English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)

On the whole, the English Toy terrier is a friendly little character, affectionate and totally devoted to his family. Many of the Toy breed dogs are bred as lap dogs or small companion dogs who love attention.

These small terriers have a very playful side to their personality. Although sometimes quite cheeky and mischievous, they love to entertain when the mood takes them.

As a member of the terrier breed, albeit the toy group, he has inherited some of the feisty, terrier temperament and isn’t often rested and calm.

Certainly a very intelligent breed, always willing to please their owner. If they receive one-to-one attention during their training periods, which they love, they do very well at quickly picking up new tasks. However, this also means that they’re capable of picking up bad behaviours and habits too.

As is the norm with terrier breeds with a high prey drive, they love to chase almost anything that runs in front of them.

In some cases, the English Toy terrier can be quite aloof when unknown visitors are in his home. However, this can often be remedied with early socialisation from a young age.

Very clever dogs, they are also fast learners. Incidentally, they do like to think for themselves and can also be quite stubborn and mischievous at times. This is often true among many of the terrier breeds.

Although the English Toy terrier isn’t as active as some other small dog breeds, he isn’t happy when left on his own for long periods. These small, affectionate canines form strong bonds with their family, and love being around them and involved in the family activities.

As these small terriers are such independent thinkers, it is important that they are trained and socialised early. As with many other sensitive breeds, he’s not too happy with harsh words or reprimands when training. You will probably discover that this high-energy, lively little dog will respond better to positive reinforcement methods, which will bring out the best in him.

These small dogs tend to like hearing their own voices and barking is quite a common occurrence with the English Toy terrier.

You will find that any terrier with an independent streak, think they know their own mind and will happily wander off. Add to this mix his inbuilt hunting instinct, and it just takes one sniff of a scent and he will be off without a backward glance at you.

 If this dog is denied the attention he craves, he can be quite destructive around the home. As a loving, yet curious pup, he needs to be close to his family for the majority of the day. If left alone, without company, he can show quite destructive tendencies.

This small terrier dog is prone to greed and it’s very easy for him to put on extra weight. Care must be taken to offer a diet higher in fibre and lower in protein and that he isn’t overfed.

The English Toy terrier is generally on the alert to what is going on around him. Because of this, they make great watchdogs, often barking at everything, not just because he likes the sound of his own voice. However, because of their small size, this terrier isn’t going to make a guard dog to defend you and your property.

English Toy terriers are very adaptable dogs and assuming they receive plenty of mental stimulation on a daily basis, to stop them becoming bored, and sufficient exercise each day, they will be just as content living in a flat, as in a large house. Of course, they will be even happier if they have a small amount of outside space to run around and play.

This small dog breed is less active than some other terrier breeds. His exercise needs are likely to be met with just one short walk each day, providing he receives playtime activities too. Ideally, between 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity each day will help to support an obedient, well-rounded dog.

This Black and Tan Toy terrier is small enough to travel in the boot of a car, and likewise, on public transport. He is certainly the correct size to be carried and in fact enjoys nothing better than being in his master’s arms.

Providing the cat and the young English Toy terrier are cohabiting together from a young age, they will get along fine together. However, anything smaller than a cat and the terrier is going to presume its prey, and that it needs to be chased and hunted down.

As with living with a feline, if socialised together from the puppy stage, this terrier will get along just fine with other canines.

This affectionate and loyal dog breed just loves to play with children. It can be an excellent pet choice for an older child, but care must be taken with a younger toddler, who may handle the tiny puppy rather roughly. The English Toy terrier absolutely loves interactive games but make sure you supervise when dogs and kids are together, to ensure things don’t get too excitable.

This very companionable, loyal dog has an easy temperament and although he would love the friendship and care provided by an elderly owner, he much prefers to be busy and on the go. Because of this, he is more suited to people who spend more time outdoors.

These people-orientated and amenable little dogs are a brilliant choice for first pets. They love nothing better than to entertain and please their owner.