The Toy Fox Terrier was once a barnyard ratter but has evolved into a small satin-coated terrier with a charming toy-dog attitude, or as breed fanciers like to remark, “truly a toy and a terrier.” An easy way to have fun is to adopt a lapdog’s level of lovability. Combine with the terrier’s resolve. Pour the mixture into a container that is perfectly balanced. Put on a satin coat that fits you closely. Dark eyes that glitter with eager intellect are topped with broad, upright ears. This is a toy fox terrier, a comical small dog that is under a foot tall yet has enough charm to win over a pack of typical canines. TFTs are truly a toy and a terrier, claim lovers of the breed.
Toy Fox Terrier
alert / intelligent / friendly
Toy Group >>
Average sizes and life
expectancy of the breed.
Height
8.5-11.5 inches
Weight
4 – 9 lbs
Life Expectancy
13-15 years
Breed Traits & Characteristics
Shedding Level
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Coat Grooming Frequency
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
Affectionate With Family
How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.
Good With Young Children
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.
Shedding Level
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Coat Grooming Frequency
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
Openness To Strangers
How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic about play a breed is likely to be, even past the age of puppyhood. Some breeds will continue wanting to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be happy to just relax on the couch with you most of the time.
Watchdog/Protective Nature
A breed's tendency to alert you that strangers are around. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are likely to warm to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed handles change. This can include changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life.
Trainability Level
How easy it will be to train your dog, and how willing your dog will be to learn new things. Some breeds just want to make their owner proud, while others prefer to do what they want, when they want to, wherever they want!
Energy Level
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed needs. High energy breeds are ready to go and eager for their next adventure. They'll spend their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Low energy breeds are like couch potatoes - they're happy to simply lay around and snooze.
Barking Level
How often this breed vocalizes, whether it's with barks or howls. While some breeds will bark at every passer-by or bird in the window, others will only bark in particular situations. Some barkless breeds can still be vocal, using other sounds to express themselves.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much mental stimulation a breed needs to stay happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs can have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other qualities, and without the brain exercise they need, they'll create their own projects to keep their minds busy -- and they probably won't be the kind of projects you'd like.
About the Breed
What To Expect When Caring For a Toy Fox Terrier
Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.
Health
For Toy Fox Terriers, obesity is a significant problem. Exercise and a healthy diet are essential. Breeders that are responsible will check their animals for ailments like patellar luxation and eye problems. Regular anal gland examinations are required, as well as routine dental maintenance.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
- Patella Evaluation
- Thyroid Evaluation
- Primary Lens Luxation(PLL)
Grooming
Little grooming is necessary for the Toy Fox Terrier. A soft hound glove or a little shedding comb might speed up the shedding process. The breed simply need the odd bath. If at all possible, the owner should begin filing or cutting the puppy's toenails at an early age so that he will become acclimated to the practice.
Exercise
Toy Fox Terriers are swift, observant, and athletic dogs who enjoy running and playing. When they have the chance, they like to hike, run, and walk outside. They enjoy doing laps in the living room on "days off"! The endless energy and enthusiasm for play that this dog exhibits throughout its life charms children in particular, but like with many toy breeds, they are not advised for young children. Despite the fact that they enjoy exploring the outside, their modest stature makes them perfect for apartments.
Training
All dogs should participate in puppy training sessions and early socialization to help them develop into well-mannered, well-adjusted adults. Housebreaking might involve only teaching the puppy to relieve himself outside or it can also involve teaching him to use a toilet pad indoors, which is highly practical for traveling or inclement weather. Toy Fox Terriers are happy and capable of a variety of tasks, including obedience training, hunting, and simply lazing around in the sun (or on the couch). Due to their innate extroversion and intelligence, training them—including housetraining—is a breeze.
Nutrition
The Toy Fox Terrier should thrive on premium dog food, whether it is produced commercially or is made at home under the direction and consent of your veterinarian. Whatever the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior), the diet should be suitable. Watch your dog's calorie intake and weight level because certain dogs are prone to obesity. Treats can be a valuable training tool, but offering them in excess might lead to obesity. Discover which foods fit the bill for canine consumption and which don't. If you have any worries about your dog's weight or diet, consult your veterinarian. Fresh water that is clean should always be accessible.
History
By mating their litter runts with toy dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Italian Greyhounds, American breeders of Smooth Fox Terriers created the Toy Fox Terrier in the early 20th century. As a result, a dog was created that had the fire of a real terrier and the charming toy-breed demeanor. They started out as barnyard ratters but soon found their way into the entertainment industry where their wit, elegance, and stylish appearance served them well as circus trick dogs. They now exhibit championship-caliber agility in competitive sports.