The Tenterfield Terrier is a small vermin eradicator and companion dog that originated in England but developed to its current appearance in Australia. The Tenterfield Terrier has descended from the dogs brought by early Australian settlers from England. Developed as small breed that can flush fox from its den as well as work as ratter, smaller specimens of Manchester Black and Tan were crossed with small Fox Terriers. Whippets are said to have been added for speed and stamina. The breeding resulted to a small breed of terrier highly specialized in killing rats.
This small dog stands between 10-12 inches and weighs about 10 lbs. This breed comes with a perfectly square body. Wedge shaped head is medium size and in proportion to the body. Strong muzzle leads to preferably black nose although liver coated dogs have liver colour nose. Dark colored, oval shaped eyes have alert and attentive expression. Set wide apart, V-shaped thin ears are either erect or semi erect. Compact body of this breed comes with deep chest with well sprung ribs and a level topline.
Single coat is short and smooth in texture and comes in tan and white, black and white, liver/tan/white or black/tan/white tri colouring.
This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by ANKC and NZKC.