BACKGROUND OF THE TENTERFIELD TERRIER
		It is believed that the breed originated in England in the 1800's and was brought out to Australia by early settlers. It was developed by breeding the Standard Fox Terrier and the Manchester Black and Tan Terrier to produce a small dog that could be used to flush foxes out of their dens.
	Some time later we believe that the Whippet or Italian Greyhound was also introduced into the breed to increase it's speed. More recently some breeders have cross bred with the Chihuahua. This cross is not allowable in the Tenterfield Terrier bloodline, and any dog showing signs of Chihuahua in it's lineage may not be admitted to the breed book. Banjo Patterson and George Woolnough (The Tenterfield Saddler) are among well known people who are known to have owned / bred the Tenterfield Terrier. It is also believed that the bush ranger Ben Hall, was one of those responsible for bringing the breed to Australia. The Tenterfield Terrier is popular in both the country and city. It is a very adaptable dog and will be as happy on a farm as it is in a small unit in town. The loyal and friendly temperament of this breed makes it an excellent pet for children, a family dog, or a companion dog for the elderly. On the farm, the Tenterfield will spend many happy hours hunting for vermin such as rabbits, rats and mice. In some areas it is still used for hunting foxes.
	THE NAME The breed was originally known as the Miniature Fox Terrier, or Mini Foxie and many people still use those names today. The name Tenterfield Terrier was adopted by clubs in SA and WA (formerly known as Miniature Fox Terrier Clubs) after a ballot completed by their members supported the move. The clubs had been formed to work towards future recognition for the breed from the ANKC. When they were advised that:- & quote; "the breed is not a miniaturisation of the Standard Fox Terrier, and if recognition was granted it would prevent development of such a dog in the future" & quote; "the clubs agreed to a change of name, rather than jeopardise their chances of ever gaining recognition for the breed". Tenterfield Terrier was chosen by the members for several reasons, some being:- - the name had already been used extensively by Don Burke on his programme "Burke's Backyard" - the clubs had already received enquiries about how to obtain the Tenterfield Terrier. - it was felt that as people had already been introduced to the name Tenterfield Terrier, to introduce a third name would only cause confusion - Tenterfield in Northern NSW, was one of the many places in Australia where the breed was established and developed. Choosing the name Tenterfield Terrier, would link the breed with early Australian history.
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