Historically Ratters
In the mid to late 1800's, ratting or vermin killing was important to maintain some form of human hygiene. At the same time some individual breeds of dogs were recorded in the first Stud Books. As the show dog scene developed over the next century or so, the traditional role of these ratting terriers co-incidentlly diminished because of the use of more sophisticated means of vermin destruction. In this section we shall consider six separate Toy breeds which were originally developed as specialized killers of rats, mice and other vermin.
English and Australian Ratters
This section begins with English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) which is particularly interesting for two reasons. Firstly it is known under two different names depending on the country in which it is registered. Secondly, in two conturies the show fancy has not changed its basic construction. Then comes the Yorkshire Terrier which historically also originated as a ratter. Lastly we have the Australian Silky Terrier which developed in Australia directly from a cross with the Yorkshire Terrier.
This section includes those Toy breeds which historically had their origins in Europe as ratters. The Griffon Bruxellois and Petit Barbancon originated in Belgium with rough and smooth coats respectively. The Miniature Pinschers of Germany historically also came in two coats, rough and smooth so today we have two different breeds, the rough coated Affenpinscher and smooth coated Miniature Pinscher.