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.
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
Central Bark Canine Events – July 2
Sponsoring Club: Central Bark Canine Events
Location: 78 Gunther Road,
Central Square, NY
Trial Date: July 2, 2022
Trial Chairperson: Peggy Metcalf
Phone: 315-813-4414
Email: nflurries@gmail.com
Judge: Teddy Moritz
New England Terrier Club – July 30
Sponsoring Club: New England Terrier Club
Location: 1430 Dunhamtown-Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA
Trial Date: July 30, 2022
Trial Chairperson: Donna M. Masson
Phone: 508-269-8284
Email: doveswingf@aol.com
Judge: Camilla Moon
Greater Twin Cities Earthdog Club – Sept 18
Sponsoring Club: Greater Twin Cities Earthdog Club
Location: Northwest Saddle Club, North Branch, MN
Trial Date: September 18, 2022
Trial Chairperson: Duane Pulford
Phone: 507-254-5166
Email: border55901@yahoo.com
Judge: Doreen Spires
New England Terrier Club – Oct 1
Sponsoring Club: New England Terrier Club
Location: 1430 Dunhamtown-Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Trial Date: October 1, 2022
Trial Chairperson: Donna M. Masson
Phone: 508-269-8284
Email: doveswingf@aol.com
Judge: Carrie Hamilton