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.
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! | 
