Toy Fox Terrier Dog Breed Information - All You Need To Know

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The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, funloving breed that is the perfect mix of toy and terrier. They possess the loving nature of a lapdog and the moxie of a terrier. The American Kennel Club ranks the Toy Fox as the 111th breed out of 193.

The TFT was created in the early 1900s by breeding Smooth Fox Terriers with small and toy breeds such as Chihuahuas and Italian Greyhounds. The TFT started out as a rat hunter in barnyards. Eventually, though, due to their intelligence and grace, they became successful circus performers. Today, they are very high-level competitors in agility sports.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TOY FOX TERRIER

Here is some information about the appearance and temperament of the Toy Fox Terrier.

APPEARANCE

The Toy Fox Terrier is a classically-sized toy dog, reaching around 10 inches in height and weighing up to 7 pounds. Their signature large, erect ears sit atop their domed skull, with dark, sparkling eyes and a black nose. Despite their small size, their terrier lineage gives them a muscular, athletic look. They have a short, glossy coat that is usually predominantly white with black and/or tan markings.

TFTs are naturally well-groomed and require little upkeep. Their minimal shedding is helped by occasional brushing. Bathe as needed. Get your TFT accustomed to having its paws handled at an early age so they become accustomed to nail trimming/grinding.

TEMPERAMENT

They may be small, but TFTs still possess all the tenacity and playfulness of a terrier. They are loyal, funloving dogs that make devoted companions to any family. They may not be the best choice for some families with children, as they can be fragile and prone to broken legs. They are tough but smart, and they remain active and youthful for nearly their entire life. They are known for being very charismatic and having a great sense of humor.

However, Toy Fox Terriers can be challenging. They are notorious tyrants and will run the house if you let them. Make sure to train your puppy from an early age to be a well-mannered member of the household. Their terrier instincts can also cause them to challenge bigger dogs, so always be wary around other dogs. Early socialization is key. They can also go after smaller animals in the home, like hamsters and gerbils, so small pets around your TFT is not the best idea. They do great with cats, though. They are also very active and nosey and will follow you around often.

The TFT’s life expectancy is 13 to 15 years. If properly trained, they make great companions. They love sleeping in bed with their owners; just be careful about having them jump from large heights, as they can break their legs. If you have high furniture, getting a dog ramp for your TFT is recommended. If not, it’s best to train your dog to sleep in their own bed.

Their personality should be obvious by 12 weeks of age; some are couch potatoes, some are energizer bunnies; be sure to pick out a puppy who best fits your and your family’s lifestyle.

CARING FOR A TOY FOX TERRIER

Here is some additional information about the Toy Fox Terrier’s nutrition, exercise, training and health needs.

NUTRITION

Be sure to consult with your vet to find the best food for your dog. Toy Fox Terriers tend to do best on high-quality dry dog foods. Be sure to choose a food that’s age-appropriate for your dog (puppy, adult, senior). How much your dog eats will depend on its age, size, and activity level. TFTs can be prone to getting overweight, so be sure to monitor their food intake closely and adjust if they start to gain too much weight. Also, be careful with overtreating during training.

EXERCISE

The Toy Fox Terrier is a quick, energetic little dog. They love to run around and are notorious “zoomers.” Outdoor exercise like walking, hiking, jogging, and running around in the yard are fun activities that your TFT will enjoy. They will also be happy to run circles around the house. Because they are so small, they don’t need a lot of space to be adequately exercised; as such, they make for great apartment dogs. They love exploring, so it is highly recommended to always keep your Toy Fox Terrier on-leash when outdoors, especially in an area where they’re likely to come face-to-face with a bigger dog. Many owners prefer to use dog harnesses with Toy Fox Terriers. Your TFT thinks it’s the biggest dog on the block, so those altercations can often be dangerous.

TRAINING

As with all dog breeds, Toy Fox Terriers should be started off in puppy and obedience training classes at an early age. In addition, be sure to socialize them by introducing them to other dogs, people, and places. They are smart and eager to learn, and they do well in a variety of canine sports and activities, such as obedience, fetch, hunting, and many more. House training is generally pretty easy with TFTs as well.

HEALTH

TFTs are generally healthy breeds. Be sure to work with a respected breeder who screens his litters for common genetic diseases such as patellar luxation, eye diseases, hip dysplasia, and von Willebrand’s disease. The biggest health risk for TFTs, though, is obesity. Monitor their diets and exercise closely! Clean their teeth regularly using a dog-specific toothpaste. Your TFT’s anal glands should also be checked often. Their fragile bones and love of running around and jumping off things can lead to bone and joint issues – joint supplements can help. Remember – a healthy pup is a happy pup!