English Toy Terriers are small, smooth-coated black and tan dogs with pointed, erect ears. They are slightly longer than they are tall. Ideally, the adult English Toy Terrier measures 25-30cm and weighs around 2.7-3.6kg.
The English Toy Terrier breed can be prone to:
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Perthes disease
- Deafness at birth, a condition which is not fully understood.
- Juvenille dilated cardiomyopathy which is a condition that develops in young dogs where the heart muscle becomes progressively weak and cannot beat properly.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
The modern English Toy Terrier is a little more refined and elegant than their Regency ancestors, however the terrier attitude still runs deep, and this is truly a small but mighty little dog. Well socialised and trained, they are an affectionate, friendly and devoted pet, happy to live wherever their owners are.
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
| Easy to train: | 2/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 3/5 |
| Energy level: | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
The English Toy Terrier has gone by a variety of names over the years, but in essence this is a miniature version of the Manchester Terrier. This is reflected in the names it still carries in other countries, in Canada it is the ‘Toy Manchester Terrier’, in the US it is the ‘Manchester Terrier (Toy)’.
Known in the UK as the Miniature Black & Tan Terrier up to the 1960s, the breed can be traced back to black and tan terriers recorded in the 16th Century.
During the 1800’s they were extremely popular as ratters, small enough to be kept by those on a very low income, but game and feisty enough to attract the well-to-do gentleman as a sporting breed. At the time betting on dogs pitted against rats was considered hugely entertaining, and these pocket-sized dogs were excellent at the job.
These days the English Toy Terrier is a companion and show dog, suitably sized for the smallest of homes but not lacking in terrier character and spirit.
The English Toy Terrier owner understands that, despite their small size, this breed has no idea they’re considered a ‘toy’ breed. As far as they’re concerned, they are a roughty-toughty terrier, ready to take on any foe, no matter how big! You’ll need to counter this with training and exercise, and games designed to fulfil their terrier desires. Great for any size home, in any location as long as there is someone home most of the day who will supply training and exercise.
The English Toy Terrier is not particularly demanding to exercise being happy with about half an hour to an hour of dog exercise per day, although they will take more if it is offered. Be sure to entertain them with games and training, as they have an active mind and still enjoy using their skills of hunting and killing. They are never happier than if you play games that substitute furry toys on ropes for real rats! Being rather smaller and daintier than their ancestors, the English Toy Terrier will appreciate a warm coat on cold or wet days.
The English Toy Terrier can live practically anywhere as long as its comfortable, warm and has a secure garden. Keep in mind that this is a small dog in a very large world and so care should be taken to socialise and habituate to noises such as traffic and busy streets if you live in the town or city.
Toy dogs such as English Toy Terriers have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Discover more about dog nutrition for a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide.
This dog has a short, dense coat that requires little attention; a grooming mitt and a polishing cloth are all that is really needed. You can find out more about dog grooming and daily care with our article.
Quick-minded and fun-loving, the English Toy Terrier is not particularly hard to train, using positive reinforcements such as food or furry toys as rewards. Care should be taken to socialise them well around children and other animals particularly cats as the English Toy Terrier still firmly believes itself to be a much larger dog than reality suggests! Work hard on a reliable recall, and if you enjoy dog training, the English Toy Terrier is capable of a variety of unexpected dog activities such as man trailing, Hoopers, mini agility and more. If that isn’t your thing however, a good walk and scent games where they can seek out hidden treats around the garden or living room will keep them amused.
With older children, and in the quieter home the English Toy Terrier makes a good companion, however they are too small and fragile for very young children or rowdy, boisterous homes and generally prefer a quieter life.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
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