GROUP 2 - TERRIERS

Brief History
The Tenterfield was developed in Australia. Small ratting terriers were used to kill the vermin on board sailing ships that came to Australia with our first settlers. Once the ships docked, rats and other vermin escaped into our pristine countryside and terriers were needed to control them. As Australia became more populated, these little terriers became established throughout the country, not only as vermin killers, but also as popular family companions. Initially, they were known as "Mini Foxies". Over the next hundred or so years, the Tenterfield became established in Australia as a working terrier and family companion.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The average life span is 10 to 15 years.

Temperament
The Tenterfield Terrier is a strong, active, agile working terrier of great versatility and has proven itself, without question, as a keen hunter and an extremely devoted pet. He is equally at home hunting vermin, playing in the yard or park, or curled up on a knee in front of a fire. Always happy to please, a Tenterfield Terrier is overjoyed when being praised. He is easily housetrained and can be trained to participate in most of the ANKC activities from agility to flyball and other less formal tricks. Ever watchful, he will alert you to the imminent arrival of any visitors.

General Breed Description
The Tenterfield Terrier is a strong, active, agile working terrier of great versatility and of pleasing proportion.  Although a moderate build, the Tenterfield has some unusual characteristics for a hunting terrier. His ears can be both erect and semi erect.  His colour includes not only the traditional terrier colours of predominantly white with black, tan or both black and tan, but also liver and blue markings.  A Tenterfield can have a tail of any length because he carries a natural bob-tail gene.

Coat and Care Requirements
The Tenterfield Terrier is quite a low maintenance dog. His smooth coat is easy to care for and seldom needs more than an occasional bath and nail clip. The occasional moult can be managed with a ‘hound glove’ and brush. The Tenterfield has proven to be an ideal family pet. As with any breed though, he should be supervised with small children and provided with an enclosure where he can have his own space, for those times when you are absent.

Size
Height: 25 to 30.5cms (10 to 12ins).

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed health and what health testing the breeder does.

Suitability
Always happy to please, a Tenterfield Terrier is overjoyed when being praised. As a result, he is easily housetrained and trained. They make a great companion for people of all ages and adapt superbly to modern society. But like all terriers, they require a firm hand and must be taught what is expected of them.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/103