About the Breed

Is an English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)

Right for me?

The English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) ETT has had a variety of names – the miniature Black and Tan, and in the USA the Toy Manchester Terrier; all point to his ancestry in the Manchester Terrier, the rat killer developed in the industrial Revolution.

The miniaturisation of the breed, perhaps with some input of Italian Greyhound, resulted in the fine boned black and tan breed with candle flame ears. However, despite the reduction in size and the finer bone the English Toy Terrier are still able to acquit themselves as a dispatcher of vermin, which they did in the 19th Century when they were used in the rat pits. They are a delightfully intelligent breed with a stylish extended trotting action.

Owning an English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) ETT is decision that brings many rewards with it. These can include a healthier lifestyle, improved sociability and sense of community, as well as companionship.

To ensure that you are able to enjoy these benefits it is important that you ask yourself the following questions before getting an ETT.

If you answer 'NO' to any of the questions below, you should think again before getting an ETT.


1

Affordability?

Can I afford to have a dog? Lifetime expenses like food, veterinary fees and pet insurance can cost roughly £25 a week.
2

Lifelong commitment?

Can I make a lifelong commitment to an ETT? A ETTs average life span is 15 years.
3

Suitable home?

Is my home suitable to house an ETT?
4

Regular exercise?

Do I want to exercise my ETT every day?
5

Attention?

Will there be someone at home for my ETT? ETTs get lonely just like humans.
6

Time?

Will I find time? To train, groom and generally care for my ETT?


If you have been able to answer ‘YES’ to all of the questions, the next step is to do your research

LEARN MORE

Know your breed

The ETT is a small (ideally 12 inches at the shoulder) short coated vulnerable native toy breed with an average of about 100 puppies bred per year. ETTs are suitable for town or country requiring a minimum of 30 minutes outside exercise per day (but they are happy to go on long walks).

Ideally they should have access to a garden or yard but they are not suited to being kennelled preferring the comfort of the owners lap by the fireside. ETTs require little coat grooming, their claws need trimming on a regular basis along with dental and ear cleaning. ETTs can suffer from separation anxiety if left for long periods and they can be vocal practically when someone comes to the door.

The ETT is a generally healthy breed provided one chooses a responsible breeder who screens for hereditary conditions in particular Patella Luxation (slipping kneecaps) and JDCM (a heart condition). These conditions are very rare due to responsible breeders screening breeding stock and you should insist on seeing the certified test results of both the dam and the sire of your prospective puppy.

You should see your puppy in its home environment with its mother. A responsible breeder will ask you lots of questions because they want to be certain their puppies are going to the best homes. Responsible breeders will offer lifetime advice and support and should for any reason you need to rehome your dog in the future the breeder will insist on the dog being returned to them for rehoming.

You will probably be asked to sign a contract and your puppy may come with breeding and export endorsements to prevent potential exploitation by puppy farmers. You breeder will likely lift the endorsements at a later stage once they are confident of your good intentions.

All Club member breeders sign up to a code of practice and we would recommend you meet the breeders at any of the three club shows per year or any Championship dog show. The Club attends Discover Dogs at Crufts and London this is an ideal opportunity to meet the breed and some of the breeders. You will probably need to go on breeder’s waiting list and you must be prepared to travel and be patient if you want a puppy.

If you have any questions feel free to contact the club secretary Lisa Dixon.  Email secretary@english-toy-terrier-club.com or telephone 07904621665.