The English Toy Terrier, at first glance, is an absolutely harmless and weak breed of dog. But it is his brave barking that can be heard at a very great distance. This animal does not have strong and powerful legs, its head is small, however, like the rest of the body. However, if this dog bites you, then a visit to the hospital will be provided.
Oh this breed
The English Terrier is a very brave dog, and its small size does not bother her. She is quick and alert, succeeding in catching rats. In the past, the skills of this dog were used in the hunt for game. But those days are gone, because now these cute pets fulfill the main role of a loving companion and family friend.
Such a dog does not need a lot of space - she is quite happy both in a city apartment and in a country estate. But, nevertheless, the English toy terrier needs regular exercise, whether it is a regular evening walk or an energetic chase of a ball in the garden. Despite its size, the dog does not tolerate when young children are cruel. If the pet feels rudeness and aggression, then it can respond in the same way, so you need to be gentle and affectionate with such an animal. In response, the dog will be a great helper, giving love and warmth. In addition, this breed is very open to the owners. The dog wants to sit next to them, lick their hands or play games. It all depends on the upbringing and relationships within the family, because if the dog does not receive attention and love, then he can grow up grumpy and aggressive.
Perfect owner
Noble ladies used to choose English toy terriers to protect them from the attacks of rodents. Yes, and to take a small dog for hunting was not a shame, because she has an excellent scent, reaction and vigilance. Now, many couples acquire terriers, willingly introduce them to other animals and older children. Older people especially love a miniature pet, because they will always bark and desperately react to any noise. However, you should not take a dog if there are small children in the family, since the reaction of the animal can be ambiguous, because not all parents are ready to monitor the behavior of the kids.
Popularity
The breed English Toy Terrier is not in great demand, therefore, among dog breeders it is considered vulnerable, and even to some extent dying. Great measures are being taken to increase the popularity of this species and create a viable gene pool. Dog breeders hope that if the public is aware of the charming qualities of the English toy terrier, then it will steadily gain demand.
Breed history
The brave English toy terrier is a close relative of the Manchester Terrier. Their small size meant that they were "pocket" dogs, which were released if necessary to track and hunt foxes and other game. Especially “toy” terriers were in demand due to rat catching skills. The advancement of the industrial revolution led to a large increase in rodents in cities, which is why in almost every second house in Europe small dogs began to appear.
The best animals were tested for resistance in rat pits, where rodents and dogs were run, and then they tracked how long the pet could catch and kill pests. Often, most pets died on the spot from numerous bites. So, in 1848, a small dog weighing only 2.5 kilograms was killed by 300 rats in less than an hour. This sport was outlawed in 1898, thanks to the emergence of a dog breeding club. From that moment, different breeds began to be crossed in order to breed stronger offspring that did not suffer from a number of health problems. Now, the modern English Toy Terrier (photo you can see below) is a strong, strong and tenacious dog.
Character
This breed is very dedicated and attentive. Dogs feel the mood of the owners and take it upon themselves. At the same time, the English toy terrier is impatient and energetic. The pet will always monitor your movements, get closer to keep company while watching a movie.
Such a dog should not be left alone for too long and without control, otherwise it will begin to pour energy on furniture and things. If you do not want to face the consequences of destruction, then, as often as possible, play with your pet. Too much time for classes will not go away, because terriers are quickly tired due to their physique.
When you come across a description of the breed of the English Toy Terrier, you will be surprised, because these small animals are real guards. Thanks to their keen hearing and courage, they are not afraid to drive away opponents, to show their strength and assertiveness.
Detailed breed description
The English Toy Terrier (photo below) is a small but well-built dog. She has a small smooth head, on which are pointed erect ears located high on the back of the head. The skull of the terrier is flat, wedge-shaped. The eyes are usually small, almond-shaped, dark in color.
The mouth should have a scissor bite. The main feature of the breed is the neck, which is slightly curved. She is long, elegant. From the description of the English toy terrier it is clear that the chest is narrow but deep, while the legs are small, compact, well curved.
In the dog, the tail is set low, and the two middle fingers on the paws should be slightly longer than the others. The coat of this breed is short, dense, shiny. The color of the terrier is very specific - a dark brown tone. But these colors should not "interrupt" each other. In a true breed, tones form clear, clean separation lines.
There is a single permitted standard - the presence of tan marks on the legs, chest and face.
Training
This is a very curious and independent breed. Training should be gentle and consistent in order to combat the dog’s propensity for aggression and wandering. They must be socialized with other pets and children from an early age.
Health
The life expectancy of a healthy dog is 12-13 years, which is normal for a pet of this size. However, some live up to 15 years. The English toy terrier did suffer from a number of problems before, but since the 1950s, genetics have made many improvements to get a strong and hardy pet. In particular, if you buy an animal from a reputable and responsible breeder, then there should be no health problems. In old age, as in many other breeds, arthritis can begin, vision deteriorate, skin diseases and distraction appear.
Care
English toy terrier has a short thick coat, which requires special attention. All that is needed is to comb out the pet several times a week with a medium hard brush. It is recommended to bathe only with specially designed shampoo, so as not to disrupt the sebaceous glands and not lead to skin diseases.
Nutrition does not require special attention, because such a breed is unpretentious, omnivorous and has an excellent appetite. As a rule, there are no dietary requirements.