As responsible Tenterfield Terrier breeders we attempt to maintain a healthy, resilient terrier without conformation defects.  Our aim is to ensure our dogs have a long active life free of diseases where possible.  

 

Vet Checks

Dogs on the Development Register are required to have a veterinarian check at one year of age.  This practice was set in place around twenty years ago when records of our pedigrees first began to be kept.  Over the years careful breeding has meant the instance of slipping patellas has almost been negated. See the Forms Page for a Veterinary Certificate.  Although this is a mandatory requirement for Development Registered dogs it is also recommended for any Tenterfield Terrier turning one year of age.  Completed forms to be sent to the Registrar.

 

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

This disease has recently arisen in some pedigree lines and affects a dog's sight.  Breeders are utilising a cheek swab test that is available in Australia to test their lines.  Ask a breeder about PLL to ensure you know the status of your pup.  If you wish to test your dog download a form contained in the "Orivet Genetic Directory Services Guide" on their website.  Send  your results to the Registrar for confidential recording.

 

Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter (CHG)

This disease affects pups which display specific unusual symptoms and do not survive past six weeks.  Also known as 'fading puppy syndrome'.  Testing is done via a buccal test sent to the USA.  More information can be obtained from the Registrar.

 

"Blue" coloured dogs (dilution of colour)
Blue coloured dogs of many breeds are believed to have a recessive gene that causes dilute pigmentation that can also present as fawn, blue-fawn, bronze, taupe or any variation.  In addition their lips, eye rims and noses can be blue, lavender, bluish-grey or flesh coloured.  At birth coat texture is normal, albeit diluted, but between 6 months to 3 years hair loss occurs that causes itching, scratching and scaly skin.  With the increased occurrence of dilute colours in our dogs we are surveying breeders, owners or any interested person who can provide experience or evidence of health issues in any such coloured dogs the have encountered.  For this reason we ask that you complete the survey to help with our knowledge base to determine if diluted colours in Tenterfield Terriers causes similar health issues presenting in other breeds.

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The blue colour was accepted into the standard in 2015.  No evidence of any pigment or skin issues have been provided as a result of the survey, however, it remains ongoing to allow the collection of as much data as possible from those who have encountered blue Tenterfield Terriers.