Tenterfield Terrier
The Tenterfield Terrier descends from terriers originally used to eliminate pests such as rat and snakes on farms and homesteads. Today it they are kept almost exclusively as companions and show dogs. It is rarely seen outside of Australia and New Zealand.
The name ‘Tenterfield’ is taken from a location in New South Wales. These dogs were not first developed there, but it is where they were commonly bred.
The name ‘Tenterfield’ is taken from a location in New South Wales. These dogs were not first developed there, but it is where they were commonly bred.
Tenterfield Terrier Standards
- Australian National Kennel Council
- New Zealand Kennel Club
- 10-12"
- 12 lbs
- small terrier
- triangular ears stand erect or fold forward
- tail is traditionally docked where legal
- coat is short and smooth
- black and white
- tan and white
- tricolor
History of the Tenterfield Terrier
The Tenterfield Terrier’s history coincides with that of the Miniature Fox Terrier until the end of the 20th century. They descend from European dogs brought to Australia in the 1800s as vermin control. Its primary ancestors were most likely smaller Smooth Fox Terriers, along with the Manchester and old-style Jack Russell Terriers.
When Miniature Fox Terrier breeders began seeking official Australian National Kennel Council recognition, there was an outcry from many fanciers. They had no desire for their working terriers to receive a written standard from a kennel club. Meanwhile, breeders were unhappy with the name since they do not in fact look like Fox Terriers. A compromise of sorts was reached when the Tenterfield Terrier was "born". It was in effect a split of show dogs (Tenterfields) and working lines (Miniature Fox Terrier). Today the two have been breeding separately for over 20 years and are fully established as separate breeds.
Related Breeds: