Tenterfield Terrier – The Agile Worker

What makes the Tenterfield Terrier Unique?

Tenterfield Terrier are known for being loyal to their owners, training them is a joy for they respond well to a positive reinforcement method of training. They are friendly and love to cuddle in your lap. This Tenterfield Terrier is a useful working dog and a wonderful companion.

SnapShot

Size: Males – 25.4 to 30.48 cm (10 to 12 inches)
Females – 25.4 to 30.48 cm (10 to 12 inches)
Weight: Males – 3 to 4 kg (7 to 10 pounds)
Females – 3 to 4 kg (7 to 10 pounds)
Origin: Australia
Life Span: 12 – 20 Years
Colour: White, Liver, Black, Tan
Litter Size: up to 5 puppies

Is the Tenterfield Terrier Right For You?

These Tenterfield Terrier dogs get along wonderfully with children and other animals, but they need to be socialize early. They often used as companion dogs for larger breeds and can become best friends with the family cat when introduced as a puppy. They are bright, happy and friendly, and love nothing more than a cuddle in your lap.
Despite its gorgeous looks, they are good watchdog.
This breed loves human companionship and does not adapt well to solitary life in a backyard. A good, safe, high fence is required. They are a very adaptable breed with moderate exercise requirements. They are happy with zoomies around the yard or as your jogging partner, or are happy to just sit next to you as you relax. Tenties are suited to a small backyard, but like any dog, they do require some physical and mental stimulation.
They love to accompany you everywhere, whether it is walking, hiking, jogging or even a trip in the car. Spears also mentions the need for a secure yard and time to share, as this is a breed that thrives on human companionship. They are truly loyal to their owners.

In 5 Words

  • Alert
  • Bright
  • Energetic
  • Happy
  • Loyal
Fun Fact

Though the Tenterfield Terrier originated in England in the 1800s, it was developed into the type it is today in Australia, making it one of only a few truly Australian bred dogs. It is found nowhere else in the world.

Characteristics

Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog

Learn About the Tenterfield Terrier

Description

Description

General Description

Tenterfield Terrier’s length of it’s head and neck is always balance to the whole of the dog. The color of its nose is usually black their eyes are not large, their ears are V-shaped with slightly round tips. The mouth has strong jaws, the neck is not too heavily muscled. Their body is short, compact with a level topline, ribs are moderately sprung, and the chest reaches the level of its elbow.

They are loyal and lively, very alert and active dogs. These dogs are devoted to their owners and will stick by your side. They love games, which help to keep them engaged and out of trouble.

Size

On average, these dogs measure between 25.4 to 30.48 cm (10 to 12 inches) tall and weighs 3 to 4 kg (7 to 10 pounds)

Coat

Coat colors are predominantly white with black, liver and tan markings in its various tones. Brindle markings acceptable but not preferred. Full-color coats are not acceptable. Skin should always be pigmented.

Short History

Short History of the Tenterfield Terrier

The Tenterfield Terrier was developed by crossing the Standard Fox Terrier (Smooth) with the Manchester Black and Tan or English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan). At a later stage the Whippet was introduced. At one stage Chihuahua was used, but any outcrossing to other breeds is now quite forbidden. Though the Tenterfield Terrier originated in England in the 1800s, it was developed into the type it is today in Australia, making it one of only a few truly Australian bred dogs. The breed is sometimes confused with the Jack Russell, however they are quite different.

It is named for the New South Wales town where George Woolnough was a dedicated fan of the breed. Today, the Tenterfield Terrier is popular in Australia and is growing as a companion dog in Britain and the U.S.

Temperament

Temperament

The Tenterfield Terrier is a strong, alert and active, agile working terrier of great versatility and of pleasing proportion. Bright, happy and confident, with an eagerness to learn, showing great loyalty to its owner. Fearless, lively, clever, independent, bold, keen, and very intelligent with an alert expression. Like all terriers, it takes loving patience to train them. They respond well to a positive reinforcement method of training; yelling and hitting will not get a good response from this loving breed. They are friendly and love to cuddle in your lap. This terrier is a useful working dog and a wonderful companion.

These dogs need an owners who understands how to be a strong pack leader. Owners need to be consistently firm and confident, providing rules they must follow and limits as to what they are and are not allowed to do. They love games, which help to keep them engaged and out of trouble. They do well with children who know how to display leadership.

They would love to accompany you everywhere—they love walking, hiking and jogging. They will even run behind your horse if you have one and like to ride. They are good retrievers, good swimmers and good at Obedience and Agility. And whether you have one or a dozen or more they are all happy individuals who love to be by your side.

Caring for Your Tenterfield Terrier

Health

General Health

Tenterfield Terrier occasionally prone to allergies – a good diet without flavours, colours and additives is recommended.

Care

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  and occasional brushing to remove loose hair. Comb and brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

Tenterfield Terrier is easy to groom. Comb and brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

The Tenterfield Terrier needs to be taken for a daily walk or jog. The Tenterfield Terrier will often run for the sheer pleaser of it. They enjoy exercise and need to run. If you do not have a yard for your dog, try to take your Tenterfield Terrier to a safe dog park or a beach and allow it to run off-lead for an hour 3 or more times a week. After its daily walk, it can also be a happy couch potato and enjoy nothing more than to snuggling with you in front of the TV.