English Toy Terrier

Brief History:

In the 19th century in England, the English Toy Terriers ancestors were one of the best ratting terriers used.

The ancestors of this breed are the Old English Black and Tan Terrier and the larger Manchester Terrier.

In 1848, a black and tan terrier weighing just 5 and a half pounds is recorded to have killed 300 rats in less than an hour.

Vital Stats:

Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 6 to 8 lbs
Avg. Life Span: 11 to 13 years
Aptitudes: Vermin Control, Watchdog, Companion

The breed suffered a huge setback due to a trend of miniaturizing the breed. They were crossed with smaller breeds.

This affected their health and almost lead to their destruction.

In the 1920s the breed was split into two distinct breeds, the Black and Tan Terrier and the Manchester Terrier.

However, in 1958 there was a decline in the number of Manchester Terriers, so the American Kennel Club re-defined them as the same breed with two varieties.

The name English Toy Terrier was first used around 1962.

Unfortunately, these days it is on the UK Kennel Club’s list of vulnerable breeds but great effort is being made to ensure that the popularity rises.

Personality/Size:

This is a lovable breed that is good with children. They are faithful and loyal to their family.

They are suspicious of strangers and will bark to alert their owner.

They can also be aggressive to other dogs if they are unfamiliar.

Luckily, training this breed is relatively easy. They are intelligent and pick up on training quickly.

They have their moments in terms of being stubborn and not wanting to cooperate so it is important to stay on top of them.

Training and socializing should be done at an early age. Training becomes easier as they get older if they’ve been trained at an early age.

They have a history of being strong hunters, so they have a high prey drive for small animals.

This is a dog that cannot be trusted off-leash.

If in a yard, the yard has to be fenced because they will run and chase the small animals outside.

Exercise:

The English Toy Terrier does not require too much time for exercising.

They need daily walks, preferably at least 20 minutes long. This is great to keep them in shape and tone their body.

They are small dogs therefore they don’t require a ton of exercise to get tired.

It is important not to over exercise them as it will be too demanding on their legs and joints.

Grooming/Coat Information:

The coat of the English Toy Terrier is short and dense. When the coat is maintained properly, the coat has a shine to it. They come in black or dark tan.

Little time is required for coat maintenance. Weekly brushing should be done to remove loose hair and stimulate natural oils.

This is enough to keep the shine in their coat.

Bathing should be done on an as is basis. When the dog looks dirty then you know it is time for a bath.

If the dog is mostly indoors and only goes out for walks, then bathing doesn’t have to be done that often.

Health Risks:

The English Toy Terrier is a relatively healthy breed. In the past, this breed was very unhealthy with a lot of reported problems.

This is because they were crossed with smaller breeds. Dedicated breeders cleaned this up and their health has improved.

There are reports of joint problems, such as patellar luxation. This is a condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal place.

While it isn’t life threatening, it may cause discomfort and some pain.

Eye problems are also a concern. Glaucoma is most prominent.

This is a condition that describes a variety of issues but most likely due to fluid build up in the eye.

Because they are rare, they are an expensive breed. If you choose this breed, it is important to deal with an established breeder with a history with this breed.

A reputable breeder gives a health guarantee and has no issues sharing information with potential customers.

Best For:

• People who want a watchdog
• People who want a good ratter
• People who want easy coat maintenance
• People with children

Not The Best For:

• People who want a naturally friendly dog
• People with smaller animals
• People who want their dog off-leash in public places
• People who don’t want to pay a lot and be on a waiting list (they are rare)

By: Small Dog Breeds