Australian Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Australian Terrier
Also known as: Aussie, Australian Rough
The Australian Terrier is a small, robust breed known for its spirited personality, intelligence, and loyalty. Originally bred to hunt vermin and guard homes, this terrier is both a devoted companion and an alert watchdog, characterized by its distinctive rough, weather-resistant coat and keen expression.
Small
Medium
11-15 yrs
25-28 cm
6.8-9.1 kg
Yorkshire Terrier
Also known as: Yorkie, Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Terrier is often mischaracterized as a mere lapdog accessory. In reality, this is a **terrier** first and a companion second. While affectionate and portable, their genetic heritage as vermin exterminators in textile mills drives a personality that is tenacious, vocal, and surprisingly intense. Often called 'the Yorkie', this breed packs big-dog attitude into a tiny frame.
Extra Small
Medium
13.56 yrs
17-20 cm
Up to 3.2kg (often larger in pet lines: 4-5kg) kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | Medium | High |
| Trainability | Moderate | Moderate |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | Low | Low |
| Housing | Yard | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner (with conditions) | Intermediate |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Confident beginner or experienced owner willing to train consistently. Works from home or has flexible schedule. Single-dog household preferred, or with opposite-sex passive dog. No small prey animals. Comfortable with managing barking through training. | Diligent owner with patience for house training and consistent grooming routine. Works from home or can provide frequent bathroom breaks. Understands this is a high-maintenance dog in a small package. |
Australian Terrier Dealbreakers
- Want a silent dog
- Have pocket pets (hamsters, rats) that roam
- Want a dog that can be off-leash in unfenced areas
- Unwilling to manage potential dog-aggression
- Passive or permissive owner (if you treat them like a baby, they will become a tyrant)
Yorkshire Terrier Dealbreakers
- Families with toddlers - fragility makes this unsafe
- Full-time workers away 8+ hours - bladder cannot hold it
- Anyone wanting a 'low maintenance' dog
- Noise-sensitive neighbors in apartments
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Barking complaints from neighbors, Incompatibility with other pets (chasing cats, fighting dogs), Owners buy thinking they are low-maintenance small dogs and are overwhelmed by their big-dog energy and tenacity | It won't stop peeing in the house (house training failure), It snapped at the baby (resource guarding/fear), The barking is driving neighbors crazy |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Moderate |
Australian Terrier Social Traits
Medium
Often bossy and may spark fights with much larger dogs, refusing to back down. Same-sex aggression is a known trait.
Yorkshire Terrier Social Traits
High - naturally suspicious, early socialization required to prevent fear biting
Often reactive to larger dogs - usually fear-based, not dominance
Training
Australian Terrier
- Harsh methods trigger their 'terrier grit,' causing them to shut down or fight back
- Use high-value rewards (food/toys)
- Keep training sessions short and varied
- Practice 'Nothing in Life is Free' to maintain household boundaries
Yorkshire Terrier
- Keep sessions SHORT (5 minutes max) - they bore easily
- High-value treats essential - they won't work just to please you
- Indoor pee pad system may be necessary permanent solution
Australian Terrier Considerations
Bred to alert settlers to snakes and intruders, they score 5/5 on watchdog ability. In modern settings, this means barking at delivery trucks, hallway footsteps, and leaves blowing across the patio. Often a dealbreaker for renters with noise restrictions.
Documented risk of aggression toward dogs of the same sex, particularly between two females. This often emerges at sexual maturity (18-24 months) and can escalate from posturing to serious fighting. They generally do best as the only dog or with a companion of the opposite sex.
Their prey drive is not a game; it is a job. They were engineered to kill rats and snakes. They cannot be trusted with hamsters, rabbits, or guinea pigs, and they may harass cats that run. This is a Full Predatory Sequence breed—they do not just chase; they grab and shake.
Yorkshire Terrier Considerations
This is the single most cited failure mode for the breed. Due to tiny bladders and terrier stubbornness, Yorkies are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Many owners report accidents persisting well into adulthood, and some never become 100% reliable without indoor pads.
The 'watchdog' trait is hardwired. They will announce every delivery driver, neighbor, and squirrel with sharp, high-pitched barking. This can lead to neighbor complaints and eviction notices in apartments.
Yorkies often don't perceive their small size, leading to 'Napoleonic' aggression toward much larger dogs. This is usually fear-based reactivity, not actual courage, but can be dangerous.
