English Toy Terrier

AlertBoldAffectionateWatchfulSpirited

The English Toy Terrier is a lively, bold little dog with a clear sense of its own importance. It is alert and quick to notice changes around the home, which makes it a capable watchdog, though it can be vocal about it. Many are affectionate with their families but can be wary of strangers and reserved with young children who handle them roughly. Early socialization helps them get along well with other pets.

Day to day, this breed does best with short, regular walks and a few indoor games that engage its quick mind. It adapts well to apartments as long as it gets daily activity. Because it is small and fragile, supervision around bigger dogs and rough play is wise. Consistent, positive training works well, as they can be stubborn if bored.

Good for: Quiet homes, apartment living, owners who enjoy an active small dog

Size	small
Weight	7–9 lb
Height	10–12 in
Exercise	about 40 min a day
Shedding	moderate
Origin	England

Before you choose a English Toy Terrier

Expect a bold, alert dog that needs consistent training and early socialization to stay confident around people and other pets.

Living with a English Toy Terrier

Exercise

About 30 to 45 minutes a day, split into a couple of walks and indoor play. Short sessions of fetch or puzzle toys are a good fit.

Grooming

The smooth, short coat needs only a weekly brush to remove loose hair. They shed moderately and need occasional baths and regular nail and dental care.

Health

This breed can be prone to patellar luxation, a kneecap that slips out of place, and some lines have eye and heart concerns. Ask your vet about screening and check any puppy's background.

Patellar luxation
Eye problems
Dental disease

Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.

The numbers for a English Toy Terrier

Feeding, adult

0.75–1 cups a day

About 287 kcal, roughly 5 lb of dry food a month at 7–9 lb. Start here and adjust to the bag and your vet. Portion calculator →

What a year costs

$1,100–$2,000

Food about $211, plus routine vet care, parasite preventives and gear. US averages; insurance and emergencies on top.

Weather

Watch above 75°F, stop at 85°F

Coat or short walks below 40°F. Small dogs lose heat fast: a coat below about 40°F, and keep walks short in the cold.

LIVE · New York

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Walk index

Heat, pavement and UV for your dog.

Right now

Latest dog food recalls

Aunt Millie s Bakehouse Whole Grain White Hot Dog Buns 6" Sliced 2 OUNCE. 12 unlabeled 12CT PKGS per sale unit case, product code 7502. Net. Wt. 18lbs.
Perfection Bakeries LLC · Sep 13 · Undeclared sesame

Breadman Brioche products in plastic bags: Brioche Toast, 2 lb. (1 loaf/bag), Brioche Buns, 40oz (10 buns/bag), Brioche Sliders, 50oz (25 sliders/bag), Brioche Hot Dog, 40oz (10 buns/bag)
Breadbox Co. · May 16 · Undeclared Yellow No. 5

Our Family White Hot Dog Enriched Buns, 8 count 12oz. retail unit UPC 0-70253-75107-3
Perfection Bakeries LLC · Mar 21 · undeclared sesame

All recalls →

Questions owners ask

Do English Toy Terriers shed a lot?

They shed moderately. A weekly brush keeps loose hair under control and reduces hair around the home.

Can an English Toy Terrier live in an apartment?

Yes, they adapt well to apartments as long as they get daily walks and indoor play to stay content and calm.

Are English Toy Terriers good with kids?

They can do well with older, gentle children who respect their size. Supervision is important, since they are fragile and can be snappy if handled roughly.