English Toy Terrier
English Toy Terriers
There are two smooth coated toy dogs of roughly the same size. Historically they both were ratting dogs. That is why they are considered here together. However, in reality, they are quite different! The first, the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan), is called the Toy Manchester in USA and Canada because it is considered the toy variety of the Manchester Terrier. However, its origin was in England. The second, the Miniature Pinscher which looks remarkably similar, has its origin in Germany.
History of the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan)
English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) c 1876
In England, the Black and Tan smooth coated Terrier is arguably the oldest identifiable Terrier, mentioned in the Doomsday Book from 1066. Known in the rapidly growing town of Manchester since the early 1800's, is separated today into two separate breeds. The larger dog (over 7 pounds) is called the Manchester Terrier is classified in the Terrier Group. However, the smaller dog (under 7 pounds) that is considered here, is classified in the Toy Group both by the Kennel Club (UK) and in Australia where is called the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan). However, in the USA it is called the 'Toy Manchester'.
Old English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) c 1879
In the Victorian era, when becoming popular, they were prized both for their ratting ability and their good looks. However, the Victorian women desired a smaller dog. Consequently, a toy was developed by repeatedly breeding smaller Manchester's. Being under 7 lbs, it was the ideal ladies companion - a smart streamlined little dog while still able to rat successfully. Consequently, the working terrier which hunted with the hounds won the name 'The Groom's Pocket Piece' because he was carried in a pouch worn by the 'Master of the Hounds'.
The English Toy Terrier becomes a Pure Breed
Old English Terriers (Black and Tan) c 1881
On the left we have the Toy Terrier 'Belle' who won at Birmingham in 1881 as did the Black and Tan Terrier 'Queen III' who won at the same Show. This engraving emphasizes that the English (Black and Tan) Toy Terrier, weighing 3 - 4 pounds, is an exact replica of the larger variety then weighing 15 - 16 pounds. Except for size, the small one should be an exact replica of the larger one, possessing equal hardihood and spirit[6].
The Kennel Club (UK) recognized English Toy Terrier in 1860 when it appeared in the first English Stud Book as a Toy Terrier under 5 pounds. Its size is demonstrated by the accompanying drawing of the Toy Terrier standing beside a bucket and broom.
From 1862 to 1900 when the breed was at its peak of popularity, the beautiful markings of 'thumbprints', 'kissing spots' and fine penciling on the toes were developed. Classes were also offered for weight variations which to this day.
Name Changes and its Consequences
English Toy Terrier
With regular trade between USA and Manchester, England, it is no surprise that the small Toy English Black-and-tan terrier appeared in American Stud Book from 1886. For the next 40 years it was called 'Toy Terrier other than Yorkshire'[3]. However, during the 1930's it was re-named 'Toy Manchester Terrier' a name by which it is still called in USA today.
However, in 2005 the Kennel Club (UK) realized the difficulties of splitting the gene pool. Consequently, today the interbreeding between the Toy Manchester of USA and the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) of UK has been resumed. This has generally progressed the breed across the world!
History of English Toy Terriers in Australia
Black & Tan imported 1891
In Australia, the English Toy Terrier was probably brought here as ratting terriers by our early settlers. He was certainly exhibited at the first dog show held in Melbourne, Australia in 1864[5] where 8 were listed as Smooth-Haired Terriers black and tan or black, under 7 pounds. Then in our first Stud Book, Tyzack's Annual[4] , 1 import and another 24 including 'Halifax Ben' (pictured) were listed. Small bands of enthusiasts have kept this breed alive, albeit spasmodically, ever since. As this is an Australian website based on English Breed Standards, inter-breeding with the American Toy Terrier is allowed here but the breed is still called the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan).
The English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) Today
English Toy (Black & Tan)
A constant band of devotees over two centuries has ensured this elegantly shaped sleek black-and-tan toy terrier with its stunning markings has survived without suffering the same exaggerations as most other breeds demanded by the show ring over the same period.