A toddler falling on a Yorkie can kill the dog. They can be fatally injured by being dropped, stepped on, or sat upon. Not suitable for homes with young children.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - safe only if raised together and the cat does not run | Generally safe if raised together - but may harass a cat that runs |
| Small Mammals | Unsafe - high risk for hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents | UNSAFE - the ratting instinct is alive. Dangerous to hamsters, gerbils, birds. |
| Birds / Reptiles | Unsafe - high risk | Unsafe - predatory drift will trigger chase/kill |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Full | Full |
| Biddability | Medium | Moderate |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | N/A |
Australian Terrier: Full Predatory Sequence: Orient → Eye → Stalk → Chase → Grab-Bite → Kill-Bite. Bred to kill snakes and rats. You cannot 'train out' the desire to shake a rat; you can only manage it. Not 'will to please' dogs - they are 'what's in it for me?' dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier: Unlike a Cavalier where the sequence is eroded, the Yorkie retains the Kill-Bite part of the sequence for small vermin. High intelligence but asks 'Why?' before 'How high?' - less eager to please than a Poodle.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-12 |
| House Training | Medium | Very Hard |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Australian Terrier: While small and portable, they are intense. House training is moderately difficult (terriers can be stubborn), and their sharp puppy teeth are used freely during play. Critical socialization window is 8-16 weeks - must socialize to handling and strangers to prevent natural wariness from turning into defensiveness.
Yorkshire Terrier: Unlike larger breeds, you cannot simply 'crate and wait' - their bladders are too small. Expect accidents for the first year. The combination of extreme fragility, house training difficulty, and hypoglycemia risks makes Yorkie puppies very demanding.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 10 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 4-10 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 1.5-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~10 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-4 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-28 cm | 17-20 cm |
| Weight | 6.8-9.1 kg | Up to 3.2kg (often larger in pet lines: 4-5kg) kg |
| Size Category | Small | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 11-15 years | 13.56 years |
| Litter Size | 4-6 | 2-4 |
Australian Terrier Coat
Yorkshire Terrier Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Kill rats and snakes in gold mines and sheep stations, tend sheep, and alert owners to intruders | Vermin extermination in textile mills and coal mines |
| Origin | Australia, 19th century | Yorkshire, England, mid-19th century |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | High |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Hard |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Higher than average - fading puppy syndrome and hypoglycemia |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1.2m | 0.9m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | High | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Australian Terrier Health Issues
Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues
Australian Terrier Suggested Tests
- Annual blood glucose and urinalysis (starting at age 5)
- OFA Patella Evaluation
- CERF Eye Examination
- Family history of Diabetes inquiry
Yorkshire Terrier Suggested Tests
- Bile Acid Test (for Liver Shunt) - critical for puppies
- OFA Patella evaluation for breeding stock
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium-High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Food Allergies | General environmental allergens | Chicken, Grains |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Fast | Fast |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Medium |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Common - scooting indicates need for expression |
Senior Care & Aging
Australian Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Diabetes Mellitus (watch for excessive thirst/urination)
- Cataracts
- Joint stiffness
Mobility usually remains good until very late life. Primary concern in seniors is monitoring for diabetes symptoms (excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss despite normal eating).
Yorkshire Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cognitive dysfunction (dementia)
- Blindness (cataracts)
- Kidney failure
- Dental disease progression
Often sharp decline after 12 years. Long-lived breed (median 13.56 years) but quality of life compromised by dental and cognitive issues.
Grooming & Care
Australian Terrier
medium maintenanceYorkshire Terrier
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Australian Terrier Daily Life
Yorkshire Terrier Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Low | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Medium | Medium |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,200-2,500 | $1,500-3,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,200–$2,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $120–$200 | $100–$200 |
| Yearly Range | $1,440–$2,400 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Food / Month | $30-50 | $20-40 |
| Insurance / Month | $40-70 | $35-60 |
| Grooming / Session | $50-80 | $50-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-600 | $300-600 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Australian Terrier Lifetime Cost
$15,000-30,000
Yorkshire Terrier Lifetime Cost
$15,000-30,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Australian Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Rare |
| Slobber Level | None | None |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | None - hair doesn't hold oil/odor like double-coated breeds |
| Zoomies Frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | High | Low-Medium |
Australian Terrier Quirks
The Ruff
Distinctive ruff of hair around the neck (like a lion's mane) which was historically protective against snake bites
The Topknot
The soft, silky hair on their head contrasts with the wire body coat and needs gentle combing
Digging for Fun
They don't just dig to escape; they dig for fun. Provide a designated sandpit and bury toys in it to save your flowerbeds.
Bossiness
They will attempt to run the household. 'Nothing in life is free' training is recommended to maintain boundaries.
Yorkshire Terrier Quirks
Reverse Sneezing
A spasm of the throat/soft palate that sounds like a goose honking. Scary for owners but usually harmless.
The Yorkie Shake
Will violently shake toys - this is the motor pattern for breaking a rat's neck, their genetic heritage
Weather Diva
Often refuses to go outside in rain or cold - may require indoor pee pad system year-round
Velcro Mode
Will follow you to the bathroom, sit on your feet while you cook, and attempt to sleep on your head
Frequently Asked Questions
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