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Old English Terrier Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Old English Terrier so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
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OriginEngland flagEngland
Other Names
What other names does the Old English Terrier have?
Black Terrier
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Old English Terrier Size and Weight

Size
Is an Old English Terrier small, medium or large dog?

How big do Old English Terrier get?

What is the average size of an Old English Terrier?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Old English Terrier weigh? How much should an Old English Terrier weight? What is the normal weight of an Old English Terrier? How much does a full-grown Old English Terrier weight?
Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Old English Terrier?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Old English Terrier? Old English Terrier height:
Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Old English Terrier?
Male: 23 inches (58 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Old English Terrier Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Old English Terrier puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an Old English Terrier in the United States? How much money is an Old English Terrier?

Where to buy an Old English Terrier with a good pedigree?

Unknown
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the price of the Old English Terrier. If you have a Old English Terrier for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Old English Terrier gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Old English Terrier? How many Old English Terrier are there in the world?
Average: The Old English Terrier is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Old English Terrier Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Old English Terrier? Is the Old English Terrier breed dumb or smart?
Low: The Old English Terrier is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. You need to work hard if you want to impress people with these dog tricks and commands. They understand and memorize new commands in 80-100 repetitions, and obey the first command 25% of the time or better.
Trainability
Are Old English Terrier dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an Old English Terrier?
Old English Terrier dogs are hard to train. They don't really get the association between commands and actions. If you want them to obey, you should be very consistent and patient while teaching.
Watchdog Ability
Is Old English Terrier good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Old English Terrier dogs are not the best choice if you want a good watchdog. They aren't territorial and protective about their property, so they won't alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Old English Terrier dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Old English Terrier dogs can't provide protection for their territory. It's better to leave them out of the duty of protecting your valuables and property.

Old English Terrier Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Old English Terrier have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
AffectionateQuickCompanionableNervousLazyCouch Potato
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Old English Terrier sensitivity:
Sensitive: Old English Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Old English Terrier a good family dog?
High: Old English Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Black Terrier need? Old English Terrier social needs:
Old English Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Old English Terrier to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Old English Terrier roam?
Old English Terrier dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Old English Terrier have high prey drive?
Old English Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Old English Terrier dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Old English Terrier Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Old English Terriers don't really like playing. You need to find another activity to make them happy.
Barking
Do Old English Terrier dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Black Terrier bark?
Low: The Old English Terrier barks none to minimal. Perfect choice if you prefer a quiet breed.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Old English Terrier good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an Old English Terrier in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Old English Terrier breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Old English Terrier Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Old English Terrier dogs adapt badly to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't tolerate moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an Old English Terrier be left alone? How long can you leave an Old English Terrier alone?
Old English Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Old English Terrier Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Old English Terrier has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an Old English Terrier? How much bite force does an Old English Terrier have? How strong is an Old English Terrier bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Old English Terrier bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Old English Terrier measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Old English Terrier is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Old English Terrier bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Old English Terrier bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Old English Terrier puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Old English Terrier, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Old English Terrier bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Old English Terrier can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Old English Terrier bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Black Terrier? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Old English Terrier? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Old English Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Old English Terrier do?
Old English Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Old English Terrier dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Old English Terrier Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Old English Terrier dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Old English Terriers tend to have a lot and frequent health issues. Regular vet check-ups are essential with this breed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Old English Terrier breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Old English Terrier see the vet?
Frequent
The Old English Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Old English Terrier dogs live? How old can a Old English Terrier be? What is the age limit of the Old English Terrier? How many years can the oldest Old English Terrier live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an Old English Terrier?

How long is the lifespan of an Old English Terrier?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Old English Terrier: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Old English Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Old English Terrier Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Old English Terrier have? What is the activity level of the Old English Terrier?
Old English Terrier dogs are low-energy dogs. They like sleeping hours on a comfortable couch.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Old English Terrier need? How much exercise do Old English Terrier dogs require per day?

Do Old English Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises?

Old English Terrier dogs exercise need is very minimal. If you live a lazy life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Old English Terrier breed need?
Old English Terrier dogs need a lot of sleep. They love naps during the day. If you live a lazy life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Old English Terrier Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an Old English Terrier need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an Old English Terrier breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Old English Terrier? How much food should I feed my Old English Terrier?
2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Old English Terrier risk for obesity:
High: The Old English Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding. If you want to keep balance, increase the amount and frequency of your daily dog walk and play with the Old English Terrier more often.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Old English Terrier weight regularly.

