Toy Fox Terriers are small-sized dogs that feature a smooth satin-like coat that tightly fits their small bodies. The heads of the Toy Fox Terrier tends to be larger with erect ears and dark eyes that give off an alert and intelligent expression.
Toy Fox Terriers tend to have varying personalities – from being sweet and lovable lapdogs to being a typical spirited and energetic terrier. They are adaptable in any living conditions but might overwhelm first-time dog owners. However, give them time and attention, and they become extremely loyal and loving companion dogs.
Toy Fox Terrier Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Toy |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Height | 8.5-11.5 inches |
| Weight | 3.5-7 pounds |
| Lifespan | 13-15 years |
Toy Fox Terrier Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
History
Toy Fox Terriers were developed in the early 20th century America. They were developed by fanciers of the dog breed Smooth Fox Terriers by combining it with the toy breeds Chihuahua and Italian Greyhounds.
Because of this combination, Toy Fox Terriers became known as a dog with terrier and toy-breed personality. They became useful as little farm dogs – clearing rats and other small vermins from barns.
When the United Kennel Club registered smooth Fox Terriers in 1912, the Toy Fox Terriers were placed in the same category. This caused a lot of breed fanciers to make a petition to separate the breed, which was granted in 1936.
Although an American-bred dog, the breed was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2003. It now ranks 111th most popular dog in the US, and his popularity continues to go up.
Temperament
Toy Fox Terriers are generally friendly, alert, and intelligent dogs. Staying true to their terrier breed, Toy Fox Terriers are bold and determined dogs. But the combination of the toy-breed makes them more amiable than their Smooth Fox Terrier cousins.
Even indoors, Toy Fox Terriers are energetic and may love running around. However, this isn’t something you should worry about. They are very well-balanced when it comes to resting and playing.
Keep these dogs entertained such as surrounding them with toys, so they stay behaved inside your home. They may not be the best dogs to get for little children, especially those that don’t know how to behave yet.
Though they tend to get along well with other pets within the household, they are not easily intimidated by other animals. They don’t back down when challenged, even if it’s a larger dog.
Toy Fox Terriers are excellent watchdogs, too. Expect them to bark when someone suspicious visits your home. Socialization is crucial, so they’d be able to manage their behavior towards anything new. It will also make them more well-rounded.
Training can be challenging, as these dogs have independent minds. Give them lots of positive reinforcements to keep them happy and obedient.
Toy Fox Terrier Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Toy Fox Terriers need a high-quality and well-balanced diet to keep them healthy and happy. Like any small dog breeds, feeding a Toy Fox Terrier can be tricky. They are easy to overfeed, which can lead to them being overweight. Ask your vet for advice regarding the number of calories to feed your dog. This will highly depend on his age, size, metabolism, and activity level. It’s essential only to buy high-quality ingredients for your dog’s food, and make sure that you fill it with all the vital nutrients. You can get proteins from fresh animal meat, fats from fish oils, carbohydrates from brown rice, and vitamins from fruits and vegetables. If you plan to give them dog food, make sure you choose premium quality ones. These should contain a very minimal amount of fillers and additives that can be harmful to your dog.
- Grooming: Toy Fox Terriers have smooth satin coats that require very minimal grooming. Coats shed occasionally and can be minimalized through weekly brushing. Baths can be given occasionally, but make sure to clean their ears to avoid infection regularly. Don’t forget to trim their nails and keep them as short as possible.
- Exercise: Toy Fox Terriers are athletic dogs who love to play. Though they also make great lap dogs for cuddling. Regular exercise is needed to keep these dogs happy. You can take them for a run, romp, or a hike. They even enjoy running around indoors too.
- Health: Toy Fox Terriers are generally healthy dogs with a long lifespan. However, there’s nothing wrong with trying to know what diseases your dog is prone to. This also helps you prevent it.
- Here are five diseases you need to watch out:
- Demodectic Mange
- Patellar Luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter
- Since most of these diseases are mostly genetically inherited, it’s best to meet at least one of your dog’s parents so you can be aware of what diseases to watch out for. Regular check-ups are also highly recommended to monitor your dog’s health.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Toy Fox Terriers is 13-15 years.
Fun Facts about Toy Fox Terriers
- Toy Fox Terriers were developed in America in the early 20th century.
- These dogs were developed from Smooth Fox Terriers.
- They were often used as circus dogs in the early 1900s.
- They are also used as hunting dogs and rat exterminators.
- They were recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club in 2003.
Check Out Other Toy Dog Breeds:
Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chinese Crested, English Toy Spaniel, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Japanese Chin, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, Papillon, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier