Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

Primary Lens Luxation has recently been discovered in the Tenterfield Terrier. PLL is a genetic disorder that is found in many small breeds of dogs.Responsible breeders will test for PLL and make appropriate breeding choices to minimise or eliminate the occurence of this disorder.Carriers of PLL can continue to be used in breeding programs as long as they are only mated with PLL clear animals. The results of clear to carrier matings are highly unlikely to develop the disease later in life.PLL is a very unusual disease in that even dogs clear of the mutated gene may at some point in their lives still develop the disease via an injury to the eye. 

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.

Natural Bob Tail

The length of tail is the Tenterfield Terrier’s most unique feature. It is the only terrier breed with tails that come in natural bob tails of various lengths, ranging from full tails through to no tail vertebrae at all, which is referred to as a “rumpy”.  Shown below is a range of lengths.  

The natural bob tail results from a gene that has never been known to cause the breed any health issues (ie not a form of Spina Bifida).

The length of tail is not important - the set on and carriage of the tail must still be correct (as per the standard), as it acts as the indicator of the Tenterfield Terriers mood and temperament.

For many years now, certain bloodlines within the Tenterfield Terrier Breed have been carrying the bob tail gene.  Sometimes entire litters are born with natural bob tails. If you have not had a bob tail occur in your lines, then you will have to look at bringing in the gene by mating to a known bob tail sire/dam in order to obtain one. Mating two non bob tails cannot produce a bob tail - genetically one must be a bobtail, but remember tailed dogs are just as important to our breed.