Old English Terrier Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Old English Terrier have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
WaterproofHarsh
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Old English Terrier coats?
Black
Grooming
How to groom the Old English Terrier and how often? How often should I take my Old English Terrier to the groomer?
Effortless: The Old English Terrier requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Old English Terrier is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Old English Terrier dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Black Terrier? Do Old English Terrier dogs shed a lot?
Old English Terrier dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Old English Terrier need a bath? How often should you give an Old English Terrier a bath? Can I bathe my Old English Terrier every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Old English Terrier breed hypoallergenic?
No
Old English Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Old English Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Old English Terrier drool?
The Old English Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Old English Terrier could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Old English Terrier.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Old English Terrier Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Old English Terrier dogs get along with other pets? Are Old English Terrier dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Old English Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Old English Terrier temperament with other people:
Old English Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Old English Terrier dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Old English Terrier temperament with children:
Old English Terrier dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Old English Terrier dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Old English Terrier breed live with a cat?
Old English Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Old English Terrier good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Old English Terrier dogs get along with other dogs?
Old English Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Old English Terrier is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Old English Terrier breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Old English Terrier breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Old English Terrier dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Old English Terrier dogs good office canines? Do Old English Terrier dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Old English Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Old English Terrier dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Black Terrier temperament with senior people? Are Old English Terrier dogs good for elderly owners?
Old English Terriers are commonly okay with elderly people.

Old English Terrier As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Old English Terrier be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Old English Terrier is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Old English Terrier be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Old English Terrier be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Old English Terrier is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Old English Terrier be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Old English Terrier is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Old English Terrier be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Old English Terrier is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Old English Terrier be a boat dog?

Not really

Old English Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Old English Terrier be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Old English Terrier is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Old English Terrier dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Old English Terrier Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an Old English Terrier pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Old English Terrier breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Old English Terrier: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Old English Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can the Old English Terrier breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an Old English Terrier have? How many puppies can an Old English Terrier give birth to?
1-9 puppies, average 5

Old English Terrier Recognition

AKC Group
Is Old English Terrier recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Old English Terrier recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Old English Terrier Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Old English Terrier breed.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Old English Terrier requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Old English Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Mouthiness: Old English Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Old English Terrier dogs are not the biggest explorers.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low: The Old English Terrier is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
  • Trainability: Old English Terrier dogs are hard to train.
  • Health Issues: Old English Terriers tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
  • Hypoallergenic: Old English Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: High: The Old English Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Watchdog Ability: Old English Terrier dogs are not the best choice if you want a good watchdog.
  • Adaptability: Old English Terrier dogs adapt badly to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Old English Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Cat Friendly: Old English Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Old English Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Old English Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Old English Terrier dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

Old English Terrier History

The oldest written use of the word ‘Terrier’ dates back to 1440, which shows that these types of dogs were already known in England at the time. However, some evidence shows that generally, they are much older than that. The word ‘Terrier’ originates back to the French term “Chein Terre” which means Earth and Ground dog. They received this name as originally they were used to catch small animals. Nobody knows exactly how the first Terriers were developed but some have developed theories and it is mostly agreed that they were developed within the confines of the British Isles from local breeds. They also suggest that the Terriers may share an ancestry with the Irish Wolfhound or Scottish Deerhound.

However they developed, they became popular among English farmers as their task was to kill the rats, mice, rabbits, foxes, and other pets that caused problems for the farmers. By doing so these dogs helped to increase agricultural yields and the farmers’ income. Although as time went by Terriers were considered miniature killers, aggressive to any creature which was the same size or smaller than them, energetic, athletic, and very pain tolerant. At one point there were dozens of distinct Terrier varieties found in Britain.

By the 18th century, the Old English Terrier was also known as the Black Terrier which moved into two types; the rough-coated and the smooth-coated Terrier. It was one of the oldest terrier breeds, which is now believed to be extinct and is said to be the ancestor of the Welsh Terrier and all Fell Terrier breeds. However we are not completely sure of its origin there have been several articles and books published about the subject such as Robert Leighton, who was writing early in the twentieth century in his book the Dogs And All About Them, published in 1914. He gave an admirable summary of the emerging and non-emerging breeds including the terriers of England as well and writes “A wire-haired black and tan terrier was once common in Suffolk and Norfolk, where it was much used for rabbiting, but it may now be extinct, or, if not extinct, probably identified with the Welsh Terrier, which it closely resembled in size and coloring.”

Even though the Old English Terrier is nowadays extinct, its blood continues in a number of other breeds like the Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, Gull Terr, and Wire Fox Terrier, etc.

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