The English Toy Terrier is a small, smooth-haired dog that is rarely seen in Russia at dog shows.
This breed is currently considered rare even in its homeland - England, although it was once widespread there.
Outwardly, the English Toy looks more like a miniature Doberman than the Russian Toy, which has long become popular in our country.
These energetic and lively dogs are considered ideal pets and companions.
History of origin
The English Toy Terrier is a descendant of the English Black and Tan Terriers, which in ancient times were used to hunt small game and kill rodents.
Black and tan terriers also took part in exhibition fights with rats. Such entertainment was very popular in Great Britain during the Victorian era. Bets were placed on the little fighters - spectators named the expected number of rats that the dog would deal with in a certain time.
NOTE!
A black and tan terrier named Tiny, whose weight was only 2.5 kg, set a kind of record in 1848 - it dealt with 300 rodents in an hour. For this, the brave little rat catcher was even depicted life-size in a painting by the English artist Thomas Jones Barker
At the end of the 19th century, when rat fighting was banned, but serious breeding work began and the first breed clubs began to appear, these dogs were very popular.
Until 1920, Manchester and Black and Tan Terriers were considered two size varieties of the same breed. The very name “English Toy Terrier” appeared in 1962, and the first official standard was written in 1988.
In America, where the number of black and tan and Manchester terriers brought there back in the 19th century was small, the division into two breeds never happened. Both of these varieties are still considered one breed, now called the Manchester Toy Terrier.
Description of the breed
This is a miniature, smooth-haired dog with a graceful build. It is distinguished by its mobility, impulsive temperament and well-developed hunting instinct, thanks to which English toy terriers still make excellent rat catchers.
In the past, toys were used to hunt rabbits and foxes, but nowadays they are faithful, devoted and selflessly loving companion dogs.
These small dogs are famous for their courage, intelligence and good health. They take root equally well both in a country house and in an apartment.
Fox terrier
Smooth-haired type
Another avid hunter, it was used to hunt foxes, badgers, and raccoon dogs. There are also wire-haired foxes, but smooth-haired ones are considered a classic variation of the breed type. The dogs are temperamental and suitable for people leading an active lifestyle.
Wire-haired type
It was used for fox hunting - a nimble dog climbed into a fox hole, grabbed the prey, and the hunter pulled it out by the tail. He showed himself excellent in agility and other dog sports.
Character traits
The English Toy Terrier is energetic and active. A lively temperament is one of its main breed characteristics, as well as courage, intelligence, intelligence, and friendliness.
This doggie has nothing against being the center of everyone's attention. He loves to be admired and, thanks to his sociability, often becomes the life of the party.
The English Toy Terrier treats strangers with distrust and wariness. Thanks to this, English toys make good watchmen.
He is loyal to other dogs living in the house, but on the street conflicts and even fights are possible, since the toy terrier will not miss the opportunity to bark at someone else’s dog.
He gets along well with children, but only with older ones who are at least 10-11 years old. It is not recommended as a gift for children, as they may accidentally injure the pet.
IMPORTANT!
If there are small animals in the house, such as hamsters, guinea pigs or rabbits, it is necessary to limit their contact with the toy terrier, as he may consider them his potential prey.
It is also better for the toy terrier to communicate less frequently with cats and domestic ferrets, since in this case serious conflicts are possible during which both participants in the fight may suffer.
Features of care, feeding and maintenance
Caring for a dog of this breed is not difficult. Their fur is short, so these dogs do not shed. There is no need to comb or cut your terrier's hair regularly.
After walks, it is best to gently wipe the fur with a damp towel and wash the paws. Toy terriers do not have a characteristic “dog” smell, so it is enough to wash them 3 times a year. And take care of your dog's teeth.
In winter, wear warm overalls, otherwise your pet will freeze during walks. Dogs of this breed easily get used to clothes - just dress up the toy terrier a couple of times.
In summer, it is also better to wear special clothing on them, because the dark color can lead to sunstroke if the dog is exposed to the sun for several hours.
Important: trim nails regularly and visit a veterinarian at least once a year.
It is better to feed a toy terrier beef, chicken or rabbit. The meat should be finely chopped and only then given to the dog. It is better not to feed from the table - the spices that you add to your food have a negative effect on dogs. The ideal option would be to cook separately for the dog.
It is necessary to give bones; without them, the dog will not strengthen its teeth. It is also equally important to feed raw vegetables and fresh fruits. The dose of vitamins contained in such food will have a beneficial effect on health and appearance.
