Australian Terrier vs Golden Retriever

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Australian Terrier
Category
Golden Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

14 - 16
Weight (lbs)
55 - 75
10 - 11
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24
11 - 15 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Terrier
Breed Group
Sporting
Australia
Origin
Scotland
Cattle herdering, hunting snakes and rodents
Bred For
Retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

4/5
Energy Level
4/5
5/5
Better
Trainability
2/5
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
5/5
Grooming Needs
5/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$1,796
Australian Terrier
vs
Annual Cost
$2,844
Golden Retriever
Australian Terrier
Expense
Golden Retriever
$1,796
Lower ✓
Annual Cost
$2,844
$2,516
Lower ✓
First Year
$3,564
$24,068
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$32,004
$336
Lower ✓
Food (annual)
$780
$515
Lower ✓
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$440
Grooming (annual)
$440
$480
Lower ✓
Insurance (annual)
$864
$40
Lower ✓
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a Australian Terrier (~13 yrs) costs approximately $7,936 less than a Golden Retriever (~11 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Australian Terrier

Spirited, Alert, Loyal, Companionable, Even Tempered, Courageous, Affectionate, Brave, Athletic, Playful, Friendly, Curious, Gentle, Quiet, Smart

Golden Retriever

Intelligent, Kind, Reliable, Friendly, Trustworthy, Confident, Affectionate, Curious, Gentle, Funny, Playful, Quiet, Smart, Loyal, Couch