Overview
The Black and Tan Terrier was one of the earliest terrier breeds, or perhaps a broad type of terrier, in Britain. It no longer exists as a breed in its own right.
Its importance lies in its descendants. It is believed to stand behind the modern Fell Terriers and the Welsh Terrier, which still carry its coloured, hard-working character.
History
Working terriers in the rocky Lakeland Fells and the Scottish Borders have always varied in looks, but they have been coloured dogs in tan, black or black and tan. This stood in contrast to the white terriers favoured for fox work in the south of England.
From the coloured, rough-coated terriers of Cumberland, Westmorland and the Borders, several Kennel Club breeds were developed, including the Lakeland Terrier, the Welsh Terrier and the Border Terrier.
Appearance
No fixed standard survives, as it was a variable working type. It was a rough-coated terrier in black and tan or tan shades, built for work underground and on rocky ground rather than for show.
Temperament
Like the terriers that descended from it, it is thought to have been brave, tenacious and driven in pursuit of quarry.
