With their smooth, black coats with distinctive tan markings, candle-flame shaped ears and diminutive size, English Toy Terriers are little dogs with a true terrier spirit and make wonderful companion dogs.
Standing 10-12″ at the shoulder and weighing 2.7-3.6 kg, English Toy Terriers are smart, elegant dogs with a smooth trotting movement. Their black coats are short, dense, and glossy, featuring distinctive tan spots above their eyes and on their cheeks, as well as tan chests and black thumbprints on tan forelegs. The English Toy Terrier’s development is guided by the official Breed Standard, which describes the ideal English Toy Terrier.
English Toy Terriers make wonderful companion dogs
English Toy Terriers are smart, playful, and full of energy. They love to be active at home but also enjoy curling up in a warm place for a nap.
English Toy Terriers are loyal and affectionate and form close bonds with their human families. They thrive in the company of their humans. An ETT needs psychological stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored or anxious and they do not thrive if left alone for long periods of time.
English Toy Terriers are lively at home and require at least a 30-minute walk daily (see Exercise & Enrichment). They are low maintenance for grooming and their small size allows them to fit into most homes, thriving in both country and city environments. Being small, they cost less to feed than larger dogs, but we always recommend feeding good quality dog food for optimal health.
Intelligent and quick learning
English Toy Terriers are smart and learn quickly. They are alert and observant, often assessing their surroundings. ETTs need mental stimulation and respond well to training, which they often view as a game. They quickly learn basic commands, making training a great way to strengthen your bond with them. Find out more on Training.
Affectionate and loyal
ETTs are affectionate and loyal to their owners, and some may be cautious around strangers. They warm up quickly once they realize someone is not a threat. ETTs do not handle being left alone for long periods well; they need human companionship and can develop behavioral problems if bored or stressed. For more information, visit Exercise & Enrichment.
Playful and Lively with a High Prey Drive
English Toy Terriers are energetic small dogs. They need regular play and exercise. They enjoy playing with their human and dog families and can be excitable and sometimes rowdy.
The strong ratting instinct in English Toy Terriers makes them enjoy shaking toys and playing tug-of-war. They may also chase small animals like squirrels and cats, as well as sheep and deer, so owners should be careful when walking their ETTs.
Alert and Vigilant
As with many breeds of dog ETTs tend to bark for a reason, not just because they like barking e.g. if someone comes to the door, or if they hear an unexpected noise. Their bark is as an alert signal as opposed to a sign of aggression.
Adaptable with proper socialisation
Like all dogs, ETTs benefit from early socialization to feel comfortable around people and other pets in various situations. Meeting other dogs and experiencing new environments is crucial for this. Many shops, cafes, and restaurants in the UK welcome dogs, so taking an ETT along helps with their social skills. Joining a training club for dog activities also provides valuable social experiences. ETTs usually get along well with people, though they might be cautious around strangers. Some ETTs are registered as therapy dogs, visiting vulnerable patients in care homes and hospitals through charities like Pets As Therapy.
English Toy Terriers and children
Children and dogs should always be supervised together. Early socialization and training help ETTs become good companions for kids. Similarly, children must learn how to interact safely with dogs, especially small dogs like ETTs, who can be easily hurt by a rough child.
English Toy Terriers and other animals
If well socialised at an early age, English Toy Terriers generally get on well with other dogs. If introduced to cats as young puppies, they can live happily with cats too. Care must be taken when around smaller or unfamiliar animals – the instinct to catch and kill small animals that was bred into the Black and Tan Terrier ancestors of the ETT can still be strong.
English Toy Terriers are relatively healthy
English Toy Terriers are relatively healthy as a breed. The most commonly reported health issues in ETTs relate to dental and periodontal disease, much of which is preventable with a good oral hygiene routine. We recommend that ETTs should have their teeth brushed at least twice a week. ETTs can also be susceptible to the Demodex Mite which is a tiny mite that lives all around us (including in human hair follicles and sebaceous glands) and normally with no issues, but ETTs can be prone to not being able to deal with the mites and so we recommend that ETTs always have a good Parasite Prevention regime. You can find out more about ETT Health in our Health Hub.
In summary
ETTs are loyal, smart, and lively, making them great companions for owners who offer love, attention, and regular activity. They thrive with owners who provide steady mental and physical stimulation in a safe home.