Formerly called the “Miniature Black & Tan Terrier” and known since 1960 by his present name, the English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan).  His origins can be traced back to the old style English Black & Tan terrier and he has been developed over the years into the charming little dog that has found so many friends and admirers both in the United Kingdom and in countries overseas.

To find his beginnings we have to go back to the time of the industrial revolution in England, which drew people away from their rural environment into what were to become the squalid slum towns, that housed the factory workers, and to the Cities, like London, that attracted those who sought a new work environment. The conditions of unhealthy and unhygienic housing with minimal sanitation proved ideal for the spread and infestation of vermin. What better solution to the problem than the terriers that would undoubtedly have been one of the breeds of dog that the former agricultural workers would have brought with them from the country?  Their prowess as rat killing machines was soon recognised and put to use by the Town rat catchers, and also by those who enjoyed barbaric sports that could be allied to an opportunity for a wager.

Although the 1835 Act of Parliament had outlawed the baiting of large animals this had left a loophole open for the exploitation of dogs in rat pits. Wagering on the ability of one dog against another as to who could kill the most rats in the shortest time, and so on, became big business and in London there was estimated to be something around 70 pits. These “pits” were small enclosed areas with walls about waist high which would be crowded with punters placing bets and watching the entertainment. The Black & Tan Terriers proved to be the quickest and most tenacious of the various breeds that were tested in these pits. However, “the sport” was eventually banned and interest then switched to breeding for conformation and the exhibition of dogs in show rings, the first ever show having been staged in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1859.

There had always been two sizes of the Black & Terrier, the smaller Toy probably having been bred down from the larger - although that is not a hundred per cent certain! The popularity of the breed, of both sizes, has waxed and waned over the years, and it has been developed to perfection with its tan markings and distinctive upright ears.

A small breed – both in size and number – but one which for its devotees is the only one worth owning!