| Every month I showcase a breed of animal I think deserves a little attention. I only do this to heighten interest and add a little bit more knowledge about a deserving breed. Someone who normally visits this site to see the pet portraits, or cat astrology, can take a look at a breed of animal that means so much to a large percentage of the world. You may own one, you may not, or you may be considering owning one. I hope this enlightens you to another beautiful animal perfected over the years. This month I bring you the Tenterfield Terrier. |
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The Tenterfield Terrier is a small breed of dog. It is a bright and happy dog, a useful working dog and a wonderful companion. These great little guys are not a recognized breed....yet! The Tenterfield Terrier Club of Australia was established to work towards that goal. When the Club has proof of five generations of dogs and a large enough membership base, it will apply to the Australian National Kennel Club for recognition.
There are other breeds that are distant cousins of Tenterfields such
as Toy Fox Terriers and Rat
Terriers. Their history is remarkably similar, and they look almost
the same. Due to being bred to slightly different standards however, they
are not the same dogs.
Research has uncovered the following about the Tenterfield:
General Appearance
The Tenterfield Terrier is a strong, active, agile working terrier of great versatility with a body which must be square in appearance. The length of the head and neck should always be in harmonious balance to the whole of the dog. The tail is preferably docked and the coat is always smooth.
Characteristics
A keen intelligent and alert expression which is denoted by the carriage of the ears and erect tail and the enquiring nature of the eye. Confident, with an eagerness to learn showing great loyalty to it's owner and although fearless and bold at work, he is an ideal companion in the home.
Medium sized head in proportion to the body. The skull is only slightly arched between the ears. Domed or apple headed skulls are highly undesirable. When viewed from the front to be wedge shaped and well filled in under the eyes. The stop is moderate and when measured from that point to the occiput it equals the distance from the stop to the tip of the nose. The colour of the nose must be black. There should be some strength in the muzzle.
The eyes are not
large, protruding or round, but slightly oval in shape. As dark as
possible with a
keen expression and pigmented eye rims. Light eyes and wall eyes
are unacceptable.
The ears are V shaped with slightly rounded tips, set high on the side
of the skull, erect or semi-erect. If semi-erect the top third of the ear
tips forward. Not wide or large at the base, rather
medium in size. The length of the ear to be roughly equal to
the width between the ears. The ears are of a thin texture (not thick).
The mouth has strong jaws with a regular and complete scissor bite. Lips to be tight fitting and pigmented. The neck is strong and clean of good length allowing head to be carried with poise.
Shoulders well sloped back (45 degrees) and not too heavily muscled. Forelegs are of strong round bone in keeping with the size of the dog, straight when viewed from any angle and of sufficient length of the upper arm which is at a 90 degree angle to the scapula to ensure the elbows are set under the body. Tenties have a short, compact, level and strong back without slackness. Powerful loins, very slightly arched. Ribs moderately sprung, back ribs deep and reaching well back with only a slight tuck up. The dog should be square in appearance. The chest is of moderate width and reaching in depth to the level of the elbow, but not below. The hindquarters are not too heavily muscled. The rump is well rounded with only a slight slope to the croup. Long and powerful thighs. The stifle is moderately bent and the hocks well let down.
The feet are compact, round shaped, and the toes are moderately arched. A very slight outward turn of the feet only is acceptable.
The tail is preferably docked at the third joint, high set and erect
when alert. Where a natural
bob-tail occurs it is not to be unduly penalised. Tail should
not be carried over the back, but carried gaily showing bold temperament.
Gait / Movement
Fore and hind legs carried straight forward and parallel. The elbows to move perpendicular to the body, working clear of the sides, stifles neither turning in nor out, and the hocks not close with good drive.
The coat is to be short and of smooth texture. The Tenterfield
is a single coated dog best groomed with a "hound glove" (round, flat rubber
tool with dull rubber teeth that pull out dead hair on short coated dogs).
The colour is predominantly white with black and/or tan markings in its
various tones. Brindle markings are accepted but not preferred.
Full colour coats are not acceptable. Skin
should always be pigmented.
The ideal height is to be about 27 cm (10.5 in) allowing a 2.5 cm (1
in) variation each way, but
not exceeding 30 cm (12 in). The weight to be in proportion to
the size of the dog, with the average weight at 5 kgs (10 lbs).
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault
and the seriousness
with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion
to it's degree. Any
weakness in the following should be particularly penalised :
1.
Lack of Tenterfield Terrier type
2.
Lack of true terrier characteristics
3.
Lack of balance - ie. over exaggeration of any points
4.
Lack of gender definition
5.
Sluggish or unsound movement
6.
Faulty mouth
Links: The Tenterfield is a relatively new breed so there aren't too many pages out there, but if you have any inquiries concerning Tenties, be sure to contact the owner of the pages below as I am sure she would be willing to answer any of your Tenty-related questions:
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