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Toy Fox Terrier breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Toy Fox Terrier a diminutive satin-coated terrier with an amusing toy-dog personality that is, as fanciers say, truly a toy and a terrier, beginning as a barnyard ratter and now a beguiling companion with a big personality.
A lithe but sturdy little comedian under a foot tall, it has large erect ears and dark eyes that sparkle with eager intelligence.
Temperament
Quick, alert and athletic, Toy Fox Terriers like running and romping. On days off they are happy to run laps in the living room. Kids are especially charmed by the unending energy and zeal for play.
They are easy to socialize and train, with housebreaking that can mean going outside or using a potty pad indoors.
Lifespan
Toy Fox Terriers live 13 to 15 years. Obesity is a serious issue, so a healthy diet and exercise are a must and breeders screen for patellar luxation and eye disease.
The anal glands must be checked often and the teeth cared for regularly.
Care
The Toy Fox Terrier needs minimal grooming: a small shedding comb or gentle hound glove helps shedding along. It needs only an occasional bath. Owners should start grinding or trimming toenails young so the dog gets used to it.
They enjoy walking, running and hiking outdoors when they have the chance.
History
In the early 20th century American breeders of Smooth Fox Terriers created the Toy Fox Terrier by crossing their litter runts with toy dogs, including Chihuahuas and Italian Greyhounds and the result had a true terrier's fire with a beguiling toy personality.
They began as barnyard ratters but soon found their way to show business, where cleverness, grace and looks made them circus trick dogs and today they perform at championship levels in competitive agility.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 4 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 5 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 4 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 5 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |