ENGLISH TOY TERRIER (BLACK AND TAN)

The English Toy Terrier in Australia

1. Photos

2. Best of Breed Royal Histories

3. Breed Information and History

4. Contact Details

PHOTOS

	Australian Champion SASNDASH Perle Noir Best Of Breed (English Toy Terrier) - Sydney Royal 1998
Australian Champion SASNDASH Majic Flute Best Of Breed (English Toy Terrier) - Sydney Royal 1999
	Australian Champion SASNDASH James Cook Best Of Breed (English Toy Terrier) - Sydney Royal 2000
Australian and New Zealand Champion JULEKO Conan Doyle (Imported from New Zealand) - deceased Proven sire of champion progeny
	Australian Champion LASPAMAS Spellbound
Australian Champion SASNDASH Perle Noir
	Australian Champion SASNDASH Lord Litchfield Proven sire of champion progeny
Australian Champion SASNDASH Onyx Noir Best Of Breed (English Toy Terrier) - Sydney Royal 2001 and 2002
	Australian Champion SASNDASH King Arthur at Amalek Reserve CC Crufts, UK 2003
Puppy at four weeks Another future champion

Most photos by Cabal Candids

BEST OF BREED ROYAL HISTORIES

BREED INFORMATION AND HISTORY

The breed is known in the U.S. as the "Toy Manchester Terrier". The development of the Manchester Terrier came about as a direct result of the popularity of rat killing as a sport (hence the nickname of the Manchester as the "rat terrier"). In those times of poor sanitation, a great health problem was created by the presence of the hordes of rats, mice and other vermin. Control of these vermin caused a great deal of trouble for the people of the day.

Rat killing contests were staged in pits, usually in public halls and were built about 18 feet x 16 feet and walled around the sides. Sometimes two dogs were placed in the pit at one time, large numbers of rats were turned loose and the dog which destroyed the most rats were declared the winner. More often however the contest was staged by heats, with one dog in the pit at a time and was scored by the number of rats killed in a given time. A celebrated dog of the period was 'Billy' who was reported to have killed 100 rats in 12 minutes at the Westminster Pit 1827.

The district of Manchester in Lancashire was always a noted centre for the sport of rat killing and other kindred sports. One of the devotees of the sport was John Hulme, together with some friends he mapped out a breeding plan to add greater speed and keener sight while preserving the alertness, gameness and endurance of the breed. Others followed his lead and by careful selective breeding a new type was developed. The result of this careful planning was combination of agility, grace, colour stamina and spirit.

The smaller variety known as the Miniature Black and Tan, (English Toy Terrier) was developed by selective breeding of smaller parents and the result skyrocketed to popularity. The adaptability of the breed brought it into demand by all classes of people and for all purposes.

When rat pits became illegal in England, the gambling still continued in the back rooms of the public inns which were infested with rats. The lower class relied on the winnings of these little terriers to survive. When the bars were closed the little Black and Tans were set loose and no one knows what wagers were made bearing in mind that public betting on the sport was forbidden.

The miniature Black and Tan even found it's place at English Hunts, being carried in a special leather pouch suspended from the belt of the head groom. When the hounds ran a fox into the thickets too dense for them to penetrate the tiny terrier was set loose and soon ran the fox out of it's hiding place. He earned the name of "The Grooms Pocket Piece".

Even in the 1950's many of the fashionable hunt clubs of England and America still preserved this tradition at their meets. Though seldom lately put to use, these tiny mascots could be seen, their little black and tan heads protruding from the traditional pouch worn by the Master of the Hounds, the dog seeming to enjoy the event as much as the hunters.

The first All Breeds Dog Show is reported to have been held in 1861 and from about this time the breed reached its peak and it was during this period that the markings of the dog were developed. At the third show in England in 1861 the records show that there were 42 Manchesters benched and there was no limit to size.

The colour as stated in the current Australian Breed Standard for the English Toy Terrier reads:

Colour: Black and Tan. The black ebony, the tan likened to a new chestnut deeply rich. Colours not running or blending into each other, but meeting abruptly, forming clear and well defined lines of colour division. Forelegs tanned to knees in front. The tan then continuing inside and at back of forelegs to point just below elbows, the thin black lines up each toe (pencilling) and a clearly defined black (thumb mark) on centre of each pastern, and under chin. Hind legs well tanned front and inside with black bar dividing tan at centre of lower thigh. Heavy tan on outside of hindquarters (breaching) undesirable. Muzzle well tanned. Nose black, the black continuing along the top of the muzzle, curving below eyes to the base of the throat. A tan spot above each eye and a small tan spot on each cheek. Under jaw and throat tanned, lip line black. Hair inside ears tan (tan behind ears undesirable). Each side of chest has some tan. Vent under root of tail tan. White hairs forming a patch anywhere totally undesirable.

So much attention has been paid to colour and markings that the breed apparently has not changed all that much in the 1900's. The breed is recognised by it's customary "Candle Flame" shaped ears that in Australia are not cropped. This cropping was carried out in the early days to avoid them being bitten by rats who carried diseases that were harmful to dogs.

The size of the breed in Australia is required to be 25-30 cms (10-12 inches) at the shoulder and 2.7 - 3.6 kg (6-8 lbs). They should have terrier characteristics, be alert and have a long, graceful and slightly arched neck leading to a narrow and deep chest and be slightly rounded over the loin.

The breed is very active, loyal and has a great zest for life. They are a sleek and clean dog quite easily house trained and love to be with you. They make a good watch dog having a large voice for such a small dog.

The number of English Toy Terriers in Australia is quite small after having suffered a fall from popularity after the sixties. In the last five or so years there has been a concerted effort by a few dedicated breeders to promote the breed and to build up the numbers again through selective breeding and exhibiting them at All Breed Shows.

 

Document last updated 19 April 2003