A small amount of ready-made canned food or dry food is allowed in the English Toy Terrier's diet. But you shouldn’t get carried away with dry meals; it’s better to feed your dog a variety of foods. Discuss serving sizes with your veterinarian. This issue is resolved taking into account the nature and size of it.
Important: Always monitor the amount of vitamins and minerals your dog consumes. Do not feed monotonous food.
Differences from Russian Toy (with examples in the photo)
The English Toy Terrier is a miniature breed - it is larger than the Russian Toy and looks similar not so much to it as to the more athletic Manchester Terrier. The Russian Toy is 20-28 cm tall, while the English Toy is from 25 to 30 cm, and weighs up to 4 kg.
This dog, unlike its smaller relative, which has long become just a companion, has not lost its qualities as a hunter and rat catcher and can even now successfully participate in fox hunts and destroy rodents.
The build of the English Toy is stronger and more muscular, the skull is flatter than that of the Russian Toy Terrier, and the muzzle is longer and wider. The jaws are stronger, the cheekbones are better defined.
The erect ears
of the Russian Toy have the shape of an isosceles triangle, while the English Toy has the shape of a candle flame characteristic of this breed.
The main external differences between these two breeds is the type of coat. If the Russian Toy can be both short-haired and long-haired, then the English Toy can only have a smooth-haired type.
Also, if the Russian Toy Terrier can have a color of black, brown, blue, lilac and tan, as well as fawn or red, then for the English Toy only black and tan color .
NOTE!
English toy terriers are more resistant to stress. They are not characterized by nervousness, excessive barking and disruptions in behavior, as is sometimes the case with Russian Toys.
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
The undoubted advantages of the breed are:
- aesthetically pleasing appearance;
- ease of maintenance;
- mobility;
- flexibility in learning and training;
- devotion and fidelity;
- can be trained to a tray/diaper.
But there are also disadvantages:
- due to some physiological characteristics, representatives of the breed have a very fragile skeleton and are susceptible to injuries and a number of diseases;
- pets do not tolerate cold well and can freeze even in summer;
- They are wary of unfamiliar people and strangers, so they can show aggression, just like their close relatives - Staffordshire Terriers - towards their relatives.
This dog clearly has more advantages than disadvantages.
Accepted standard
Height is 25-30 cm, weight on average is from 2.5 to 3 kg, but there are also larger dogs, weighing up to 4 kg.
Description of other standard features:
- the head is wedge-shaped, elongated, with a wide lower jaw and a flattened, elongated skull;
- The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, relatively close-set. The desired color is dark brown, the darker it is, the better;
- the ears are close and high set, erect, having the shape of a candle flame characteristic of these dogs;
- the nose is black;
- the neck is graceful, but not too thin, of medium length;
- the back is short and muscular. The loin is quite strong, merging into a sloping croup;
- the tail is thin, tapering towards the end, medium in length;
- the chest is deep, but not wide, the ribs are slightly compressed from the sides, but at the same time quite convex;
- the belly is tucked up and forms a rather sharp bend, characteristic of this breed;
- the forelimbs are parallel and straight, without signs of weakness or excessive lightness of the bones;
- The hind legs are muscular, with well defined knee joints. The paws resemble those of a cat, with rather thick pads;
- The color is exclusively black and tan.
The English Toy Terrier can only be smooth-haired. Individuals with long hair are considered plembraces.
Expert opinion
Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich
Expert dog handler.
The English Toy Terrier has a lively and active temperament. They are brave, friendly and loyal animals that truly love their owners. Lack of nervousness is one of the main positive qualities of these dogs. The English Toy does not require complex care; it is quite hardy and in good health. This dog is ideal for living in city apartments and does not need long walks.
Prices
It is better to buy a dog in nurseries or from breeders, and carefully study all the documents.
Representatives of this unique breed value:
- miniature size;
- exterior and its features;
- beautiful and rare color;
- wool length;
- character and its features;
- breeder's reputation;
- parents and their titles;
- pedigree.
Bitches, unlike males, are always more expensive.
The most expensive show class puppies. The cost ranges from 40 thousand to 85 thousand rubles. The second price category includes breed-class pets. They cost from 20 thousand to 40 thousand rubles. And the cheapest, but no less beloved and beautiful - representatives of the pet class, the cost of which is from 15 thousand to 30 thousand rubles.*
Before purchasing, you need to make sure that the puppy has:
- brand;
- chip (optional);
- puppy card;
- veterinary passport;
- all necessary vaccinations and a record of deworming.
