Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years, the English Toy Terrier is one of the small dogs that can accompany their family for a long time when it is well cared for, properly fed and followed up regularly.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
This breed is generally robust for its size, but its small stature requires staying attentive to impacts, to daily quality of life and to overall maintenance. Regular hygiene and suitable activity help it maintain good condition.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitoring weight, general condition, ears, eyes and coat quality helps keep this dog in good shape. As with any small dog, regular veterinary check-ups remain essential throughout life.
Hip dysplasia: Like many dogs, the English Toy Terrier may have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions: An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring of tearing or vision remain useful.
Patellar luxation: Common in small dogs, it manifests as an intermittent abnormal gait.
Periodontal disease: Tartar and dental loosening are major points of vigilance in small sizes.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The English Toy Terrier tolerates cold as well as heat moderately. Its short coat offers little protection from extreme temperatures, which calls for limiting prolonged exposure and adapting outings according to the season.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Even if the breed is not particularly prone to being overweight, dietary excesses should be avoided. Its small size requires portions well adjusted to its age, its activity and its body condition.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly monitor weight and body condition.
- Often examine the ears, eyes and coat quality.
- Maintain regular veterinary follow-up throughout life.
Vaccination
English Toy Terrier vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a English Toy Terrier need? Like all dogs, English Toy Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial English Toy Terrier vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult English Toy Terrier booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your English Toy Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy English Toy Terrier
An annual veterinary check-up with monitoring of weight, teeth, skin, ears and locomotion helps to detect any potential imbalances early and preserve its quality of life.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
