What makes the English White Terrier Unique?
English white terrier was invented and embraced in the early 1860s by a handful of breeders anxious to create a new breed from a prick-eared version of the small white working terriers that were later developed into the Fox terrier, the Jack Russell terrier, the Sealyham terrier and later in America the Boston Terrier and the Rat terrier. In the end, however, the Kennel Club hierarchy decided the “English white terrier” was a distinction without a difference, while the dog’s genetic problems made it unpopular with the public. Within 30 years of appearing on the Kennel Club scene, the English white terrier had slipped into extinction. It was, however, crossbred with the English Bulldog giving rise to the Boston terrier and Bull terrier. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the oldest surviving written use of the word Terrier dates to 1440, implying that these dogs were already well-known in England at the time. However, it is generally agreed that these dogs are much older than that. The word Terrier originated in the French term, “Chien Terre,” which roughly translates to, “Earth Dog,” or “Ground Dog.” Terriers earned this name because they were traditionally used to pursue small mammals into their burrows and either kill them or drag them out. It is highly likely that the this term was introduced during the Norman Invasion in 1066, which would seem to date the origin of Terriers at least to that time, but there is solid evidence of their existence in England more than 1,000 years prior to that. Archaeological remains dating from the 1st Century A.D.
Breed Groups
- Terrier Dog Breed
- Meduim Size
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Is the English White Terrier Right For You?
The English White Terrier was speculated to be one of these “created” breeds. The dog has an almost flat skull, a rather narrow wedge shaped head that has no cheek muscles though the areas beneath the eyes are well filled up. This breed has a strong muzzle that tapers to the perfectly black nose. Small black oval shaped eyes are set fairly close. An English White Terrier has beautiful ears that gracefully hang close to the head but cropping is commonly done to make the ears stand perfectly erect. English White Terrier was said to be considerably softer tempered than most others of its kind. It was said to be extremely affection and devoted to its family, and was known to make an excellent urban pet. Many of these dogs showed the vivacity and eagerness common to other Terriers, but not all of them did so. Some of these dogs were apparently animal aggressive enough to kill rats and mice, but the dog was not anywhere near as skilled at the task as many other Terriers, including its close relative the Manchester.
In 5 Words
- Aggressive
- Excellent
- Affection
- Devoted
- Intelligence
Characteristics
Learn About the English White Terrier
The English White Terrier was speculated to be one of these “created” breeds. The dog has an almost flat skull, a rather narrow wedge shaped head that has no cheek muscles though the areas beneath the eyes are well filled up. This breed has a strong muzzle that tapers to the perfectly black nose. Small black oval shaped eyes are set fairly close. An English White Terrier has beautiful ears that gracefully hang close to the head but cropping is commonly done to make the ears stand perfectly erect. The long muscular neck is attributed to the Whippet influence from where the dog has also inherited its speed and excellent sight. The neck that tapers from the sloping shoulders to the head is arched and free of throatiness. The dog’s rather short body curves upwards at the loin. The back is slightly arched; the narrow chest is deep. Legs of proportionate length are perfectly straight and moderately boned. Nicely arched feet have rounded and well set together toes. Tail of moderate length is thick at the base and tapers to a point. Tail is usually carried not higher than the back. The pure white glossy coat is short, and rather hard to the touch.
Short History of the English White Terrier
An English White Terrier is a looker. Weighing from 12 to 20 pounds, this stocky and muscular breed has an entirely brilliant white coat, black sparkling rather oval shaped eyes and beautiful thin drop ears that are commonly cropped. During the breed’s existence, these smart well bred dogs were kept as home companions. In the 1870s, these dogs are commonly kept as lap dog by dog enthusiasts in England. The dog does have a stocky and muscular conformation but it was rarely used for any type of work due to its small and fragile constitution. Moreover, this white coated breed is noted to have genetic health concerns caused by inbreeding. This white coated dog has the tendency to be partially or completely deaf making them useless hunters. These genetic concerns made the breed unpopular to the public and were considered as one of the causes for its extinction. After 30 years of being on the Kennel Club scene, the English White Terrier has completely vanished from the canine world. However, this breed has left a legacy. The crossing of the English White Terrier with the English Bulldog resulted to the Bull Terrier and the Boston Terrier. Trump, the dog from where the Jack Russell Terrier was developed is an English White Terrier. The Sealyham Terrier, the Parson Russell Terrier, the Fox Terrier and the Rat Terrier are the improved versions of the English White Terrier.
Temperament
The development of the English White Terrier was spurred by the surge of the popularity of dog shows during the 1860s. This breed has been popular in the show ring for a while but the dog was mostly valued for being a lap dog. Terriers are also known as earth dogs because they follow the prey into their dens. The English White Terrier however is small and fragile. Apart from this, the breed is a rather useless hunter because the dogs are either partially or totally deaf thus the breed has excelled in being affectionate family companions. Because of the small the size, this breed has thrived even in small homes.
The English White Terrier was said to be considerably softer tempered than most others of its kind. It was said to be extremely affection and devoted to its family, and was known to make an excellent urban pet. Many of these dogs showed the vivacity and eagerness common to other Terriers, but not all of them did so. Some of these dogs were apparently animal aggressive enough to kill rats and mice, but the dog was not anywhere near as skilled at the task as many other Terriers, including its close relative the Manchester. Most sources claim that the breed lacked intelligence and was difficult to train, but that is actually probably the result of so many of these dogs being deaf rather than an inherent flaw. The breed had a reputation for being extremely nervous and quick-tempered, but these traits also were probably influenced by deaf animals. It is known that this breed greatly preferred to be an indoor companion rather than an outdoor working dog, and the dog supposedly greatly enjoyed being cuddled and comforted by its owners.
Caring for Your English White Terrier
General Health
The English White Terrier was known to be a very unhealthy breed, which was one of the primary reasons that it went extinct. As early as the late 1800’s, fanciers were complaining that the dog had become excessively inbred and had developed a weak constitution as a result. The number one problem facing the breed was deafness. There is a major connection between hair color and hearing in animals, and all breeds of primarily white dog suffer from high rates of deafness. The English White Terrier apparently suffered from very high rates of deafness, as virtually every source that discusses the breed mentions its propensity for deafness. Breeders actively bred dogs that they knew were completely deaf, allowing the problem to become even more rampant. It is quite possible that the majority, or even vast majority, of breed members were partially or fully deaf by the time the dog became extinct.
Grooming & Bathing
Exercise & Training
This intelligent breed requires a lot of attention and exercise. Early socialization is a key component of raising an Akita. Two hours of daily exercise is recommended by the UK Kennel Club for this breed. Training Akitas may take longer than usual, due to their stubborn streak.
Yet, Akitas are reportedly easy to housetrain. Consistent and firm training is always best for this breed. If they are properly exercised, Akitas are suitable for apartment life. However, these dogs will certainly benefit from having a large yard to play in.
English White Terrier Picture Gallery
