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

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

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

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

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

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Australian Terrier or Toy Manchester Terrier bigger?

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

Which barks more, Australian Terrier or Toy Manchester Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

For apartment or apartment living, Toy Manchester Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Australian Terrier vs Toy Manchester Terrier: Which Is Calmer?

Australian Terrier vs Toy Manchester Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Australian Terrier	Toy Manchester Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	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 but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Toy Manchester Terrier is a small but sturdy breed 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 Toy Manchester Terrier needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Australian Terrier needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds very little. The Toy Manchester Terrier needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds very little. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Australian Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and gets on with children when raised around them. The Toy Manchester Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Australian Terrier is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Toy Manchester Terrier is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Toy Manchester Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Australian Terrier and Toy Manchester Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Australian Terrier and Toy Manchester Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
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 Toy Manchester Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Australian Terrier if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Toy Manchester Terrier if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you want a longer-lived breed.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Australian Terrier or the Toy Manchester Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Australian Terrier and the Toy Manchester Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Australian Terrier or the Toy Manchester Terrier?: The Australian Terrier and Toy Manchester Terrier shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Australian Terrier or the Toy Manchester Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Australian Terrier or Toy Manchester Terrier bigger?: Australian Terrier and Toy Manchester Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Australian Terrier or Toy Manchester Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Australian Terrier or Toy Manchester Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Toy Manchester Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Australian Terrier vs Toy Manchester Terrier