English White Terrier – the Forebear of Terriers

Terriers are one of the dog breeds that are in existence since the early 18th century in Great Britain. The dogs were generally called terriers or earth dogs. For years, these dogs have existed without being formally classified into distinct breeds. The point of distinction would be the appearance and the place of origin.

This situation changed in the middle of 1800s when dog shows became a fad. Existing terriers were classified and introduced to the canine world as a “new” breed. To gain the attention of dog enthusiasts, these new breeds were given interesting fictional histories. The English White Terrier is one of the dog types that were named and introduced as a new breed.

The English White Terrier is a dog breed that weighs from 12 lbs to 20 lbs. This dog has a pure white smooth coat, a wedge shaped head with an almost flat skull and a muzzle that tapers to a perfectly black nose. Bright black eyes are oval in shape and set fairly close. Owners of English White Terrier commonly crop the perfectly erect ears. An English White Terrier’s tail is moderate in length, thick at the base and tapers to a point.

Dog lovers were robbed of the chance to know the English White Terrier as this breed that is also known as Old English Terriers has completely slipped into extinction. Terriers are generally called earth dogs because of their propensity to follow the prey underground. These dexterous dogs will go after foxes, vermin and other small animals to their underground den. An English White Terrier is not capable of this feat because this breed is known to have a weak and fragile constitution. This breed did not become a sports enthusiast’s companion. During its existence; the English White Terrier has enjoyed popularity in the show ring.

An English White Terrier has the propensity for partial and total deafness thus they never make good hunters and working dogs. English White Terriers though make good lap dogs. English White Terriers are affectionate dogs that love getting the attention of the human family. The extinction of this breed was largely caused by the lack of utilization and the breeds genetic disorder. The English White Terrier is one of the breeds that have gone extinct but this breed has left dog lovers an important legacy. The English White Terrier is the forebear of several terrier breeds existing today. The English White Terrier has completely vanished but the Fox Terrier, the Parson Russell Terrier, the Jack Russell Terrier, and the Sealyham Terriers are believed to have developed from this white coated ancient terrier breed.

While the English White Terrier may be extinct there is still plenty to learn about it. At Sarah’s Dogs you can find out more about it’s appearance, personality, history and origin.