Australian Terrier vs Schipperke
Terrier · Small vs Non-Sporting · Small
Australian TerrierSmall
A spirited, alert, courageous Australian outback ratter — the first breed developed Down Under.
Weight: 15–20 lbsLifespan: 11–15 years
SchipperkeSmall
A confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff.
Weight: 10–16 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Australian Terrier is the larger breed at 15–20 lbs (males) vs 10–16 lbs for the Schipperke.
- • The Australian Terrier sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
Group | Terrier | Non-Sporting |
Size | Small | Small |
Origin | Australia | Belgium |
Height (male) | 10–11" | 11–13" |
Height (female) | 10–11" | 10–12" |
Weight (male) | 15–20 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Weight (female) | 15–20 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 11–15 years | 12–14 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | wirehaired | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is a spirited, alert, courageous Australian outback ratter — the first breed developed Down Under. Originally from Australia, this small terrier breed typically weighs 15–20 lbs and lives 11–15 years. Breeders describe them as spirited, alert, courageous.
About the Schipperke
The Schipperke is a confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff. Originally from Belgium, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 10–16 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as confident, alert, curious.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Australian Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Diabetes
- • Allergies
Schipperke health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • MPS IIIB
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hypothyroidism