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Characteristics, History, and Health
English Toy Terrier
The English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) is a small breed dog known for its distinctive glossy black coat with rich tan markings. This breed is also known as the Toy Manchester Terrier in the United States and is a descendant of the larger Manchester Terrier. It's known for its alert, affectionate, and intelligent disposition. English Toy Terriers have a rich history dating back to 19th century England. Originally bred for ratting, their speed and agility made them excellent hunters in urban environments. During the Victorian era, they became popular companions due to their small size, elegance, and unique coloration. Despite a decline in their popularity in the early 20th century, dedicated breeders managed to revive the breed. It's recognized by the UK Kennel Club as a vulnerable native breed, which means there are fewer than 300 new English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) registrations each year in the UK.
Main Info
- Origin
- England
- Alternate Names
- Black & Tan, Manchester Toy Terrier
- Life Expectancy
- 15-17 years
- Average Male Height
- 10-12 inches
- Average Female Height
- 10-12 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 4-12 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 4-12 pounds
- Coat Length
- Short
- Coat Type
- Smooth
- Coat Colors
- Black & Tan, Black
- Coat Pattern
- Tan Markings
Genetic Predispositions and Health
English Toy Terriers, also called Manchester Terriers, can suffer from degenerative myelopathy and progressive rod-cone degeneration. Genetic testing for these and other conditions such as hyperuricosuria can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.
Personality and Behavior
English Toy Terriers are known for their lively, alert, and intelligent character. They are typically good with children and can get along well with other dogs if properly socialized. They're affectionate with their families and can be quite protective. Due to their terrier nature, they are likely to chase small animals and may not be suitable for homes with small pets like rodents or birds. They can be a bit reserved with strangers, so early socialization is crucial.
Fun Facts
Despite their toy classification, English Toy Terriers retain much of their terrier tenacity and can be fearless, agile, and fast.
In the 19th century, English Toy Terriers were often used in a popular, but inhumane, sport known as rat-baiting where bets were placed on how quickly a dog could kill all the rats in a pit.
English Toy Terriers have a distinctive "candle flame" ear shape – this is a unique characteristic of the breed.
References
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/toy/english-toy-terrier-black-tan/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/manchester-terrier-toy/
https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/dog-breeds/english-toy-terrier-black-and-tan
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/ENGLISH-TOY-TERRIER-BLACK-TAN-13.html
https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/english-toy-terrier?page=1
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