Is the Australian Terrier or the Manchester Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Australian Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Australian Terrier or the Manchester Terrier?

The Australian Terrier and Manchester Terrier shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Australian Terrier or the Manchester Terrier?

The Manchester Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Australian Terrier or Manchester Terrier bigger?

Australian Terrier and Manchester Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Australian Terrier or Manchester Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Australian Terrier or Manchester Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Australian Terrier and Manchester Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Australian Terrier vs Manchester Terrier: Easier to Groom?

Australian Terrier vs Manchester Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Australian Terrier	Manchester Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Very Low
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	15 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Australian Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Manchester Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Australian Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Manchester Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Australian Terrier asks for a light brush once or twice a week and drops very little hair. The Manchester Terrier takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and drops very little hair. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Australian Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Manchester Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Australian Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Manchester Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Australian Terrier and Manchester Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Australian Terrier and Manchester Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Manchester Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Australian Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Australian Terrier and Manchester Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Australian Terrier if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Manchester Terrier on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Manchester Terrier if you want an easier dog to train, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Australian Terrier or the Manchester Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Australian Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Australian Terrier or the Manchester Terrier?: The Australian Terrier and Manchester Terrier shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Australian Terrier or the Manchester Terrier?: The Manchester Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Australian Terrier or Manchester Terrier bigger?: Australian Terrier and Manchester Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Australian Terrier or Manchester Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Australian Terrier or Manchester Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Australian Terrier and Manchester Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Australian Terrier vs Manchester Terrier