Vital Statistics, Health & Life Expectancy
First used to rid farms of rodents and as watchdogs, Australian Terriers grow to about 23 to 25.5cm (9 to 10 inches) and weigh about 5 to 6.5kg (11 to 14 pounds). With proper care and regular vet visits, most healthy Australian Terries can live for about 14 years.

Personality
Spirited and energetic, Australian Terriers can bring joy and delight to many families. These self-assured, alert little dogs have keen hearing and eyesight, which makes them ideal watchdogs. While they can be remarkably brave and alert for their size, Australian Terriers also have a softer side. Most owners find that members of this breed are loyal, affectionate and eager to please. Like many terriers, Australian Terriers can sometimes seem to have a mind of their own. Owners should be patient and firm during training. At the same time, these small dogs are very intelligent and quick learners.

Grooming and Exercise
Australian Terriers require minimal grooming, and can be bathed on an "as needed" basis. To keep their shiny coats tidy, owners should simply brush several times a week. Prized for their energetic antics, Australian Terriers are good at entertaining themselves, which makes them well suited for apartment-dwellers. But they're almost always game for a few rounds of ball or toy toss so a few walks a week coupled with indoor play generally make up all the exercise they need.

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