Australian Terrier Dogs for Adoption in Miami, FL

Your guide to finding and caring for an Australian Terrier in Miami

Australian Terriers suit the older, tree-lined streets of Shenandoah and Coral Way well. At 14 to 20 pounds, an Aussie is easy to carry through a Brickell elevator or settle into a small bungalow, and every hedge and sidewalk crack gives a curious terrier something to investigate. They'll announce every delivery and hallway noise, though, so training matters in a condo building. Plan on indoor play for summer afternoons, when the heat doesn't let up.

23 Australian Terriers available in Miami and nationwide

Give an Australian Terrier a home

While we don't have enough dogs near Miami, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.

Australian Terriers Available for Adoption Near Miami

About the Australian Terrier breed

The Australian Terrier was developed in 19th-century Australia from rough-coated British terriers, working as a ratter, snake killer and farm watchdog. It was the first native Australian breed recognized, and the AKC accepted it in 1960. Aussies are small but long-bodied, with erect ears, a harsh coat in blue and tan, sandy or red, and a soft, silky topknot.

In Miami, the harsh double coat sheds lightly and mostly needs weekly brushing and occasional plucking, which is manageable in humid weather as long as the coat and ears are dried after rain. Many Aussies are confident and affectionate, bond closely with their people and chase small animals with real conviction, so a leash outdoors and a secure fence are worth planning for. Each dog's personality is a better guide than the breed alone.

Weight
14–20 lbs
Height
10–11 in
Lifespan
11–15 yrs
Temperament
Spirited, Courageous, Alert
Group
Terrier
Shedding
Low

Owning an Australian Terrier in Miami

Having an Australian Terrier in Miami

Aussies pair working-terrier drive with a small frame. In Miami, the biggest questions are how a dog handles heat and noise in shared buildings, and whether daily walks and games fit your schedule. Every dog differs, so treat these as tendencies, not guarantees.

Temperament

Many Australian Terriers are self-assured, affectionate and alert, which makes them lively companions and enthusiastic announcers. In Miami's close-quarters condos and duplexes, expect barking at hallway noise unless training starts early. They may be bossy with other dogs, and their ratting instincts can turn squirrels and small pets into exciting targets.

Exercise Needs

Plan on daily walks plus play that lets an Aussie chase, dig or solve puzzles. In Miami, walk early or after sunset and keep midday sessions indoors, with scent games, short training bouts and puzzle toys. Warm nights mean even evening walks can feel muggy, so carry water and watch for heavy panting.

Health Considerations

Aussies are generally sturdy, but luxating patellas, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, diabetes, allergies, ear infections and eye problems are documented in the breed. Miami's humidity can aggravate ear and skin trouble, so dry ears after baths and rain. A veterinarian can check knees, eyes and weight at a first visit and set up year-round parasite prevention.

Living Space

Small size makes an Aussie workable in Miami's many rentals, from high-rise apartments to older duplexes, provided exercise is reliable. Barking carries through shared walls, and many terriers dig or bolt, so a secure fence and a leash outdoors matter. They want to live indoors with their people, ideally in air conditioning.

What it costs to own an Australian Terrier in Miami

ExpenseTypical costPer year
Food$20 to $45 per month$240 to $540
Pet insurance$35 to $70 per month$420 to $840
Routine vet care$200 to $400 per year$200 to $400
Other*$490 to $1,290 per year$490 to $1,290
Estimated yearly total (after year one)$1,350 to $3,070

Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.

* Flea, tick and heartworm prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, the County dog license, toys and bedding, and brushing and plucking of the harsh coat.

Adopt an Australian Terrier in Miami.

Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Australian Terriers available.

Frequently Asked Questions

An Australian Terrier can be a good fit for Miami if you're ready for summer heat and storm season. Aussies are small and adaptable, but they need daily exercise, indoor play on hot afternoons, and training to keep barking down in shared buildings. If you're away for long hours, expect a bored, vocal dog.

Yes, with sensible limits. Miami's heat index climbs high and nights stay in the upper 70s, so Australian Terriers should walk at dawn or after dark and rest in air conditioning at midday. A long snout helps with humidity, but Aussies still overheat, so bring water and avoid hot pavement. Never leave a dog in a parked car.

Bayfront Park downtown, Legion Memorial Park in the Upper Eastside and Woodside Park in The Roads all offer dog areas, and Woodside separates dogs by size. Dogs must be leashed outside designated areas, and an Aussie that chases small animals should stay leashed until you're inside a closed gate.

Yes, if your Australian Terrier rides in a properly enclosed carrier. Miami-Dade Transit requires pets on Metrobus, Metrorail and Metromover to be in a cage, kennel or carrier that doesn't interfere with the bus or train. Metrorail is elevated, not a subway. At 14 to 20 pounds, an Aussie needs a roomy carrier. Service animals are exempt.

Yes. Florida law bars breed-specific local dog rules, so nothing in Miami restricts Australian Terriers. Dogs over four months need a Miami-Dade license tag worn at all times and renewed yearly along with the rabies vaccine. Landlords and HOAs set their own rules, so confirm your building's pet policy in writing before adopting.

Policies vary by restaurant, so don't assume a patio welcomes dogs. Florida allows dogs only in outdoor dining areas of restaurants operating under a local ordinance and permit, and the dog must be leashed and kept off chairs and tables. Confirm at the door, and keep your Aussie's terrier curiosity away from other diners' food.

Yes, Australian Terriers are often excellent pets for people who want a small dog with a big, busy personality. Many are affectionate, adaptable and trainable, and they bond closely with their families. The trade-offs are a tendency to bark, a strong urge to chase small animals and a need for daily exercise and mental activity to stay settled.

Australian Terriers typically live about 11 to 15 years. Some sources put the average closer to 11 or 12, with females often living slightly longer than males. Keeping an Aussie lean, active and up to date on dental care and checkups gives the best chance of a long life, and conditions such as diabetes are easier to manage when caught early.

We have 1 rescue with Australian Terriers available: Miami-Dade Animal Services. You can see every rescue with Australian Terriers available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the Australian Terriers near Miami.

Expect roughly $1,350 to $3,070 a year for an Australian Terrier in Miami. That covers $20 to $45 a month for food, $35 to $70 a month for insurance, $200 to $400 for routine vet care, and $490 to $1,290 for other costs such as parasite prevention and coat care. Actual spending depends on the dog's age and health.