Choosing a Toy Fox Terrier

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The toy fox terrier is a miniature version of the smooth fox terrier. This lively little dog is calmer than the typically smooth or wirehaired fox terrier and is a better choice for the less active family.

History and Origin

The toy fox terrier was developed in the early 1900s in the United States. It was developed through careful breeding of the smooth fox terrier with Chihuahuas, Italian greyhounds and English toy terriers. Originally, the toy fox terrier was intended to be used to as a ratter. Eventually, he became a beloved family companion. In 2003, the American Kennel Club accepted the toy fox terrier.

Appearance and Size

The toy fox terrier is a smaller version of the smooth fox terrier with a docked tail and a narrow muzzle. The ears are erect and V shaped. The coat of the toy fox terrier is short, smooth and white with black, tan or black and tan markings.

The adult toy fox terrier stands around 10 inches at the shoulder and weighs about 4 to 7 pounds.

Personality

When compared to other fox terriers, the toy fox terrier is not as lively and a little calmer. Still a terrier, this little dog is enthusiastic and still loves the chase, especially when it involved small, quick little animals or birds.

Home and Family Relations

The toy fox terrier is an entertaining, playful and loyal member of any family. He does best in a family with older children that can keep up with his antics. Due to his small size, the toy fox terrier can do well in an apartment if he is taken on long walks to expend some of his seemingly boundless energy. Their short hair coat makes them prone to hypothermia and may need a coat in cold climates. When taken outside, the toy fox terrier should always be on a leash. Their innate desire to hunt and chase will get the better of them and they may take off without watching out for cars, etc.

Training

Toy fox terriers are intelligent and energetic dogs that love to learn and please their owners. They can excel at agility, obedience and flyball if trained with patience and persistence. Some can be stubborn and may take a little more time but can eventually be trained.

Special Concerns

The toy fox terrier does not like to be left alone with nothing to do. They are intelligent dogs and need mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors. As with other terriers, the toy fox terrier is prone to digging and chasing small animals.

Common Diseases and Disorders

The toy fox terrier is a hardy breed that has few known diseases. The most common inherited illnesses are allergies, loose kneecaps and Legg-Calves-Perthes, a disease of the hips that results in pain and lameness.

The average life span of the toy fox terrier is over 15 years.


We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.