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Breed Characteristics
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Toy Fox Terrier
| Other Names | American Toy Terrier, Amertoy |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Weight | 3.5 - 7 lbs. (1.5 - 3 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | About 10 inches (25 cm) |
| Coat | The coat is uniformly short, sleek and soft to the touch. The area around the neck, known as the ruff, may be slightly longer and heavier than the rest of the coat. |
| Colour | Tri-colour (black, tan and white) with at least 50% of the body white; white and tan; white, chocolate and tan; white and black. White blazes acceptable and feet below the hocks must be white. The head must be at least 50% black or tan and the body cannot be less than 50% white with any colour combination. |
| Litter Size | 2 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | The Toy Fox Terrier was originally bred and developed in the United States in the early 1900's. The major bloodlines used to start the breed were from the Smooth Fox Terrier crossed with several other toy breeds and small types of dogs. Selection of the smallest of the Smooth Fox Terriers for early breeding meant that only a small amount of cross breeding was required to develop the Toy Fox Terrier breed. The goal of the early breeders was to miniaturize the Smooth Fox Terrier and reduce some the independence of the terrier natural to a more elegant and "family friendly" type companion dog. Early crosses to develop the Toy Fox Terrier including Miniature Pinchers, Italian Greyhounds and even the Chihuahua. The breed is now a true breed, meaning that only registered Toy Fox Terriers are used in breeding lines. The Toy Fox Terrier was first recognized as a breed in 1936 by the United Kennel Club, but did not receive full recognition in the toy group of the American Kennel Club until January 1 of 2003. |
| Personality | The Toy Fox Terrier may be physically small, but this is a robust, little terrier that retains all the passion of its Fox Terrier ancestors. The breed is tough and bright, and can be stubborn without proper leadership from his owners. Curious and active, the Toy Fox Terrier keeps its young spirit throughout its life. It is intelligent, loving, sensitive and pleasant. It is very alert, inquisitive and quick. This is a companion dog that has not forgotten its ancient terrier instincts, and will therefore fight mice and small animals. This athletic little dog loves the hunt. Affectionate and very loyal, this breed is an exceptionally intelligent, trainable dog. Some have been trained to assist handicapped people around the home. It has proven to be an excellent hearing dog for the deaf. It can be trained to take its human companion to the sources of sounds, such as the telephone. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. If the human remains 100% pack leader, the dogs will not be yappers. Children should be taught to treat dogs kindly, yet in such a way the dog sees the child as his leader. This happy dog is sure to bring smiles to the faces of nearly all who meet it, due to its enthusiastic, puppy-like ways. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Unlike many of the toy breeds, the Toy Fox Terrier is very healthy and will generally live to be between 12 and 15 years of age. The most commonly noted Health Problems in Toy Fox Terriers are skin Allergies and allergies to certain food additives such as beet pulp, corn and wheat. Carefully monitoring the dog's Diet can eliminate almost all of the allergy conditions. Other conditions occasionally seen in the Toy Fox Terrier include Legg-Perthe's disease, sometimes known as Legg-Calves-Perthe's, which results in deterioration of the hip joint over time. Much like hip dysplasia, this condition is hereditary but can be managed with cortisone. Dogs having joint problems should be removed from any Breeding programs. Von Willebrand's Disease, which is a form of Hemophilia in dogs, is seen in the Toy Fox Terrier as in many other terrier breeds. This condition can be fatal although most of the time this recessive disease can be controlled. Like Legg-Perthe's, this is a hereditary condition and males and females can be carriers, without showing any signs of the condition themselves. Any dogs with von Willebrand's disease should be withdrawn from breeding programs, and their offspring should also be neutered or spayed to prevent passing on the genetic component of the condition. |
| Grooming | The Toy Fox Terrier is easy to groom. Occasionally comb and brush the smooth coat. Keep the nails short. This breed is a light shedder. |
| Exercise | These are active little dogs that need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, it will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. |
| Other Considerations | The Toy Fox Terrier is good for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. It cannot tolerate cold weather. It should wear a coat in the winter to help keep it warm. |
