A spirited, glossy-coated toy terrier developed in Australia from Yorkshire and Australian Terrier crosses. True to its terrier roots, it is bold, busy, and more rugged than its silky coat suggests.
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Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
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From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
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Minimum
Small apartment with daily walks
Apartment + 2× daily 20-min walks
A toy breed can live happily in a small apartment provided they get two short daily walks, indoor play, and supervised free-roam time. Crate-train for safe alone-time and never leave loose with unsupervised toddlers — they injure easily.
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Recommended
Home with secure yard + social structure
House + small fenced yard + daily walks
A house with a securely fenced yard for safe potty/play time, daily walks, and a clear household routine. Toy breeds thrive when treated as full household pets, not handbag accessories.
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Ideal
Household lap-dog with rich social life
House + fenced yard + companion-dog social pack
Closely-bonded household pet with a fenced yard, regular outings, varied training games, and human company most of the day. Toy breeds are companion animals — long isolation is their biggest welfare risk.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
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Newborn
Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).
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Juvenile
After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.
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Adult
Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.
Senior
Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
Apartment-friendly thanks to its small size, but it is an energetic, inquisitive terrier that needs more than lap time. Provide 30-45 minutes of daily walks plus play and mental enrichment. A securely fenced yard is appreciated, as the breed loves to dig and will chase small animals. Indoor-adapted but should not be left bored for long stretches.
Diet
Feed a quality small-breed diet portioned to maintain lean weight; toy breeds gain weight easily and a few extra ounces matter on a small frame. Use small-kibble formulas and watch for dental tartar (toy breeds are prone to periodontal disease). Avoid excessive treats and table scraps.
Behavior & temperament
Confident, alert, and affectionate with family; a keen watchdog that tends to be vocal. Energetic and playful with good trainability, though it shows typical terrier independence and prey drive toward rodents and small pets. Good with considerate older children; supervise with toddlers given its small size. Can be scrappy with unfamiliar dogs.
Health
Generally hardy. Watch for patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (hip joint degeneration in toy breeds), tracheal collapse, and dental disease. Some lines carry diabetes mellitus and a tendency to skin/coat issues. Recommended screening: patella evaluation, ophthalmologist eye exam, and routine dental care. Maintain lean body condition to protect joints.
Tips, DIY & hacks
The long, fine, single coat (no heavy undercoat) sheds little but mats easily; brush several times a week and bathe regularly to keep it glossy. Trim around the eyes, feet, and sanitary areas. Start positive, consistent training and socialization early to curb barking and prey-driven chasing. Provide dig-friendly outlets and supervise around small pets.
