Discover Everything About English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan)
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The English Toy Terrier faces an above-average health burden, with nine documented mandatory health tests. Particular focus is placed on eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and glaucoma, which in the worst case can lead to blindness, as well as the breed-typical patellar luxation. Prospective buyers should look very closely and only purchase puppies from parents that have been demonstrably tested.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
25–30 cm
Weight
3–4 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 3,500 €
- Coat: Short, shiny, without undercoat
- Origin: Great Britain
Typical coat colors
- Black
- tan
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan), choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) right for you?
The English Toy Terrier is an elegant, lightning-fast Baujäger (terrier used for hunting in burrows) — bred as a relentless rat hunter for the London pits, he now acts as a vigilant, heat-loving companion with a true terrier heart who will stick to your sofa like glue.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a dog that, despite its dainty size, is a full-fledged terrier with a genuine prey drive for small animals and needs to be mentally challenged.
- You want an agile companion that can easily keep up with the big dogs during dog sports or long walks in good weather.
- You don't mind dressing your dog in a coat during winter and having an affectionate heat-seeker under your blanket in the evening.
- You are prepared to train even a small dog with love but absolute consistency so that he doesn't turn into a control freak.
Less ideal if:
- You keep rodents or birds as pets — this dog was selectively bred to strike with lightning speed and zero compromise whenever something small moves.
- You are looking for a robust outdoor companion for hours of hiking in ice and rain — he completely lacks a warming undercoat.
- You live in an apartment with thin walls and get stressed easily by a vigilant dog that reports every sound in the hallway.
- You expect a pure lapdog that is satisfied with short rounds around the block — he is an athlete in miniature format.
The real vibes check
The English Toy Terrier looks like a fragile porcelain figurine, but a fearless gladiator's heart beats in his chest. He is not just an accessory, but a sharp-witted little hunter who won't hesitate for a second to chase a mouse outside — only to burrow deep under your cozy blanket at home afterwards.
Breed Profile
The English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan), known as ETT for short, is a small, elegant dog breed that is listed in FCI Group 3, Section 4 (Dwarf Terrier). Its slim, slightly rectangular body shape and elegant head with the characteristic large, almond-shaped eyes and upright ears give it a striking appearance. The long, elegant neck leads to an equally elegant chest and a sharply sloping back. The tail is medium long compared to the body and is carried straight or slightly sloping. With the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) there is no distinction between performance and show lines, as the breed is primarily bred as a companion dog.
| Height | 25 - 30 cm (Female), 25 - 30 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 3 - 4 kg (Female), 3 - 4 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Attentive, Intelligent, Playful |
| Coat | Short, shiny, without undercoat |
| Coat Color | Black and tan |
| Price | 2000 - 3500 € |
History
The English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) is a very old English breed that has its roots in the terrier breeds of the 16th century. These small dogs were originally used to hunt rats and were considered irreplaceable in times when rat plagues were still a major threat. In the 19th century, the breed became increasingly popular as a companion dog in noble circles and people began to specifically breed smaller, more elegant dogs. This ultimately led to the creation of the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) as we know it today. The breed was first recognized by the FCI in 1960. The English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) is very popular in its native England, but is rarely found outside of Great Britain. In recent years, the ETT has also become increasingly popular in other countries.
The English Toy Terrier was bred as a companion dog and to fight small animals such as rats.
Great Britain
1800
Character & Temperament
The small size of the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) easily belies its large personality. These dogs are extremely intelligent and attentive, with a playful and often somewhat stubborn temperament. They are known for their devotion and loyalty to their family and are usually very people-oriented. But this also means that they don't like to be alone and prefer to be in the company of their people. Despite their size and elegance, ETTs are very robust dogs with a lot of energy and a strong play instinct. They love to play and romp and are always enthusiastic about a round of games. You need regular physical and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced. Their activity can range from quiet cuddle hours to playful games. Even though the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) is now primarily kept as a companion dog, it still has a strong hunting instinct. He is naturally alert and has acute sensory perception that allows him to detect even the smallest movements. This can cause him to react to movements or sounds that you may not even notice. Therefore, it is important to start training him early and teach him how to channel his energy and attention in an acceptable way. Despite its independent character, the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) is also a very trainable dog that can quickly learn new commands and tricks. With the right motivation and loving but consistent training, you can make him a balanced and well-behaved companion. Although the ETT is generally a friendly and social dog, it can initially be a bit reserved when meeting other dogs or people. With enough socialization and positive experiences, he will quickly learn that there is nothing to fear and will develop into a self-confident and open dog. In general, the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) is a wonderful companion for people looking for a small but strong-character dog that brings a lot of personality and charm. His loyalty and need for companionship make him an ideal companion for people who can and want to spend a lot of time with their dog. His adaptability and playful temperament make him suitable for both city and country life. Although he is a good guard dog and defends his territory, he is not a barker and only barks when he sees a reason to do so. With his intelligence and desire to please, he is a versatile dog that is well suited to various types of dog sports but also excels as a family dog.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) is one of the oldest terriers and can trace its origins back to the 16th century?
