Finding the right breeder for your Toy Fox Terrier is crucial for a healthy and happy pup. Research local breeders who are members of the American Toy Fox Terrier Club (ATFTC).
Look for breeders who have experience with the breed and a good reputation. This can be done by reading reviews and asking for referrals from other Toy Fox Terrier owners.
A reputable breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, so ask about their health testing and breeding practices. This includes testing for genetic disorders such as patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
Ultimately, finding a trustworthy breeder takes time and research, but it's worth it for the health and happiness of your new furry family member.
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Care and Feeding
As a responsible breeder, you want to ensure that your Toy Fox Terriers receive the best care and feeding possible. Toy Fox Terriers are known for their high energy level, so regular exercise is crucial to prevent boredom and help positively channel their energy.
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They need at least an hour of exercise every day, which can be achieved through playtime and activities. Interactive toys and engaging games can also help keep them mentally stimulated.
Toy Fox Terriers are small, so they need to eat high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional requirements. Look for dog foods with high-quality protein sources that meet the AAFCO standards.
A consistent feeding schedule is essential to maintain energy levels throughout the day and help with digestion. Small breeds like Toy Fox Terriers may benefit from more frequent, smaller meals.
The amount of food your Toy Fox Terrier needs depends on their size, age, health, and lifestyle. Your AAFCO-approved dog food will contain a chart on portion guidelines, but working with your veterinarian will give you the best guidance on how much your dog should eat every day.
Here's a general rule of thumb: feed your Toy Fox Terrier puppy three to four times every day, and adult dogs can eat two to three times a day.
In terms of specific feeding amounts, a recommended daily amount for an adult Toy Fox Terrier is 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
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Remember, every dog is different, and their nutritional needs may vary depending on their individual characteristics. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing supplements to your dog's diet.
Some common supplements that your veterinarian might recommend include omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), probiotics, joint supplements, and multivitamins.
By following these guidelines and working closely with your veterinarian, you can ensure that your Toy Fox Terriers receive the best care and feeding possible.
Health and Wellness
The Toy Fox Terrier's average lifespan is 13-15 years, making them a long-term companion. With proper care, they can live a happy and healthy life.
Their generally healthy nature is a plus for many potential owners, but it's essential to be aware of potential health issues.
The breed may be predisposed to certain health conditions, so it's crucial to work with a responsible breeder who prioritizes their health and well-being.
Coat Color and Grooming
The toy fox terrier's coat is one of its most distinctive features. It's short, fine, and smooth, with a slightly longer ruff. The body is mostly white, with various color combinations, including tricolor, white and tan, white and black, and white, chocolate, and tan.
The tricolor combination features a mostly black head, tan markings on cheeks, lips, and eye dots, with a body over fifty percent white and possibly black markings. The white and tan combination has a mostly tan head, with a body over fifty percent white and possibly tan markings. The white and black combination has a mostly black head, with a body over fifty percent white and black markings. The white, chocolate, and tan combination has a mostly chocolate head, tan markings on cheeks, lips, and eye dots, with a body over fifty percent white and possibly chocolate body spots.
Here are the different coat color combinations for the toy fox terrier:
- Tricolor: mostly black head, tan markings on cheeks, lips, and eye dots, body over fifty percent white with or without black markings.
- White and Tan: mostly tan head, body over fifty percent white with or without tan markings.
- White and black: mostly black head, body over fifty percent white with black markings.
- White, chocolate, and tan: (allowed in AKC and CKC, not UKC) mostly chocolate head, tan markings on cheeks, lips, and eye dots. Body is over fifty percent white with or without chocolate body spots.
Regular grooming is essential to keep the toy fox terrier's coat looking shiny and healthy. Brushing should be done at least once a week, or more often if necessary, to remove dead hairs and prevent matting.
Training and Behavior
Toy Fox Terriers are naturally alert and curious, with a keen sense of awareness that can sometimes get them into trouble. They may be prone to barking at and chasing smaller animals if not properly trained.
Early and consistent training can help manage excessive barking, and pet parents must keep these pups on a leash or inside a fenced yard whenever their dog is outside. This will help prevent unwanted behavior and keep both the dog and the surrounding animals safe.
