English Toy Terrier

The dog is very temperamental, playful, quite noisy, and stubborn, but without excessive nervousness: it is a true rat terrier. In Victorian England times, this breed cleaned the old streets from the excess of rats and participated in rat fights. Nevertheless, English Toy Terriers are very friendly to people. They are very playful and energetic, yet they can spend all day with their family.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The English Toy Terrier ancestors were the old English black and tan terriers, which have not survived in their original form to this day. Many people mistakenly claim that the English Toy Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are the same breed names. However, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale has derived differences between the two breeds and has established standards.

Toy Terriers were very frisky and in demand in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century England. They were hunting dogs, and the breed was often used in so-called rat fights. In the nineteenth century, the English Toy Terrier with a black and tan color became popular as a decorative apartment dog. After much breeding work, the final name of this breed, the English Toy Terrier, was introduced in 1962.

Appearance

English Toy Terrier is a very petite but well-built breed of dog. It has excellent health. The height of representatives of this breed is from 25 to 30 cm, and the weight is 3-4 kg. The characteristic feature of the Toy Terrier is highly placed ears in the form of a candle flame. The basic color is black with bright tan, the color and shape strictly controlled. This breed has dark, deep-set almond-shaped eyes. The tail must be short, saber-shaped. Paws slender set strictly parallel. The English Toy Terrier has crossed toes – this is his usual trait.

Character

The dog is very temperamental, playful, quite noisy, and stubborn, but without excessive nervousness: it is a true rat terrier. In Victorian England times, this breed cleaned the old streets from the excess of rats and participated in rat fights. Nevertheless, English Toy Terriers are very friendly to people. They are very playful and energetic, yet they can spend all day with their family.

Like many small dogs, the English Toy Terrier has a “Napoleon complex” and does not always objectively assess its strength. They are also very jealous, so if you already have animals in the house, it is better to bring a puppy Toy Terrier into the family. The probability of friendship will be higher.

Care

In caring for English Toy Terriers, everything is very simple. These dogs have a very short coat, so they do not shed. Toy Terriers do not need regular combing and haircuts. After walking, it is best to gently wipe the pet with a damp towel and wash their paws. English Toy Terriers do not have a characteristic “dog” smell, so it is enough to wash them three times a year.

You should wear a warm coverall; otherwise, during walks, the pooch will freeze. Dogs of this breed easily get used to clothes and do not feel much discomfort. One or two times to dress up the Toy Terrier, and he will feel comfortable. It would help if you also bothered to dress the dog in unique clothing to protect him from sunstroke in hot weather.

Training

This breed is very stubborn and energetic, so training is necessary. Teu Terriers should be trained gradually and preferably at the same time. Because of this breed’s non-sitting and explosive nature, you should often change the type of activity in training. If you put a little effort into the Toy Terrier training, you will surely get an obedient and executive dog.

Common Diseases

English Toy Terriers have a predisposition to cardiovascular diseases, which can be fatal. Treatment for these diseases begins when the initial signs appear. Another peculiarity of the breed is an open fontanelle. It is important to understand that the accidental bump on the Toy Terrier’s head can lead to accidents. Some members of this breed suffer from glaucoma, but these are rare cases.

Nutrition

English Toy Terriers are not picky about food, but you should remember one thing – some pets are prone to obesity, so you should not use yummy treats as encouragement. Several times a week, the dog should receive raw or boiled egg yolk. Also, the dog’s diet should include cereals: buckwheat, rice, and oats. Vegetables can be given both cooked and raw. Exclude pork, lamb, sausage, and all kinds of other food. Chicken and beef by-products can be given to Toy Terrier only in boiled form.