Adopting a Toy Terrier into your family means finding an excellent friend who is not at all difficult to care for. The main thing is to choose the right puppy from a trusted breeder, so that later the cute puppy does not grow into a mongrel.
*Prices in the article are as of November 2022.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- small compact size;
- smart and quick-witted;
- stress-resistant - they are not characterized by increased nervousness or nervous breakdowns;
- friendly and affectionate towards their owners;
- devotees;
- they make good guards;
- do not require complex care;
- treat other dogs living in the house well, as well as children;
- playful and cheerful;
- They are in good health and live long enough.
Minuses:
- self-willed and stubborn, like all terriers;
- too mobile, sometimes hyperactive;
- it is not always easy to train them;
- show aggression towards other people's dogs, as well as small animals;
- tend to become attached to one person, although they love all family members.
Another disadvantage of English toy terriers is their rarity and high price, which is why it can be difficult to buy a purebred dog of this breed.
Education and training
Decorative toy requires hard training. Otherwise, a small, good-natured terrier puppy can turn into a small but harmful adult dog. Naturally, the methods and approaches of English Toys differ from raising large breed dogs. It is very important to teach energetic children useful commands. The toy terrier must clearly follow the primary commands “fu” and “sit”. In order for a terrier dog to grow up obedient, it is necessary to observe certain conditions when raising it:
- Do not shout during training, speak in an even, calm voice;
- Do not show aggression towards a baby of this breed;
- Diligently and persistently repeat the command until it is strictly carried out.
A common problem: toy terriers are naturally biting and can bite without any aggression. You should never beat dogs, but you definitely need to stop them.
Life expectancy and health
On average, these dogs live 12-13 years, but long-livers are also known, whose age reached 15-20 years.
The English Toy is a relatively healthy breed, but they also have diseases such as:
- glaucoma;
- cataract;
- dislocation of the lens of the eye;
- retinal atrophy;
- hypothyroidism;
- Peters disease.
Due to the fact that the smooth coat does not protect the animal well enough from adverse weather conditions, English Toys are prone to overheating and hypothermia. In addition, a dog of this breed may not tolerate anesthesia well.
Vaccinations and susceptibility to disease
Regular examinations at the veterinary clinic and mandatory vaccinations are a reliable way to protect your pet from many diseases and untimely death.
There are two main vaccinations a dog needs:
- A complex vaccine containing strains of plague, parvovirus, hepatitis, influenza, and leptospirosis. The first vaccine is given at 2 months, then at 3 and 12 months. Repeat annually.
- The rabies vaccine is given at 7 months, then it must be repeated once a year.
Toys live quite a long time: their life cycle averages 10–13 years. Of the pathologies characteristic of this breed, the most common are:
- Difficulties with the musculoskeletal system. With increased activity, fractures, sprains and dislocations occur.
- Neurological disorders.
- Displacement of the cervical vertebrae.
- Anomalies in the digestive tract.
- Metabolic disorders. The dog is lethargic and refuses to eat. It is treated with conservative therapy and surgery.
- Pancreatitis. Symptoms: loose stools, categorical refusal to eat.
- Retinal atrophy.
- Cataract.
Important! To prevent the development of diseases, your pet must be examined at a veterinary clinic once a year.
How to care?
The English Toy Terrier should live only in a house or apartment - yard and aviary keeping is not suitable for it.
Caring for it is not difficult. It is recommended to comb the coat 2 times a week with a mitten to care for smooth-haired dogs. Such a dog should be washed only when necessary. Eyes, ears and teeth should be examined every day, but brushing should not be done unless necessary. The nails are shortened approximately once a month in an adult animal, and once every 15-20 days in a puppy.
The Toy Terrier gets cold easily, and therefore this dog cannot do without weather-appropriate clothing.
Mating
Full puberty ends in dogs at 2 years of age . At this time, girls begin their third heat. Attentive owners should monitor the course of the female's cycle. Days 13-15 are considered favorable for mating , when signs appear: a loose large loop, transparent or light discharge, playful behavior.
Both male and female must be registered with the breed club (if they have documents and pedigree). The nursery selects pairs that complement each other's shortcomings. The owners fill out documents, agree on the location of the procedure and its cost.
