The Tenterfield Terrier is a small terrier much like the Miniature Fox and Rat Terriers. Its ancestors are English in origin, but also like the Miniature Fox Terrier it was bred and developed uniquely in Australia. They have short fur that is mostly white with markings in black, tan, and brindle. Most have docked tails, however naturally bobtailed Tenterfield Terriers do occur.

    The history of the Tenterfield Terrier coincides with that of the Miniature Fox Terrier; in fact, Tenterfields did not split from the Miniature Fox Terrier until 1992. At that time various Clubs met from around Australia to discuss the possibility of the Terrier becoming a recognized breed. It was decided that this terrier had no resemblance to the actual Fox Terrier, and so a name change was required. Tenterfield was decided on simply because it was an area were the dog was known to be bred, although many Australian towns and villages share this name. The Tenterfield Terrier was recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) in 2002, but at this time is still considered to be in development.

    There is a large debate between the differences between the Tenterfield Terrier and Miniature Fox Terrier, however there is no question that Tenterfields were indeed Miniature Fox Terriers. The Miniature Fox Terrier is still bred by various breeders and Clubs in Australia, and still a well-known breed, however it is not recognized by the ANKC. Breeders of the Tenterfield Terrier are highly focused on the future development of the breed, ensuring that the more time that passes the more differences that will appear between the two.

    The Tenterfield has many of the same qualities and temperament of most terriers. They are alert and highly intelligent dogs, and bond well with their owners. Although the differences in the appearance of the two dogs differs, their temperament largely remains the same. For more information see Miniature Fox Terrier.