The toy fox terrier is an American dog that was developed during the 1930s to control vermin on farmsteads. The breed was created by initially crossing small specimens of the fox terrier with various toy breeds, including Chihuahuas, Manchester terriers and Italian greyhounds. In 2003, the American Kennel Club recognized the toy fox terrier as a member of the toy group.
The Tox Fox Terrier is a small athletic dog breed with square proportions. They are directly related to Fox Terriers, but are a separate breed. Their heads are small with relatively long muzzles. Their v-shaped erect ears appear over-proportionately large. The Toy Fox Terrier’s coat is short, dense and glossy. The coat is easy to groom, it only needs to be brushed occasionally.
Personality
The Toy Fox Terrier is lively, active, inquisitive and alert. They have moderate exercise needs and need to be taken for daily walks. Toy Fox Terriers are usually friendly towards other dogs, pets and children. They are intelligent and want to please, but may be stubborn or independent if they are not trained well.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Hunters |
| Function: | Hunting |
| Origin: | United States |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Toy |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | American toy terrier, Amertoy |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Toy Fox Terrier Build Information
The toy fox terrier is a tiny dog that stands less than a foot tall at the shoulder, averaging 8 to 11 inches, and weighs between four and nine pounds. Despite its small size, the toy fox terrier is built for strength, endurance and agility. Toy fox terriers have smooth coats that may be tricolor, white and tan, chocolate and tan or white and black. The tail is docked at the third or fourth joint and stands erect, but the pointy ears stand erect naturally. The Tox Fox Terrier is a small athletic dog breed with square proportions. They are directly related to Fox Terriers, but are a separate breed. Their heads are small with relatively long muzzles. Their v-shaped erect ears appear over-proportionately large. The Toy Fox Terrier’s coat is short, dense and glossy. The coat is easy to groom, it only needs to be brushed occasionally.
| Size: | Toy |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 8-10 in. |
| Weight: | < 14 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 1 – 3 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Docked |
Behaviour and Personality
The toy fox terrier is an animated and athletic little dog that can play for hours and excel in agility courses. The loyal and devoted companion is highly intelligent, eager to please its owners and relatively easy to train. Curious, spirited and spunky, this breed thrives on delighting its owners with entertaining antics. Toy fox terriers get along with children, cats and other dogs, but their prey drive will kick in when backyard wildlife comes into its sites. They are an ideal size for apartment living, and they make alert watchdogs. Toy fox terriers crave extensive interaction with their families. The Toy Fox Terrier is lively, active, inquisitive and alert. They have moderate exercise needs and need to be taken for daily walks. Toy Fox Terriers are usually friendly towards other dogs, pets and children. They are intelligent and want to please, but may be stubborn or independent if they are not trained well.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
Toy fox terriers need minimal grooming to maintain their smooth coats. A weekly wipe with the grooming mitt will remove any dead hairs and restore the coat’s luster. Conversely, their teeth should be brushed daily to prevent periodontal disease, a condition that is especially prevalent in toy breeds.
| Colors: | Black & Tan, Tan, Tri-Color |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Toy Fox Terrier Common Health Conditions
Toy fox terriers live average lifespans of 12 to 15 years. They are generally hardy, but a few health problems of note include patellar luxation, lens luxation, von Willebrand disease, periodontal disease and congenital hypothyroidism with goiter.
Toy Fox Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The toy fox terrier will be a perfect fit for owners who desire a toy breed with low grooming maintenance, a happy demeanor and high endurance for hours of interactive play and entertainment. The toy fox terrier originated in the United States. The toy fox terrier is also called an American toy terrier and an Amertoy. The toy fox terrier is a confident, playful and spunky little companion that is easy to train. The toy fox terrier stands 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs four to nine pounds. The toy fox terrier has a moderate energy level. The toy fox terrier requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a toy fox terrier is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Very easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
