English Toy Terrier
Also known as Toy Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 25 to 30 cm
- Weight
- 2.7 to 3.6 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- England
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
Less suited to
- young children, without close supervision
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
A small, elegant black and tan terrier with fine bones and the trademark pointed, upright ears shaped like a candle flame.
History and origins
Descended from the Old English Black and Tan Terrier, it was bred as a ratter in Victorian England and is now a rare companion breed. Recognized by the Kennel Club (UK).
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Glaucoma and lens luxation
- Dental problems
- Hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Low shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
English Toy Terrier FAQ
How big does the English Toy Terrier get?
The English Toy Terrier stands 25 to 30 cm at the withers and weighs 2.7 to 3.6 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the English Toy Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the English Toy Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment.
How much exercise does the English Toy Terrier need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the English Toy Terrier good with children?
With caution: it does not cope well with the commotion of young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the English Toy Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.
