Illustration of Tenterfield Terrier
Dogs

Tenterfield Terrier

The Tenterfield Terrier is a small Australian farm terrier, named for a New South Wales town after decades as simply the "mini foxie".

History

It came from small fox terriers brought by British settlers and worked Australian farms against rats and rabbits. It went unnamed as a breed for most of its history; the name was settled in the 1990s, taken from Tenterfield in New South Wales and associated with the saddler of Peter Allen's song, whose family kept them.

Temperament

The breed is known for being alert, bold and affectionate with its household, lively and quick to learn, and keen on anything small that runs.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and a secure garden. The short coat needs almost nothing. It trains readily.

Health

Generally robust and long-lived, with patellar luxation among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.

Characteristics

Origin
Australia
Size
Small
Weight
2.7–4.5 kg
Height
24–31 cm
Lifespan
12–16 yr
Group
Terrier

Where this data comes from

Similar breeds

Dogs with a comparable size, coat and temperament.

Dog and cat breeds