Read a detailed article on the topic: “Everything you need to know about breeding dogs: appropriate age, what to do if it doesn’t work out, rules and tips.”
On the appointed day, the pets are brought together on neutral territory so that the male feels relaxed and the male feels restrained. The dogs get to know each other, sniff, and walk together. If the girl is ready, she will allow you to do the cage. Toys do not vary much in size between the sexes, so you only have to help the first time. You can invite a specialist to solve the problem. If the animals are in the castle, then the mating was a success. But even in the absence of a lock, a girl can become pregnant. Pets are brought again every other day.
The progress of pregnancy can be checked at an ultrasound center. The first signs appear in the 2nd week, but the status can be recorded and clarified only after 20-25 days.
How to train correctly?
Due to the fact that English toy terriers can be quite stubborn and headstrong, you need to start raising and training your pet as early as possible - literally from the day you acquire it.
Dogs of this breed are smart and quick-witted and, as a rule, remember new commands well. But they do not always do them, but only when there are no other, more interesting things to do.
That is why it is so important to achieve impeccable obedience from the toy, because otherwise you may not be able to cope with your pet in a critical situation when, for example, he runs out onto the highway chasing a cat.
IMPORTANT!
When raising and training an English Toy Terrier, you cannot yell at him or punish him unfairly. This will only make the dog even more stubborn. In addition, this can greatly frighten the puppy and even ruin his psyche.
Characteristics of the English Toy Terrier
Externally, the dogs are distinguished by their short stature, expressive eyes, and thin paws. The color of the tan marks on the fur varies from bright red to brown.
The main coat color is anthracite black. Any white markings are not allowed.
Toy terriers are friendly and strongly attached to their owners ; they do not like to be left alone. They are easy to train, but it is important to teach your pet from an early age, otherwise you will not be able to achieve success in training.
How to feed?
You can feed your toy terrier either ready-made premium food or higher, or prepare homemade food for it.
It is very important that the diet is balanced and the portions are correct. You should not underfeed or overfeed your dog, as this can lead to problems with its health.
You cannot feed your English Toy low-quality, cheap food with dyes and preservatives, as well as stale or poor-quality homemade food.
If the dog eats natural food, then the basis of his diet should be protein products of animal origin - meat, meat products, dairy products, to which you need to add a little porridge or vegetables.
If desired, you can treat your toy terrier with seasonal fruits or a piece of low-fat hard cheese.
Feeding
A dog's complete diet should include meat: rabbit, chicken or beef. Pork should be excluded from the diet. Give your baby bones - to train the jaws, raw vegetables, fresh fruits, cottage cheese - to strengthen teeth, vitaminize the body. Food in the form of canned food and dry food is allowed, but in small doses.
How to choose a puppy?
Finding a purebred puppy is not easy even in England, not to mention Russia.
However, more and more often you can see advertisements on the Internet or in the press about the sale of puppies supposedly of this breed for 3-10 thousand rubles without documents.
Most often, ordinary Russian black and tan toy terriers, miniature pinschers with undocked tails, or even just mixed breeds and small smooth-haired mongrels are sold under the guise of Englishmen. Often, even the color of the dogs sold has nothing in common with the standard one - fawn, red, brown and tan puppies are sold under the guise of English toy terriers.
NOTE!
In order not to purchase a dog that has nothing in common with the desired breed, the pet should be purchased only from a specialized nursery. In this case, the puppy must have a metric, and its parents must have pedigrees.
You should also remember that a puppy of a rare breed cannot be cheap, but if you really want to buy an English Toy, then it is better not to save on buying a pet.
Caring for puppies
The puppy will need a comfortable sleeping place and separate dishes. You should take care of toys, special tongs for shortening nails, a combing mitt and special shampoo for smooth-haired dogs.
An English Toy in a new home is first fed the food that he is accustomed to while living in a kennel: natural food or ready-made food. If the owner decides to change the type of food, this should be done gradually, over two weeks.
Read more about how to care for Toy Terrier puppies in this article.
Puppies of this breed are fed at the following frequency:
- 2-3 months - 5-6 times a day;
- from 4 months to six months – 4 times;
- from 6 months to a year – 3 times.
Products are introduced into the diet gradually, each new type of food over two to three days. First, English Toychiks are accustomed to milk and milk porridge. Next to the finely chopped meat.
At 3 months they give boiled sea fish, at 4 months - offal. At 6 months the diet is similar to that of an adult dog
