, and destructive behavior. Mental engagement matters as much as distance — a long-line sniff walk and a food puzzle tire this dog more than a fast loop around the block.

Shedding is light, which suits owners who want a low-hair-around-the-house small dog. Grooming is genuinely modest: brush twice a week for 5 to 10 minutes, hand-strip the harsh coat 2 to 3 times a year to keep correct texture and color, and bathe only when actually dirty. The one hidden cost is hand-stripping — if you want the correct coat and don't learn to do it yourself, budget for a groomer who offers stripping, since clipping permanently softens the jacket.

They are among the more trainable terriers — quick learners, genuinely eager to engage with their owner, and capable in obedience, agility, and earthdog work. The trade-off is the terrier independence and prey drive: they will work with you on their terms, get bored by drilling, and tune you out for a moving squirrel. Short, varied, reward-based sessions and a reliably trained recall from puppyhood produce the best results.

Diabetes mellitus. The breed is over-represented for canine diabetes, and it usually appears in middle age. Learn the early signs — noticeably increased drinking and urination, and weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite — and book a vet promptly for a blood glucose check if you see them. Early diagnosis means cheaper, more stable management and lowers the risk of secondary problems such as diabetic cataracts.