English White Terrier - An Extinct Breed
Terriers, also known as earth dogs have existed in Great Britain as early as the 18th century. These dogs were lumped together under the terrier umbrella. These small dogs have existed for years without being formally categorized into distinct breeds. The dogs were only categorized according to appearance and place of origin.
About the middle of the 1800s, the popularity of dogs shows made a significant change in the existence of these dogs. 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. 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 small dog weighing about 12 to 20 lbs. The smooth white coat, the flat skull on the wedge shaped head as well as the muzzle that tapers to the black nose distinguishes this terrier from other breeds of terriers. Bright black eyes are oval in shape and set fairly close. It has been the custom of English White Terrier owners to crop the perfectly erect ears of the dog. An English White Terrier's tail is moderate in length, thick at the base and tapers to a point.
It is rather unfortunate that the English White Terrier also known as Old English Terrier is now an extinct breed. 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 therefore is not an ideal hunting companion. This breed though has excelled in the show ring.
English White Terriers are handicapped by their genetic disorder of deafness that hinders them from being good hunters and working dogs. English White Terriers though make good lap dogs. These affectionate dogs would love being hugged and cuddled. The genetic disorder as well as the lack of utilization has caused the extinction of this breed. 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 Fox Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier and the Sealyham Terrier have English White Terrier blood in their veins.
