Tenterfield Terrier Breed Guide
Also known as: Mini Fox Terrier
Small Australian workers, Tenterfield Terriers are alert, compact dogs whose farm heritage and confident nature suit those wanting portable working spirit.
Quick facts about this breed
Size
Small
Weight
3-5 kg
Lifespan
12-17 years
Energy Level
High
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
Low
Size
Small
Weight
3-5 kg
Lifespan
12-17 years
Energy Level
High
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
Low
About Tenterfield Terriers
The Tenterfield Terrier originated in Australia during the 19th century, developed from various small terrier breeds brought by European settlers. These dogs were bred to be versatile farm dogs, capable of controlling vermin and serving as companions in the challenging Australian conditions.
Tenterfield Terriers are small dogs with short, smooth coats in various colour combinations including black, brown, blue, and white. They're known for their compact build, alert expressions, and confident, energetic personalities.
These dogs are intelligent, spirited, and make excellent family pets for active households. They're generally good with children and are known for their loyal, protective nature. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation but are adaptable to various living situations. While generally healthy, potential concerns include luxating patella, hip dysplasia, and certain eye conditions. Early socialisation helps ensure they're well-adjusted around other pets and strangers.
Complete Care Guide for Tenterfield Terriers
Expert advice on keeping your Tenterfield Terrier healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Providing optimal nutrition for your Tenterfield Terrier requires careful attention to both food quality and portion control. These energetic small dogs thrive on high-quality commercial dog foods specifically formulated for active small breeds, with appropriate adjustments based on their life stage.
Establishing proper feeding routines proves essential, particularly during the puppy phase when rapid growth demands more frequent meals. As your Tenterfield Terrier matures, transitioning to twice-daily feeding helps maintain steady energy levels while preventing overfeeding. Measuring portions precisely and limiting treats to no more than 10% of daily caloric intake supports healthy weight management for this breed.
While these spirited terriers may beg convincingly, it's crucial to avoid sharing human food, which can contain ingredients toxic to dogs. Instead, focus on providing balanced nutrition through quality commercial foods listing meat as the primary ingredient. The ideal diet should deliver appropriate ratios of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals tailored to your dog's age and activity level.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Tenterfield Terriers from our community of pet parents
Tenterfield Terriers are known for their lively, affectionate, and intelligent nature. They are incredibly energetic and active, making them perfect for active families. These dogs are highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. They are friendly towards humans and other animals alike, and are especially good with children, making them a fantastic family pet.
Dog Breeds Similar to Tenterfield Terrier
Explore breeds with comparable temperament, size, and care requirements to the Tenterfield Terrier
Miniature Fox Terrier
Australia's small terriers, Miniature Fox Terriers are alert, confident dogs whose compact size and bold personalities suit those wanting portable courage.
Rat Terrier
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