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Australian Terrier Dogs for Adoption in Philadelphia, PA

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

Australian Terriers fit Philly's rowhouse blocks well, as long as you can live with a watchful little barker. At 14 to 20 pounds, an Aussie handles narrow stairs easily, and a walk up Manayunk's steep streets to the Pretzel Park dog run gives it a real outlet for all that terrier drive. The catch is the voice: Aussies announce every footstep, and party walls carry sound. If you're adopting one in Philly, plan on daily walks and early practice at quiet habits.

30 Australian Terriers available in Philadelphia and nationwide

Give an Australian Terrier a home

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

Australian Terriers Available for Adoption Near Philadelphia

About the Australian Terrier breed

The Australian Terrier was developed in 19th-century Australia from rough-coated British terriers, bred to hunt rats and snakes and to watch over farms and stations. It was the first native Australian breed to be recognized, and the AKC accepted it in 1960. Aussies stand 10 to 11 inches tall and weigh roughly 14 to 20 pounds, with a long body, erect ears, a harsh coat in blue and tan, sandy or red, and a soft, silky topknot.

Many Aussies are spirited, confident and affectionate, with more grit than their size suggests. They tend to stay close to their people, bark at unfamiliar sounds and chase squirrels with conviction, which matters on Philly sidewalks and park trails full of wildlife. Dogs vary, so an adult's own personality is a better guide than breed traits 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 Philadelphia

Having an Australian Terrier in Philly

Aussies pair a working terrier's drive with a small, low-shedding frame. In Philly, the main questions are how an alert, vocal dog suits shared rowhouse walls, how you'll fit in daily activity, and which breed health concerns to watch.

Temperament

Many Australian Terriers are confident, curious and devoted to their family, though some are bossy with other dogs. Expect barking at doorbells, passersby and odd noises, which travels through Philly's shared walls. Small animals can trigger a chase. Reward-based training and early socialization help, and each dog's personality varies.

Exercise Needs

Plan on a daily walk or two plus play that lets an Aussie chase and sniff. Pretzel Park's dog run in Manayunk is one off-leash option, while Pennypack Park's trails and Kelly Drive's paved path work on a leash. Puzzle toys and short training games cover rainy days.

Health Considerations

Breed risks include luxating patellas, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, diabetes, allergies, ear infections and some eye problems. Lyme-carrying ticks have turned up at many sampled City park sites, so daily tick checks and preventive medication are worthwhile. A veterinarian can examine the joints and eyes and help set a healthy weight.

Living Space

At 14 to 20 pounds, an Aussie fits a Philly rowhouse, apartment or twin with a small yard. Narrow stairs are rarely a problem for a dog this size. Neighbors through shared walls are the bigger factor, so work on quiet routines. In a fenced yard, secure the edges, since many Aussies dig or bolt after squirrels.

What it costs to own an Australian Terrier in Philadelphia

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 Philadelphia dog license ($16 a year if spayed or neutered), flea, tick and heartworm prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys and bedding, and brushing and plucking of the harsh coat.

Adopt an Australian Terrier in Philadelphia.

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

Rescues and Shelters in or near Philadelphia

Philly's animal shelters and rescues are listed below, and the adoptable dogs they list appear on this page. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Philly area with dogs available for adoption, worth asking whether an Australian Terrier is coming in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can own an Australian Terrier in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania law bars local breed-specific rules, so there's no breed ban. You'll need a city dog license by the time the dog is four months old, or within 30 days of adopting or moving, plus a current rabies vaccination. The license costs $16 a year if spayed or neutered, $40 if not.

Only in a carrier. SEPTA allows pets, including on the Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line, only in a standard, sturdy, nonobstructive carrier, and the animal can't be disruptive. Smaller Aussies may manage in a roomy carrier. Practice at home first, since a barking terrier can quickly become a problem in a crowded car.

Pretzel Park in Manayunk, Schuylkill River Park, Columbus Square and Black, Coyle & McBride Playground in Fishtown are volunteer-run dog runs where an Aussie can run off leash. For hikes, Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park and Pennypack Park work on a six-foot leash. Stay on trails and check for ticks afterward.

Yes, with sensible precautions. Philly summers reach the mid-80s, with about 30 days a year at 90°F or above, so walk early or late and keep the dog inside with air conditioning on the worst days. Hot pavement can burn paw pads, and a Code Red requires shade for dogs kept outside. Never leave an Aussie in a parked car.

Often yes, for adopters who want an alert, active companion and can handle some barking. A small terrier suits rowhouse blocks, neighborhood walks and the city's dog runs, but shared walls mean you'll need to train quiet habits. Squirrels are likely to tempt an Aussie, so use a six-foot leash outside dog runs, and judge the dog in front of you.

Sometimes, at each restaurant's discretion. Some patios and beer gardens welcome dogs, but only service animals are allowed indoors, and policies vary by venue. Bring water, a mat and a short leash, and expect to manage an alert terrier's barking at passersby. Pennsylvania's protections for service dogs in restaurants don't extend to pets.

Plan on weekly brushing and occasional plucking or tidying, with a bath every few months. Philly's humid summers and tick season make post-walk coat checks important, especially the ruff, ears and legs. The harsh coat isn't normally clipped, so grooming costs usually stay modest within the yearly Other costs of $490 to $1,290.

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 roughly $1,350 to $3,070 a year for an Australian Terrier in Philly. That covers food at $20 to $45 a month, insurance at $35 to $70 a month, routine vet care at $200 to $400 a year, and other costs at $490 to $1,290 a year. Emergencies, boarding and training aren't included.

Find Australian Terriers in Nearby Cities

Expand your search to find Australian Terriers available for adoption near Philadelphia.

Explore Other Breeds in Philadelphia

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