Friday, July 29, 2011

English White Terrier a.k.a. Old English Terrier

By Jerry Welsh


Different types of earth dogs have existed in Great Britain since the early 18th century. These dogs were lumped together under the terrier umbrella. For years, these dogs have existed without being formally classified into distinct breeds. The dogs were only categorized according to appearance and place of origin.

Classification of terriers into distinct breeds occurred in the middle of 1800s when dog shows become popular. Dog owners have started "creating" new breeds from the already existing types of terriers. The new breeds were introduced complete with fictitious histories to attract the attention of dog lovers. A terrier type that is already in existence was given the name English White Terrier and introduced as a new breed.

The English White Terrier is a small dog weighing about 12 to 20 lbs. This breed of terrier has a smooth all white coat, a muzzle that narrows to a black nose and a wedge shaped head and a rather flat skull. Bright black eyes are oval in shape and set fairly close. Owners of English White Terrier commonly crop the perfectly erect ears. Tail that is of moderate length has a thick base and tapers to a point.

The English White Terrier also known as Old English Terrier is an outstanding breed and it could have become a popular breed these days where keeping lap dogs has become a fad but this breed is already extinct. Terriers are also called earth dogs because of their propensity to follow the prey in their burrows underground. These dexterous dogs will go after foxes, vermin and other small animals to their underground den. English White Terriers are delicate and fragile dogs thus they are not very good hunters that can follow the prey in their burrows. This breed did not become a sports enthusiast's companion. This breed of terrier has excelled in the show ring for a while.

This breed has a genetic disorder - an English White Terrier can be partially or totally deaf thus they do not make good hunters and working dogs. English White Terriers though make good lap dogs. These are affectionate dogs that would love to be hugged and cuddled. The lack of utilization as well as its genetic disorders has caused the extinction of this breed. The English White Terrier may have gone extinct but it has left an important legacy. A number of present day terrier breeds have descended from the English White Terrier. The Sealyham Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier and Fox Terrier have descended from the now extinct English White Terrier.




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