Toy Fox Terriers

Appearance:

Body: Relatively square with a slight tapering towards the rear, well-boned, straight, level backline, sloping shoulders, deep chest and well-sprung ribs.

Coat: Fine, satiny, shiny and smooth.

Color: White, tri-colored (white with black head and tan markings), chocolate and tan (white with a chocolate head and tan markings), White and tan (white with a tan head), or white and black (white with a black head).

Ears: Erect, close set, high set on skull, inverted v-shape, and pointed.

Eyes: Large, dark with dark rims, full and round, and wide-set. Chocolate dogs have self-colored eye rims.

Feet: Small, oval-shaped, and well-padded with tight, well-arched toes.

Head: Well balanced, somewhat wedge-shaped, lightly domed, somewhat defined stop, small muzzle and black nose; self-colored on chocolate dogs.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, strong, and well angulated. Hindquarters are strong and angulated with strong thighs, well-defined stifles and well let down hocks.

Neck: Muscular, moderately arched, tapers to the shoulders, and gracefully curved.

Size:
Weight: 4 - 7 pounds
Height: 9 - 11 inches

Tail: High set, docked and erect.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers
Usually good with other family pets
Toddlers should be supervised

A tough, stubborn, tiny little dog, the Toy Fox Terrier has a comical, puppy-like personality and alert but friendly disposition. Unlike many terriers, he is more relaxed and enjoys being pampered by his owner though he also enjoys some good hard play time and running around the yard.

AKC Standard says, "The Toy Fox Terrier is intelligent, alert and friendly, and loyal to its owners. He learns new tasks quickly, is eager to please, and adapts to almost any situation. The Toy Fox Terrier, like other terriers, is self-possessed, spirited, determined and not easily intimidated. He is a highly animated toy dog that is comical, entertaining and playful all of his life."

The TFT has the qualities of both the toy and the terrier breeds. As a toy he is more reserved, loving and affectionate, and as a terrier he possesses keen hearing and eye sight, and is highly intelligent. He also has the terrier drive to hunt and chase small prey. For this reason he should be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced in yard to prevent him from dashing out into traffic or getting into other harmful situations.

As tough as he is, the Toy Fox Terrier is still small in stature and can easily be injured from being dropped, stepped on, or roll onto in bed. Toddlers should be supervised when around him to avoid unintentional injuries.

He isn't fond of getting wet and won't appreciate having to go out in the rain and snow to do his duty. Doggy raincoats and sweaters are easily obtainable as well as boots to keep his feet dry. Or, you could train him to use the litter box as many owners do.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Toy Group

Originally used to chase fox from their burrows so the hunter could make the kill.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Moderate daily exercise such as a walk around the block and some play time is sufficient.

Grooming: Brush one to two times weekly. Bath every four to six weeks. TFTs don't appreciate being wet so be sure to dry him thoroughly when done.

Health

Life Expectancy: 13 - 14 Years

Possible Problems:
Demodetic Mange - a skin disease resulting from parasites
Hypothyroidism - a deficiency of thyroid hormones
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease - deterioration of the femur (thigh) bone
Luxating Patellar - dislocation of the knee caps
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) - a bleeding disorder

For more information visit the American Toy Fox Terrier Club

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes
OFA - for the hips

Country of Origin

United States - 1930s