AWTA History and Mission Statement


The American Working Terrier Association was founded in 1971 by Patricia Adams Lent to encourage and promote through fine literature(like the Down To Earth newsletter and this website, and field trials) the breeding, hunting, and ownership of terriers of correct size, conformation, and character to perform as working terriers. From modest beginnings, the organization has grown to include over two hundred members and holds field trials across the country and throughout the year.

In 1972, Dachshunds were accepted by the AWTA and quickly became regulars at the trials. The Association issues Certificates of Gameness(CG) to dogs qualifying at the trials in the Open Division, Hunting Certificates(HC) to dogs used regularly for hunting over a period of a year, and Working Certificates(WC) to dogs that qualifying with work in a natural den.

Check out complete AWTA Rules

By promoting the use of terriers and dachshunds, for earth work and above the ground hunting, the American Working Terrier Association hopes to encourage breeders to retain the hunting instincts which make these breeds so characteristically "terrier". Without the opportunity to test the instincts so vital to these breeds, dachshunds and terriers would cease to be the working dogs they were meant to be - something already too common with many terrier breeds selected for showing alone.

As the certification list implies, the main objective of the AWTA is to encourage terrier and dachshund owners into the hunt fields with their dogs. As an educational aid and to disseminate information to the membership, the quarterly magazine, Down To Earth is published. Members are encouraged to write up their hunting experiences as well as lessons learned and submit them for publication. Down To Earth will post AWTA trial dates, the latest recipients of certificates, and any other information of relevance to the objesctives of the AWTA.

If you are a terrier or dachshunds or their owner and you are interested in learning more about the American Working Terrier Association, contact the President, or further review this website!

 

HAPPY HUNTING!