The English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) is a Toy with Terrier characteristics but at the same time should look elegant and sleekly built. His wedge-shaped head should be long and narrow with a flat skull, clean through the cheeks and a slight stop. The muzzle should be well filled up under eyes, with tight lips housing a normal scissors bite. The relatively small dark almond shaped eyes, black nose and characteristic candle-flame ears complete his unique expression, typifying the English Toy Terrier. The accompanying picture demonstrates how the thin leather of this high placed ear with its slightly pointed tips, faces the front.
English Toy (Black and Tan)
The neck should be long and graceful, slightly arched, sloping elegantly into well laid shoulders. The elbows are set close to chest providing a straight front with fine bone. The body is compact, with the back very slightly curving from behind shoulder to loin, falling again to root of tail. The chest should be narrow and deep with ribs well sprung, the loins well cut up and the buttocks gently rounded, this graceful outline being completed by a low set tail which should not reach below the hock.
English Toy (Black and Tan)
He moves with a strong, driving power from the rear with a front to match, so the dog flows smoothly over the ground indicating true soundness. Ideally the English Toy Terrier should stand 10 to 12 inches high and weigh 6 to 8 pounds.
His colour is most important and has been ruthlessly selected for over two centuries. The placement of the black in relation to the tan has been meticulously selected for by judges, breeders and enthusiasts, making the English Toy Terrier unique. The colour is explained in detail by following this link to the Manchester Terrier.
Comparison between the English Toy Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher
| English Toy Terrier | Miniature Pinscher | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Germany |
| Size | 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30.5 cm) | 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30.5 cm) |
| Colour | Specifically defined Black and Tan with pencilling on the toes and a thumb mark on each pastern | Solid red or black, blue or chocolate with sharply defined tan markings with black pencilling on toes without thumb marks except chocolates which have brown pencilling. |
 Eng Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) |
 Min Pin (Chocolate and Tan) |
|
| Gait | Front movement akin to an 'extended trot' with a smooth, easy hind action combined with drive, resulting in true soundness. | The co-ordinated but precise hackney is the Miniature Pinscher's most distinguishing feature. |
| Head | Although the skull is flat, the head is long and narrow with a wedge-shaped appearance both in profile and when looking from the front. The nose is black. | The skull is flat but the head is more elongated and narrow than short and round. The nose black but chocolate and blue dogs it may be self-coloured. |
| Ears | Candle shaped erect ears are unique to the English Toy. | May be pricked or dropped |
| Neck | Long and graceful | Strong yet graceful |
| Chest | Narrow and deep with finely boned legs | Well developed and moderately broad with medium boned legs |
| Feet | Two middle toes longer than others but hare feet undesirable | Catlike |
| Topline | Curves very slightly from behind shoulder to loin, falling again to root of tail. | Straight sloping slightly to tail |
 English Toy (Black and Tan) |
 Miniature Pinscher (Red) |
|
| Body | Body compact but in correct proportion to the head and legs. | Square with straight back |
| Tail | Set low | Set high |
References and Further Reading
[3] Dixie Dempsey, "The Complete Toy Manchester Terrier" published by Milo G Denlinger, printed in the USA 1950 Chapter 1 Page 25
[4] "Tyzack's Annual" Compiled by T.W.Tyzack and C.S. Turner published by the Victorian Poultry and Kennel Club 1912, printed by Bellmaine Bros., Printers 66 - 70 Flinders Lane Melbourne Australia, just one one import 'Jack' on Page 93 whose pedigree could traced so was assumed that the 21 in the Stud Book on P. 54 were bred down from larger ones
[5] Catalogue of the First Exhibition of Sporting & Other Dogs, Thursday & Friday April 7 & 8, 1864 promoted by the Council of the Acclimatisation Society, printed in Melbourne by Mason & Firth, Printers, Flinders Lane West
[6] J.H.Walsh, under the name 'Stonehenge', 'The Dogs of the British Islands' (Fifth Edition) Published by 'The Field' Office, 346 Strand, W.C.London 1886. Part lll Non-Sporting Dogs Book lV Toy Dogs, Chapter ll Smooth Toy Dogs. The Smooth Toy Terrier Page 278 -9