These intelligent little creatures are eager to please, which means they respond well to training using reward-based methods. They also love to learn fun tricks, which will keep them happily occupied.
Eliminating Faults
Eliminating Faults are serious issues that can disqualify a dog from competing in conformation events.
One common Eliminating Fault is an adult dog's height, which must be at least 8.5 inches to be eligible.
Another Eliminating Fault is a dog's age, which must be 11 years or younger.
A dog's adult height under 8.5 inches or any age over 11 is a clear indication of an Eliminating Fault.
If a dog's adult height is under 8.5 inches, it's best to focus on its other qualities, such as temperament and trainability.
Dogs over 11 years old may still be wonderful companions, but their age disqualifies them from competing in conformation events.
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Behavior and Training
Toy Fox Terriers are naturally alert and curious, making them quick to investigate their surroundings. They have a keen sense of awareness and may be prone to barking at and chasing smaller animals.
Early and consistent training can help manage excessive barking, and it's essential to keep these pups on a leash or inside a fenced yard whenever they're outside. Consistent training is key to preventing unwanted behaviors.
As a smart dog, Toy Fox Terriers can learn cues quickly, but they may lose interest in training sessions that are too long and boring. Keep training lessons short and fun to keep them engaged.
Toy Fox Terriers respond well to training using reward-based methods, such as treats, praise, and play, which motivates them to focus. They love to learn fun tricks and will happily occupy themselves with mental stimulation.
Achieving a rock-solid recall around distractions can be a challenge, and they may need to stay on the leash in certain environments where there's too much temptation to chase small animals. Socialization is crucial to prevent unwanted behaviors.
These intelligent little creatures are eager to please, which means they're highly trainable. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are necessary to keep them happy and engaged.
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Height and Weight
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small but mighty breed. Height at the withers for both males and females is 8.5" to 11".
When considering weight, it's essential to keep in mind that adult height under 8.5" or any age over 11" is considered a fault. Weight for both males and females is up to 8 lbs.
As a preferred weight, breeders aim for 4.5 to 7.5 lbs. This range is considered optimal for the breed's overall health and well-being.
Fun Activities for Toy Fox Terriers
If you're looking to keep your Toy Fox Terrier active and engaged, clicker training is a great place to start. This fun and interactive way of training can help strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Clicker training is just one of many fun activities you can do with your Toy Fox Terrier. Other options include agility training, which can help improve your dog's physical fitness and mental agility.
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Agility training can be a great way to challenge your Toy Fox Terrier and keep them engaged. You can also try nose work, which can help stimulate their sense of smell and keep their minds active.
Nose work is a great way to challenge your Toy Fox Terrier's sense of smell and keep them engaged. Fetch is another fun activity you can do with your dog, which can help improve their physical fitness and provide exercise.
Fetch is a great way to get your Toy Fox Terrier running around and burning off energy. Interactive puzzle toys are another great option, which can help challenge your dog's problem-solving skills and keep them engaged.
Interactive puzzle toys can be a great way to keep your Toy Fox Terrier's mind active and prevent boredom. Obedience training is also important, which can help improve your dog's behavior and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Obedience training can be a great way to improve your Toy Fox Terrier's behavior and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Neighborhood walks and short walks are also great options, which can help provide exercise and mental stimulation.
Here are some fun activities you can do with your Toy Fox Terrier:
- Clicker training
- Nose work
- Agility
- Fetch
- Interactive puzzle toys
- Obedience training
- Neighborhood walks
- Short walks
- Swimming
- Playdates with other small dogs
- Treat-dispensing toys
Sources
- National Toy Fox Terrier Association (NTFTA) (nationaltoyfoxterrier.com)
- Primary lens luxation (pawprintgenetics.com)
- Toy Fox Terrier Rescue (tftrescue.com)
- American Toy Fox Terrier Club (atftc.com)
- For more information on this breed, please visit the National Toy Fox Terrier Association (nationaltoyfoxterrier.com)
- Toy Fox Terrier Rescue (tftrescue.com)
- American Toy Fox Terrier Club Rescue (atftc.com)
- Toy Fox Terriers - Dog Breeds - American Kennel Club (akc.org)
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