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Pet Insurance for Australian Terriers

Find out all about Australian Terriers and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,000–$3,500

Height

23cm - 28cm

Weight

5.4kg - 7.2kg

Personality

Spirited, alert, loyal

Coat length

Medium, hypoallergenic

Exercise needs

Low to moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 -15 years

Australian Terrier

Overview

The Australian Terrier, also known as the Rough Coated Terrier, is an Australian dog breed which was officially recognised in 1892. It was the first Australian dog breed to be formally recognised. They are a small but highly spirited breed which is closely related to the Silky Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. They have a distinctive rough, wiry coat that requires regular grooming but is hypoallergenic and suitable for people who suffer from allergies.  

Aussies Terriers are known for their fearless, confident and mischievous nature. Despite their small size, they are often described as ‘big dogs in a small package.’ They are highly intelligent and eager to learn, and can easily be taught to perform tricks, and so are popular performing circus dogs. They can be stubborn at times, and have an instinctive desire to chase, so they love ball games. However, they should not be trusted around smaller pets. Aussies Terriers are well-suited for families who live in apartments or have smaller backyards, but they have a high energy level and are not quiet lap dogs.   

Common diseases and conditions of Australian Terriers

  • Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position. It can cause lameness and discomfort. Early detection and surgical intervention can help alleviate this issue.
  • Legg-Perthes Disease (hip joint malformation): Legg-Perthes disease is a hip joint malformation that primarily affects smaller dog breeds like Australian Terriers. It can lead to hip pain and lameness. Surgical treatment may be necessary to improve the dog's quality of life.
  • Diabetes: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that can affect Australian Terriers. It results in improper blood sugar regulation and may require insulin therapy and dietary management.
  • Skin Allergies: Skin allergies in Australian Terriers can be triggered by various factors, including environmental allergens and food sensitivities. Symptoms may include itching, redness, and skin irritation. Dietary adjustments and medication can help manage skin allergies.

Breed-specific issues:

Their independent streak can make them prone to stubbornness, so positive reinforcement training methods work best. Additionally, they have a strong prey drive and should be closely supervised around smaller animals, which they can’t resist chasing. They have a tendency to bark incessantly when bored or left alone for too long.  

How much does pet insurance cost for an Australian Terrier?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Australian Terrier, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Australian Terriers

Are Australian Terriers aggressive?

No, Australian Terriers are generally not known for being aggressive at all. They tend to be spirited, confident, and affectionate dogs with a strong loyalty to their families. However, as they were bred to be ratting dogs, they will chase small animals so should never be trusted around kittens, guinea pigs or rabbits, for example. 

Are Australian Terriers good family pets?

Yes, Australian Terriers make excellent family pets. They are affectionate, loyal, and great with children. Their small size makes them suitable for indoor living. 

Do Australian Terriers bark a lot?

Yes, Australian Terriers are known for their alert nature, and they may bark to alert their owners about perceived threats or changes in their environment. While they are not excessive barkers like some other breeds, they will likely vocalize when they sense something unusual. Proper training can help manage their barking tendencies. 

 Do Australian Terriers require a lot of grooming?

No, Australian Terriers are low-shedding and do not need a lot of grooming, but they do require a regular brush. They have a double-layered coat with a soft undercoat and a harsh, wiry topcoat. To keep their coat in good condition, they need to be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting and tangling. 

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Australian Terrier

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