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| TENTERFIELD TERRIER |
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An Introduction
The forefathers of the Tenterfield Terrier originated in England. The fox hunters of the day found they needed to develop a small dog of great agility that was able to go to ground to chase out vermin from their dens and then able to leap into the saddlebags on the horse to pursue the chase with the hounds. We have been advised that these little dogs were originally referred to as "the miniature terrier for the foxes". Over time the name was changed and abbreviated to the minature fox terrier - not showing any relationship as such to the now Fox Terrier. It simply carried the name because of its size and purpose.
The early settlers to Australia brought out the "Miniature Fox Terrier" as a working dog for vermin. The breed was widely used throughout England and Australia for exterminating rats and rabbits as well as fox hunting. Over the next hundred or so years the breed became quite established in Australia as a working terrier and family companion. There was hardly a farm or family 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".
A club had been running in New South Wales, but no other state was given any information or assistance in joining forces with them. In the early 1990's a group of interested owners in South Australia, who wanted to secure the future of this terrier, advertised for interested persons to attend their first meeting. This meeting led to the formation of the Miniature Fox Terrier Club of SA. Due to this, a club was then formed in WA and the breed registry was established, with the first entries being August 1991. |
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In 1992 it became quite apparent that if we were to eventually have this wonderful little dog recognised by the ANKC, the name of "Miniature Fox Terrier" was extremely inappropriate as the terrier was not a miniaturisation of the Fox Terrier. We, as a club, could understand this valid point. The link to the Fox Terrier is long since removed.
After consultation with all club members, moves were then made through SA, WA and the newly formed NSW club to instigate a name change for the breed. Numerous ideas were put forward which resulted in a ballot to all members of the SA, WA and NSW Clubs. After much publicity via the media, it was strongly voted (some 85% of returned votes) to embrace the name "Tenterfield Terrier".
The establishment of the Tenterfield Terrier Club of Australia Inc took place in January 1993. The Australian club handles all of the breed registrations and its only members are two delegates from each state club. The state clubs now established are the Tenterfield Terrier Club of SA Inc., the Tenterfield Terrier Club of WA Inc., the Tenterfield Terrier Club of Qld Inc., the Tenterfield Terrier Club of NSW Inc. and the Tenterfield Terrier Club of Vic Inc.
The continual improvement and quality of the breed and its ideals is imperative to our breeders.
The Tenterfield Terrier is a true terrier. He is a strong, active, agile working terrier of great versatility and of pleasing proportion. He has proven himself without question as a hunter (of various forms of vermin, including foxes) and of being an extremely loving family pet. The Tenterfield is at home either hunting larger vermin on the land, hunting small vermin around the home and property or curled up on a loving knee in front of a fire. The Tenterfield is an ideal companion for both children and the elderly alike. |
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Health Issues
All dogs, at the age of twelve months, must be vet checked for correct scissor bite, luxating patellas and that males have two descended testicles. We feel it is imperative to keep the breed as free as possible from any of these faults that affect so many other breeds today. The Adult Stud Book papers show the patella grading on the front of the Certificate. Only normal or grade 1 patella rated dogs are permitted into the Stud Book for breeding purposes. Accidents have been known to happen and caused injury to a leg, hence the reason we accept grade 1 patellas. However, if this was to show on a particular bloodline as continuing, steps would be taken to halt that bloodline by desexing. Other than the odd luxating patella, which we are endeavouring to eradicate, we have no other genetic faults (ie hip dysplasia etc).
The Tenterfield Terrier is shown 100% naturally with only minimal grooming required to remove loose hair during the seasonal change of coats.
There have been very few breeds of dogs developed in Australia. We feel the recognition of the Tenterfield Terrier should only enhance our standing with the international dog world. What better than to have a new breed for the new millennium!! We are currently operating under our Draft Standard which was prepared by the Tenterfield Terrier Club and its members. |
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| Last Update: 24/03/07 14:54 |
Views: 5861 |
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