The Tenterfield Terrier originated in England because Fox hunters need a smaller dog for chasing foxes down their holes. The Fox Terrier and other terriers they were using were too big for the job.

Breeding the smaller pups of Fox Terrier litters with a variety of smaller breeds including the Chihuahua, Whippet, Min Pin and Italian Greyhound. The resulting breed was commonly referred to as the Miniature Fox Terrier.

Early settlers to Australia bought this little terrier with them and they were a common sight on properties where they were used to control vermin, rabbits and foxes. It is believed that they were bred extensively in northern New South Wales and George Woolnough, the Tenterfield Saddler, owned a large number of these dogs.

In the early 1990's it was decided to try to introduce this dog as a recognized bred for show and ring work. In 1992 it was decided that the name of Miniature Fox Terrier was inappropriate for the bred and a ballot amongst members for a new name was run. The name Tenterfield Terrier won by a large margin. The Tenterfield Terrier has now been recognized as a bred in Australia and competes in the Terrier section at shows.

They are a wonderful dog for families and have a warm and affectionate nature and a easy to train.