Tenterfield Terrier Breed Information

Original Function: ratters

Temperament: Confident, with an eagerness to learn, showing great loyalty to its owner and although fearless and bold at work, he is an ideal companion dog in the home.

Characteristics: A keen, intelligent and alert expression which is denoted by the carriage of the ears and erect tail.

Recommended for: Ideal companion for any age, from children through to the elderly.

Be Aware: there are not a lot of Registered breeders around, most people need to go on a waiting list to get a puppy.

Lifespan: well known for its lengthy lifespan. It is not unusual for these dogs to live to be 12-20 years of age.

Height & Weight: The height at shoulder is ideally 28cms (11 ins) with a 2.5 cm (1 in) variation either way. The weight to be in proportion to the size of the dog.

Coat: Single coated, short and of smooth texture.

Colour: Predominantly white with black, liver and/or tan markings in all its shades. Brindle markings acceptable but not preferred. Full colour coats are not acceptable. Skins should always be pigmented.

General Appearance: Small sized dog. Head is wedge shaped with slightly oval shaped dark eyes. Ears are V shaped with slightly rounded tips. The tail can be either full or natural bob.

BRIEF BACKGROUND
The forefathers of the Tenterfield Terrier originated in England . Huntsmen used Terriers derived from the Old English White Terrier. These came in a wide variety of shapes and sizes as well as in a variety of coat types – from quite smooth through to rough or wire-haired. As a result, terriers who specialized in killing rats came into existence. Rats carried disease for both dog and man and were a health threat to both country and city communities in those days before insecticides. Ratting terriers had to be quick and agile so they killed the rat before getting bitten; therefore they were usually small in stature as well as very athletic. They were usually smooth coated because the filth that the rats lived in would have got caked in a long or rough coat. Early sailing ships that came to Australia with our first settlers carried these small ratting terriers to kill the rats and mice on board. When the ship docked, many of these dogs were left behind to kill the rats and other vermin that escaped from the ships and ran rampant in our pristine countryside. The next two hundred years would see these little dogs established in Australia both as a ratting terrier and a family companion. There was hardly a farm in Australia that didn't have at least one of these terriers.
The breed was developed in Australia to the type it is today – a “true Aussie”.

BREED PERSONALITY/CHARACTERISTICS/ TEMPERAMENT
The Tenterfield Terrier is a strong, active, agile working terrier of great versatility. He has proven himself, without question, as a hunter of vermin and of being an extremely loving pet.
The Tenterfield Terrier is at home either hunting vermin on the land and around the home and property, or curled up on a loving knee in front of a fire.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS
The Tenterfield Terrier is very amicable with other pets. They are often used as companion dogs for larger breeds. They can become the best of friends with the family cat when introduced as a puppy.
They get along very well with other Tenterfield's, even when running in a pack.
The Tenterfield Terrier is a true terrier in temperament and therefore will not hesitate to “stand up for himself” should he feel threatened.

IDEAL OWNER/S
The Tenterfield Terrier is extremely adaptable to most home situations. He is quite the farm/working terrier or the loving household pet.
He is an ideal companion for any age, from children through to the elderly. They will eagerly play and romp with the children and/or curl up on the knee of someone less active. They love getting out and about for a walk or run and equally enjoy a game of ball for those who are unable to take their loving pet for a walk.
Always provide plenty of toys and items he can chew to keep him entertained, especially if he is to be left alone for long periods of time.

Grooming- The Tenterfield Terrier is a simple wash and wear dog. They need very little upkeep other than keeping their toe nails trimmed, the teeth clean (as with any breed) and occasional brushing to remove loose hair (especially when dropping summer and winter coats)

Exercise- They respond very well to positive reinforcement methods - negative methods such as hitting and yelling can bring out their stubborn streak. They learn quickly and are very smart. Tenterfield Terriers are good at dog sports such as Obedience, Agility, Flyball and Frisbee - their small size often makes them the crowd pleasers of the show. A 20-30 minute brisk walk once a day is enough exercise, but they would be happy to run free for hours, if they have the chance. A good compromise is a short 15 minute walk each weekday and a long run on the weekends.

Health- Occasionally prone to allergies - a good diet without flavours, colours and additives is recommended.
For Diet and other general dog health information Health/Nutrition

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Websites:

Clubs:

TENTERFIELD TERRIER CLUB OF WA Inc
http://tenterfieldterrier.info/

TENTERFIELD TERRIER CLUB OF VICTORIA
www.tenterfieldsvic.net

TENTERFIELD TERRIER CLUB OF SA Inc
www.tenterfieldsa.com

TENTERFIELD TERRIER CLUB OF QLD Inc
http://www.tenterfieldterriers.org