What Awaits You
The English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) is a lively and affectionate companion dog. These small dogs are alert and intelligent but require consistent training. They are very watchful and are well suited as family dogs if they receive enough activity and social interaction. Their short, shiny coat is easy to care for and typical of the breed.
Housing & Care
English Toy Terriers are well suited to city keeping as they are relatively calm and adaptable. They get along well with older children but can be unsure around small children, especially if they are not used to them. Therefore, it is advisable to supervise the interaction of small children and this dog. Most English Toy Terriers are also compatible with other pets such as cats, provided they have been raised in an environment where they are used to them.
| Family Friendly Loves family life and thrives in a group. | Family-oriented |
| Child Friendly Gets on well with children — with adult supervision. | With supervision |
| Dog Friendly Usually gets on fine with other dogs. | Generally tolerant |
| City Friendly Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all. | Ideal city dog |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The English Toy Terriers are intelligent, trainable and very eager to learn, which makes training easier. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy obedience training and brain games that challenge their intelligence. They tend to want to please their humans and can develop high levels of frustration tolerance and impulse control if well trained. Because they were originally bred to be rat hunters, the hunting instinct can still be strong in some English Toy Terriers. It is therefore important to offer alternative activities, such as search games or agility, to satisfy their urge to work and prevent them from becoming ball junkies. They need regular exercise, but since they are small, daily walks and playtime around the house or garden are usually enough.
Nutrition & Care
An English Toy Terrier's diet should be balanced and specific to its size and activity level. A high-quality dry or wet food ration specifically designed for small breeds is usually suitable. You should always be careful not to let your dog become overweight, as this can lead to additional health problems. When it comes to care, English Toy Terriers are relatively easy to care for. Their smooth, short coat doesn't shed much hair and only requires occasional brushing to keep it shiny and healthy. They have no undercoat, but thanks to their short, dense fur they can cope with the German climate quite well.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The English Toy Terrier faces an above-average health burden, with nine documented mandatory health tests. Particular focus is placed on eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and glaucoma, which in the worst case can lead to blindness, as well as the breed-typical patellar luxation. Prospective buyers should look very closely and only purchase puppies from parents that have been demonstrably tested.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure joint-friendly exercise, protect the dogs from the cold in winter due to their lack of undercoat, and carefully plan any surgeries with your vet due to potential blood clotting disorders.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders focus on a diverse gene pool and have the parents' knees, eyes, heart, and blood clotting tested to reduce hereditary risks in the line.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan)
Heike S., Halterin aus Hessen (Hündin, seit 2011)
Seit meine English-Toy-Terrier-Hündin bei uns eingezogen ist, bin ich absolut begeistert, wie gut sie sich in unser Rudel aus großen Rhodesian Ridgebacks integriert hat. Man mag im ersten Moment Angst haben, dass so ein kleiner Zwerg im Garten einfach überrannt wird, aber sie ist als echte Terrier-Dame erstaunlich zäh und lässt sich nicht unterkriegen.
Was man allerdings nicht unterschätzen darf, ist ihr ausgeprägter Jagdtrieb. Sie jagt extrem auf Sicht und nimmt wirklich jede noch so kleine Bewegung wahr – besonders Vögel und anderes Kleingetier haben es ihr angetan. Bei größeren Tieren wie Rehen bleibt sie dagegen glücklicherweise recht entspannt.
Ein großer Vorteil bei uns ist, dass sie kaum kläfft. Da die großen Hunde nicht auf ihr Anschlagen einsteigen, hat sie schnell gelernt, dass ständiges Bellen sich nicht lohnt. Sie ist eine wunderbare, lebendige Wärmflasche, die sich auf dem Sofa liebend gern an die Großen kuschelt.
Anja B., Halterin aus Nordrhein-Westfalen (Rüde, seit 2008)
Mein kleiner ETT-Rüde ist ein absolutes Energiebündel und unglaublich schlau. Diese Intelligenz ist allerdings ein zweischneidiges Schwert: Er lernt zwar neue Kommandos in Rekordzeit, durchschaut aber genauso schnell meine Inkonsequenz und nutzt jede Schwäche sofort aus. Man muss bei der Erziehung wirklich extrem konsequent bleiben, sonst tanzt einem der kleine Kerl ganz schnell auf der Nase herum.
Körperlich ist er kaum kaputtzukriegen, weshalb reine Spaziergänge oft nicht ausreichen. Er braucht unbedingt geistige Beschäftigung und Kopfarbeit, um wirklich ausgelastet zu sein. Wenn ihm langweilig wird, sucht er sich nämlich selbst eine Beschäftigung – und die ist dann meistens nicht in meinem Sinne.
Trotz des typischen Terrier-Dickkopfs ist er unfassbar anhänglich. Er liebt es, mit uns zu schmusen und Blödsinn zu machen. Man darf diese Rasse einfach nicht unterschätzen und nur als reinen Schoßhund ansehen.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan)
Is a English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) the right dog for me?
The English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) live?
The average life expectancy of a English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) need?
English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) good for families with children?
The English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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