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Dog breeds classified under the terrier umbrella are described as feisty, energetic and noted to have lively personalities. Most breeds of terriers were developed and utilized to be vermin hunters. A lot of dog lovers would prefer to have a terrier for a pet as these versatile breeds can hunt, can excel in the show ring and become wonderful pets.

It is therefore understandable why a lot of breeders would want to develop new breeds of terriers. From existing dogs, a new breed will be created and introduced to the public. Some breeders have taken to creating interesting histories for the newly introduced breed to improve the image and also to boost sales. The ploy to buildup the image of the new breed may work for a time but soon the interest for the dog would wane. It is not uncommon for a newly introduced breed to be declared extinct after having been registered in a book.

The Old English White Terrier has a similar fate. During the 18th century, a breed of terrier with variable description existed in UK. Terriers that belong to this breed can have drop or prick ears, can have a coat that is smooth, or rough or wiry and can vary in height as well. Breeders have competed to name and introduce a new breed after the rise of dog shows during the later part of the 1800s. From an existing terrier breed, some specimens were selected, given the name Old English White Terrier and introduced to the public as a new breed.

Needing to come up with a new breed of terrier, breed enthusiasts have thought of classifying the white coated terriers according to the kind of ears the dogs have. The pricked eared version was given the name Old English White Terrier. Although the new breed was accepted, other breed enthusiasts voiced their concern given the fact that drop eared dogs are also produced in the same litter

Just as with any other new breed, the Old English White Terrier has enjoyed a good following for quite a while. The popularity of the new breed waned when the genetic health concerns of the dog surfaced. Being white coated, these dogs suffer from partial or complete deafness making the dog useless as a hunter and as a working dog. This genetic disorder is one of the reasons why the Old English White Terrier has slipped into extinction.

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