Australian Terrier vs Dachshund
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Australian Terrier
A sturdy, low-set working terrier developed in Australia for pest control and companionship. Aussie Terriers are spirited, affectionate, and surprisingly courageous for their small size.
VS
Dachshund
Bold and tenacious with a distinctive elongated body, the Dachshund is a spirited companion. Originally bred for hunting badgers, they are fearless, clever, and endlessly entertaining.
Quick Answer
Choose Australian Terrier if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose Dachshund if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Australian Terrier
Attribute
Dachshund
small
Size
small
6–7 kg (13–15 lbs)
Weight
7–15 kg (15–33 lbs)
23–28 cm (9–11 in)
Height
20–23 cm (8–9 in)
11–15 yrs
Lifespan
12–16 yrsBetter
Better4/5
Trainability
2/5
4/5
Energy
3/5
Better4/5
Good with Kids
3/5
2/5
Shedding
2/5
2/5
Grooming
2/5
Better5/5
Apartment
4/5
Better4/5
Health
3/5
$1,000–$2,000
Price
$500–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Which Is Healthier — Australian Terrier or Dachshund? Health Compared
Australian Terrier tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Australian Terrier
Dachshund
Lifespan (years)
11–15
vs12–16Better
Health Robustness
Better4/5
vs3/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Australian Terrier lives roughly 11–15 years while the Dachshund averages 12–16 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Australian Terrier vs Dachshund: Training and Intelligence
Australian Terrier is generally easier to train.
Australian Terrier
Dachshund
Trainability
Better4/5
vs2/5
Intelligence
Better4/5
vs3/5
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Australian Terrier's trainability score of 4/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Australian Terrier vs Dachshund: Energy and Exercise Compared
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Australian Terrier
Dachshund
Energy Level
4/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs4/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (3/5) and similar energy levels (Australian Terrier: 4/5, Dachshund: 3/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — 30-45 minutes of daily activity keeps either breed happy.
Australian Terrier vs Dachshund: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Australian Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Australian Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,500
Annual Food$300
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$850 ✓
Dachshund
Avg. Purchase$1,250
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,000–$2,000 for a Australian Terrier and $500–$2,000 for a Dachshund. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Australian Terrier and Dachshund Temperament: What to Expect
Dachshund is calmer; Australian Terrier is more energetic.
Australian Terrier
Dachshund
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
4/5
vs4/5
Energy
4/5
vs3/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Australian Terrier is typically spirited, affectionate and courageous, making them well suited for apartment living, seniors and families.
Family and Social Compatibility: Australian Terrier vs Dachshund
Australian Terrier is better suited for families with children.
Australian Terrier
Dachshund
Good with Kids
Better4/5
vs3/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs3/5
Strangers
3/5
vs3/5
The Australian Terrier has a slight edge with children (4/5 vs 3/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Australian Terrier's spirited temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Australian Terrier vs Dachshund: Size and Coat
Dachshund is the larger breed; Australian Terrier is more compact.
Australian Terrier
Dachshund
Weight (kg)
6–7
vs7–15
Height (cm)
23–28
vs20–23
The Australian Terrier stands 23–28 cm (9–11 in) and weighs 6–7 kg (13–15 lbs), while the Dachshund measures 20–23 cm (8–9 in) and 7–15 kg (15–33 lbs). The Dachshund is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Which Sheds More — Australian Terrier or Dachshund? Grooming Compared
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Australian Terrier
Dachshund
Shedding
2/5
vs2/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Both breeds shed at the same rate (2/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Summary and Final Take: Australian Terrier or Dachshund?
The Australian Terrier comes out ahead in most categories — it's easier to train (4/5 vs 2/5), better with children (4/5), more apartment-friendly (5/5). If you can meet its moderate exercise needs and don't mind its quirks, the Australian Terrier is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Australian Terrier and Dachshund are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Australian Terrier is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Australian Terrier if...
- ✓You have young children — Australian Terriers are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
Choose Dachshund if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Australian Terrier or Dachshund?
The Australian Terrier scores 4/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Dachshund's 3/5. The Australian Terrier is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Australian Terrier or Dachshund easier to train?
The Australian Terrier is easier to train with a score of 4/5, compared to the Dachshund's 2/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Australian Terrier or Dachshund?
A Australian Terrier puppy costs $1,000–$2,000 while a Dachshund costs $500–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $850 for the Australian Terrier and $1,020 for the Dachshund. The Dachshund costs more to maintain annually.
Do Australian Terriers or Dachshunds live longer?
The Australian Terrier lives 11–15 years on average, while the Dachshund lives 12–16 years. The Dachshund tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Australian Terrier or Dachshund live in an apartment?
The Australian Terrier is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Dachshund (4/5). The Australian Terrier is one of our top picks for apartment living.