The English Toy Terrier is a breed originating in England in the 19th century where it was bred for rodent hunting. Their small size is not a limitation for them, as they are determined and courageous, with a strong prey instinct. Their shiny coat is black and tan, with an elegant appearance.
General details
Dogs of the breed are small in size and compact in appearance. The weight ranges between 2 and 4 kilograms, while the height varies between 25 and 30 centimeters. The life expectancy of this breed is 12 to 14 years. They belong to Group 3 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which groups Terriers.
Breed history in brief
The English Toy Terrier breed originated in England in the 19th century, where it was bred to hunt rodents in homes or factories. The ancestor of the breed was the Black and Tan Terrier which split into two breeds: the English Toy Terrier and the Manchester Terrier.
The breed was on the verge of extinction in the 20th century, however, thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders, they managed to preserve it. Despite this, it remains a rare breed today, valued primarily as a pet because of its affectionate and playful personality.
Breed characteristics
The body of the English Toy Terrier is balanced and compact, with proportionate head and limbs. The eyes are dark colored, small, almond-shaped and obliquely positioned. The ears are slightly pointed and erect, while the tail is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip.
The coat is thick, dense and short. The coloring is black and tan, with well-defined lines at the division of the two colors.
The English Toy Terrier hides a big personality in such a small body. They are loyal, affectionate and energetic dogs, as well as intelligent and curious, always ready to learn new things. They are excellent companions for families with active lifestyles, as the breed enjoys regular exercise. Early training and socialization can help them control their distrust of strangers.
Common health problems
Information on the most common diseases in the English Toy Terrier breed is very limited. Even so, it is likely that it is predisposed to suffer from some of the most common disorders in dogs such as patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism or cryptorchidism.
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