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Australian Terrier Dogs for Adoption in Columbus, OH

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

Australian Terriers suit Columbus well, whether the home is a Clintonville house or a Hilltop place on a quarter-acre lot. At 14 to 20 pounds, they get a good workout from a loop through Whetstone Park and a stretch of the Olentangy Trail. Expect a watchful little dog that announces every delivery truck, and plan on a secure fence or a leash outdoors. January mornings call for a coat and shorter outings.

30 Australian Terriers available in Columbus and nationwide

Give an Australian Terrier a home

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

Australian Terriers Available for Adoption Near Columbus

About the Australian Terrier breed

The Australian Terrier was developed in 1800s Australia from rough-coated British terriers, to hunt rats and snakes and watch over farms and stations. It was the first native Australian breed recognized, and the AKC accepted it in 1960. Aussies are small and long-bodied, with erect ears, a harsh blue-and-tan, sandy or red coat, a ruff and a silky topknot.

That working background shows up in everyday life. Many Aussies are confident and affectionate, bond closely with their people, and chase squirrels and other small animals with real conviction. The low-shedding coat usually needs weekly brushing and occasional tidying. Dogs vary, so how a particular adult behaves matters more than the breed label.

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 Columbus

Having an Australian Terrier in Columbus

Aussies are small terriers with a big work ethic. In Columbus, the main things to plan around are daily exercise, a barking habit that matters in close quarters, cold-season gear for a small body, and a few breed-linked health concerns.

Temperament

Many Australian Terriers are confident, curious and devoted to their families, and they tend to announce anything unusual. On busy Columbus sidewalks, that alertness calls for calm leash manners and early, reward-based practice around people and other dogs. Chasing instinct means squirrels can pull hard on a walk. Each dog's personality differs.

Exercise Needs

Plan on daily walks plus play that lets an Aussie chase and think. Greenway trails and city dog parks give variety, and Metro Parks pet trails offer softer ground. Keep a 6-foot leash on greenways and Metro Parks land. Scent games and puzzle toys fill in on icy days when outings get shorter.

Health Considerations

Luxating patellas, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, diabetes, allergies, ear infections and eye conditions turn up in the breed, though many dogs stay healthy. Icy sidewalks can be hard on small knees, so keep winter walks steady. Watch thirst, appetite and mobility, wipe salt from paws, and schedule regular checkups that include a look at the joints.

Living Space

A small Aussie fits Columbus apartments and houses alike when daily exercise is reliable. Barking training matters in shared buildings, where a vocal dog is noticed quickly. In a house, a secure fence helps, since many Aussies dig or bolt after small animals. They want to live indoors alongside their people.

What it costs to own an Australian Terrier in Columbus

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.

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

Adopt an Australian Terrier in Columbus.

Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below have dogs available in and near Columbus.

Rescues and Shelters in or near Columbus

Columbus has a busy network of county and nonprofit shelters and rescues helping dogs find new homes. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Columbus area with dogs available for adoption, worth asking whether an Australian Terrier is coming in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Columbus has no breed-specific rules, and Ohio designates dangerous or vicious dogs by behavior, not breed. The city also sets no fixed pet limit per household. Budget for the yearly Franklin County license, about $18 for a spayed or neutered dog, and expect landlords and some neighboring suburbs to have their own rules.

Yes, with some gear. The harsh double coat helps, but a small Aussie chills fast during Columbus's long, icy winters. Use a coat on the coldest days, shorten walks, wipe salt from paws and legs, and keep potty trips supervised. Indoor scent games and training sessions make up for lost walk time.

Often, for active people who are ready for cold winters. Columbus has dog parks, greenways and Metro Parks pet trails for daily outings, and an Aussie's size works in houses and apartments. The trade-offs are winter gear, barking in close quarters and a strong chase drive. Each Aussie differs, so match a dog's energy and noise level to your routine.

For variety, try the paved 1.2-mile loop at Antrim Park, the path in German Village's Schiller Park, or Rocky Fork Metro Park's off-leash Dog Trail on the northeast edge. Use off-leash areas only with reliable recall, since Aussies chase. City dog parks allow two dogs per handler and expect you to carry license tags.

Only in a carrier. COTA runs buses, not rail, and pets can ride only inside a cage or case that fits on your lap, while service animals ride on a leash. At 14 to 20 pounds, an Aussie may be a tight fit, so practice carrier comfort first and confirm current COTA rules before riding.

Sometimes, on patios. Ohio law lets restaurants allow dogs in outdoor dining areas, but each restaurant decides, so look for a posted policy. Dogs must stay under control, be properly vaccinated, and not pass through indoor areas to reach the patio. Pet dogs aren't allowed inside. An Aussie that settles quietly under the table makes visits easier.

Plan on weekly brushing year-round, plus occasional plucking or tidying of loose hair. The harsh coat isn't normally clipped, so most owners don't need frequent professional grooming, and that upkeep sits inside the yearly Other cost range. In winter, wipe salt from paws and legs after walks; in summer, brush out burrs and grass seeds.

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.

Expect about $20 to $45 a month for food and $35 to $70 for pet insurance. Routine vet care runs about $200 to $400 a year, and other costs such as the license, prevention, dental care and coat upkeep add roughly $490 to $1,290 a year. Adoption fees depend on the listings on this page.

Explore Other Breeds in Columbus

Looking for a different breed? Browse other dogs available for adoption in Columbus.