The Toy Fox Terrier is a small but mighty breed with a big personality. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
Their short stature makes them a great companion for apartment dwellers, as they don't need a lot of space to run around. They are also relatively low-maintenance pets.
In terms of size, Toy Fox Terriers typically weigh between 7-15 pounds and stand about 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
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Temperament
Toy Fox Terriers are spirited and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners.
They're great playmates for children who know how to interact with small dogs, but it's essential to teach them boundaries from an early age.
These little dogs have high energy levels, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Toy Fox Terriers are highly trainable and thrive on activities that challenge their mind, making them wonderful companions for people with disabilities.
They're also very lovable and loyal to their owners, but can be willful and stubborn at times.
With proper training and socialization, they can make a great companion for an active elderly person or a wonderful family pet, but it's not recommended for families with small children due to their fragile nature.
Breed Maintenance
The Toy Fox Terrier's short coat is easy to groom, but it still requires some attention. A weekly brushing can help remove dead hair.
This breed sheds moderately to frequently, so brushing is a must.
Their teeth should be brushed weekly to prevent dental disease. Denta-bones can also help prevent tartar build-up.
Their nails should be trimmed monthly to keep them healthy.
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Fun Activities
If you're looking for fun activities to do with your toy fox terrier, clicker training and nose work are great options. Both of these activities can be mentally stimulating and engaging for your dog.
Clicker training is a great way to teach your toy fox terrier new tricks and behaviors. It's a positive reinforcement method that uses a clicker to mark good behavior.
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Nose work is another activity that's perfect for toy fox terriers. It's a fun way to challenge your dog's sense of smell and keep them engaged.
Here are some fun activities to consider:
- Agility
- Fetch
- Interactive puzzle toys
- Obedience training
- Neighborhood walks
- Short walks
- Swimming
- Playdates with other small dogs
- Treat-dispensing toys
Remember to always supervise your toy fox terrier during these activities and provide plenty of rest and water breaks.
Where to Adopt or Buy
If you're looking to bring a toy fox terrier into your life, you have a few options to consider. You can either adopt one from a shelter or rescue organization, or buy one from a reputable breeder.
Expecting to pay between $600 to $1,200 for a toy fox terrier puppy is a good rule of thumb when searching for a breeder. This price range can vary depending on the breeder and the puppy's bloodlines.
Adopting a toy fox terrier or similar breed can be a rewarding experience, especially if you're looking for a low-maintenance pet. There are many deserving terriers in shelters across the country, or you could reach out to breed-specific rescues.
Here are a few good places to start your research:
- American Toy Fox Terrier Club
- Toy Fox Terrier Rescue
- AKC Marketplace
Appearance
Toy Fox Terriers are small dogs with a muscular and athletic appearance. They have a short, fine, and glossy coat that's predominantly white, with some breeds having tan, black, or chocolate markings.
Their V-shaped ears are a distinctive feature, and their large eyes give them an alert and intelligent expression. The tail can be short and straight or long and shiny, and breeders often shorten it to about three-fifths of the way from the tip.
The height of a Toy Fox Terrier ranges from 8.5 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder, and their weight can be anywhere from 3.5 to 9 kg. They have a strong and proportionate muzzle, and their teeth have a scissor bite.
Their feet are small and oval, with strong and closely knit toes and deep pads. The breed comes in several coat color combinations, including tricolor, white and tan, and white and black.
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History of
The Toy Fox Terrier is a true American breed, developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States.
Breeders crossed Smooth Fox Terriers with toy breeds like the Chihuahua, Miniature Pinscher, Manchester Terrier, and Italian Greyhound to create a smaller dog with similar characteristics.
The original Fox Terriers were introduced in England to force foxes out of their dens, and they were known for being brave, determined, and athletic.
The Toy Fox Terrier's size, smarts, and agility made them popular additions in traveling circuses, where they would perform tricks for audiences.
The breed was first recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1936, and they were placed in the Terrier Group.
The American Kennel Club didn't give them official full breed status until 2003, when they were placed in the Toy Group.
Some Toy Fox Terrier breeders can trace their dogs' lineage back to a Smooth Fox Terrier called "Foiler", the first fox terrier registered by the Kennel Club in Britain, circa 1875–76.
The Smooth Fox Terrier was first registered in the United Kingdom in 1875, and it was brought over to the United States in the 1870s.
The Toy Fox Terrier was developed in the United States in the 1900s by breeding the Smooth Fox Terrier and several smaller breeds.
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The breed's main purpose was to get rid of vermin, and their small size and agility made them well-suited for this job.
The Toy Fox Terrier is a toy breed that retained the Terrier hunting instincts and courage of its ancestors.
The breed was first recognized and registered by the United Kennel Club in 1936, and they developed the breed's standards.
The National Toy Fox Terrier Association was founded in 1949, and they have been a big part of the breed's development.
The Toy Fox Terrier loves being the center of attention, and they often excel in dog shows and competitions.
Training
Toy fox terriers are intelligent and eager to please, making them a joy to train with reward-based methods.
They thrive on learning new tricks and will happily occupy themselves with fun activities.
You'll need to put in some extra effort to achieve a solid recall around distractions, and in some cases, they may require staying on a leash to prevent chasing small animals.
Early socialization is key to preventing your terrier from becoming too protective and turning into a guard dog instead of a playful companion.
Pros and Cons
If you're considering bringing a Toy Fox Terrier into your family, you'll love their fun-loving and playful nature. They're always up for an adventure and will keep you on your toes.
One of the standout qualities of Toy Fox Terriers is their incredible loyalty and affectionate personality. They make great companions and will often follow you around the house.
With their smart and easy-to-train nature, you'll have no problem teaching your Toy Fox Terrier new tricks. They're highly intelligent and will pick up commands quickly.
Similar Breeds
If you're looking for breeds that are similar to the Toy Fox Terrier, you have several options to consider.
The Pomeranian is 100% similar to the Toy Fox Terrier, making it a great choice for those who want a similar companion.
The Russkiy Toy and Japanese Chin are both 95% similar, which means they share many of the same characteristics and traits.
The Pom Terrier is 94% similar, while the Maltese is 93% similar. These breeds may not be exact matches, but they share many similarities with the Toy Fox Terrier.
If you're looking for a breed that is very similar to the Toy Fox Terrier, the Pomeranian is the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toy Fox Terrier the same as mini fox terrier?
The Miniature Fox Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier are closely related breeds, but not exactly the same, with the Miniature Fox Terrier being a distinct breed developed in the UK. They share similarities in size and lineage, but have some differences.
What is another name for a Toy Fox Terrier?
Another name for a Toy Fox Terrier is American Toy Terrier, also known as Amertoy or TFT.
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