Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of whom were first used for hunting vermin and therefore now have an innately spirited and aggressive character with a tendency to chase moving creatures and objects), the black and tan English Toy Terrier is one of the more impressive ratters of the group. Or at least it was.
For example, in 1848 (150 years after it came into being), one English Toy Terrier owner boasted and then proved his Toy could kill 100 rats per hour for three hours straight. But the miniature Manchester did much more in the Queen»s Hotel Tavern in London that day: it killed 300 rats in 54 minutes and 30 seconds. Yet despite the praiseworthy tenacity and subsequent success of this 5 ½ -7 pound (or 7 -12 pound»no heavier), 19th century breeders went too far improving the breed by making it ever smaller and smaller, until the English Toy Terrier breed began suffering from terrible health.
But genetics and time in its favor, the tuxedo black with tan markings (making its standard sized relative and it aptly named, «the gentleman»s terrier») English Toy Terrier we know today has many an advantage based on its size: it is highly adaptable, fitting exceptionally well into very small areas, and therefore fitting well in any environment (due also in part to power and agility of its svelte but muscular 10 ½ to 13 ½ inch frame).
Likely because it is so tiny, the English Toy Terrier needs very little exercise. And with an even temper that is not aggressive, not timid, not hyper, but not docile, either, this breed gets along well with other dogs and people in general, observing and investigating quietly and calmly. Because of this, the devoted Toy is as fine a devoted household dweller (devotion that runs in many of the terrier breeds) as it is an alert and bright almond-eyed watchdog.
As amenable to others as the English Toy Terrier is, it is just as easy when it comes to needing grooming: this breed, the diminutive to the once named Black and Tan Terrier, has a slick, sleek, short coat that lends itself to low maintenance, such as an occasional brushing»or rubbing down with a rubber brush. As it is supposed that its full sized brethren originated through a crossing of terrier, Whippet, and Greyhound, it makes sense that the coat is so smooth (like the coat f the Greyhound, that is) and therefore needs only a rubbing to make it shine.
In the same respect, because it is intelligent and attentive, it is as easily trained as it is groomed. And unlike the full-sized (or standard) breed that needs space to exercise, the English Toy Terrier can run about anywhere, which it necessarily does, as it is, after all, the great rat dog. All it needs from hereon in is praise.
