American Working Terrier Association – AWTA

The American Working Terrier Association (AWTA) was founded in 1971 by Patricia Adams Lent in order to encourage and promote the breeding, hunting, and ownership of terriers of the 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.

By promoting the use of terriers and dachshunds for earth work and above ground hunting, the AWTA hopes to encourage breeders to retain the hunting instincts which make these breeds characteristically “terriers”. 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 in many terrier breeds selectively bred for dog shows alone. Read More

Join the AWTA

Become a member of the AWTA and participate in Den Trials and earn titles and certificates. Join Today!

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AWTA Objectives

Promote Working

To encourage and promote through literature and den trials the breeding, hunting and ownership of terriers and Dachshunds of the size, conformation and character to perform as working and/or hunting dogs.

Preserve Instinct

Encourage and preserve the natural instinct of the earth terriers and Dachshunds to enter an underground earth reacting in a positive manner when facing the quarry.

Sanction Den Trials

To sanction den trials to be held in accordance with the AWTA Rules and Regulations.

Award Titles

To award qualified working terriers and Dachshunds with the titles put forth in the AWTA Rules and Regulations.

Upcoming AWTA Den Trials

New England Terrier Club Trial

Sponsoring Club: New England Terrier Club
Location: 1430 Dunhamtown-Brimfield Rd, Brimfield, MA 01010
Trial Date: October 19, 2019
Trial Chairperson: Donna Masson
Phone: 508-230-2271 or 508-269-8284
Email: doveswingf@aol.com
Judge: Richard Reynolds

Dachshund Assoc of Long Island Trial

Sponsoring Club: Dachshund Assoc of Long Island
Location: Middle Island, NY
Trial Date: June 2, 2019
Trial Chairperson: Trudy Kawami
Phone: 646-287-1406
Email: salixbrooklyn@aol.com
Judge: Richard Reynolds

Tail Waggin Events May 2019

Sponsoring Club: Tail Waggin Events (2 Trials / Same Day)
Location: Robbinsville, New Jersey
Trial Date: May 2, 2019
Trial Chairperson: Darlene Barnes
Phone: 609-903-4711
Email: Tailwagginevents@gmail.com
Judge: Doreen Spires (Trial #1)
Judge: Teddy Moritz (Trial #2)

Central Bark Canine Events June 2019 Trial

Sponsoring Organization: Central Bark Canine Events LLC
Location: Central Square, New York
Trial Date: June 22, 2019 (1 Trial)
Trial Chairperson: Peggy Metcalf
Phone: 315-813-4414
Email: nflurries@gmail.com
Judge: Judy Todd

Oakleaf Ranch May 2019 Trial

Sponsoring Club: Oakleaf Ranch
Location: Loomis, CA
Trial Date: May 11, 2019 (2 trials, Same Day)
Trial Chairperson: Lyndy Banducci
Phone: 530-823-8969
Email: lyndyb2013@gmail.com
Judge: Ann Wendland, Trial #1
Judge: Connie McKee, Trial #2