Toy Fox TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care
Toy Fox Terrier. · Terry Best / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small American terrier, descended directly from the Smooth Fox Terrier and registered separately by the UKC since 1936. The AKC says it is truly both a toy dog and a terrier: it has the intelligence, courage and liveliness of a terrier and the boundless devotion of a small companion dog. It is not recognised by the FCI; the AKC recognises it.
Quick facts
| Common name | Toy Fox Terrier |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Official recognition | Not recognised by the FCI; UKC since 1936; recognised by the AKC |
| Lifespan | 13–15 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 22–29 cm at the withers; 1.8–4 kg according to the AKC |
| Size (females) | 22–29 cm at the withers; 1.8–4 kg according to the AKC |
| Coat type | Short, fine and glossy |
| Common colours | Mainly white with a black-and-tan (tricolour), chocolate or tan head |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | Yes |
| Temperament | Alert, intelligent, friendly, brave, devoted |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Moderate; it is very small |
| Good with other animals | Moderate |
| Genetic predispositions | Patellar luxation, eye diseases, obesity |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
Wikipedia says the Toy Fox Terrier descends directly from the larger Smooth Fox Terrier and that since 1936 it has been registered in the United States by the United Kennel Club as a separate breed.
The AKC says it inherited intelligence, courage and liveliness from the terriers, while as a toy breed it is small and very devoted to its owner.
How the breed developed
- 1936 – Registered separately by the UKC.
- Today – Recognised by the AKC.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★★☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★★☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★★☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★☆☆☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed; the breed is not recognised by the FCI.
Physical characteristics
Wikipedia describes it as small but muscular and athletic, elegant and graceful, with V-shaped ears, large eyes and a short, high-set tail. The AKC says it has an intelligent, alert and interested expression.
General appearance
The coat is short, fine and glossy, mainly white, with a usually coloured head.
| Feature | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|
| Size | Toy |
| Height at the withers | 22–29 cm (AKC) |
| Weight | 1.8–4 kg (AKC) |
| Coat | Short, glossy |
| Colour | White with a coloured head |
| Type | Toy terrier |
Wikipedia says the coat is mainly white, with a coloured head: most often tricolour (black with tan on the face), but also chocolate and tan or other variants.
Training and socialisation
The AKC says that, as a terrier, it has quick intelligence, courage and liveliness, and as a toy breed it is small and devoted, with boundless love for its owner.
It responds well to rewards and consistent training. The AKC gives it 4 out of 5 for barking.
Tips for effective training
- Use rewards. It is intelligent.
- Teach it “quiet”. It barks quite a lot.
- Keep it at the right weight. Obesity is a problem in the breed.
- Keep it from making big jumps. For the sake of its knees.
Activity needs and lifestyle
It is a small but energetic dog that needs daily walks and play. The AKC says a healthy diet and exercise are essential, as obesity is a serious problem in the breed.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | daily | Fitness |
| Play | daily | Energy |
| Tricks | several times a week | A busy mind |
Tips for a balanced life
- It suits an apartment.
- Keep it active every day.
- Brush its teeth regularly.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The short coat needs very little care: a weekly brush. The AKC says the anal glands should be checked often and the teeth cared for regularly.
Common health problems
The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, but obesity is a serious problem. Breeders check for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Patellar luxation | The kneecap slips out of place | Suddenly holds a hind leg up for a few steps, then uses it again |
| Eye diseases | Inherited conditions | Poor vision |
| Obesity | A serious problem in the breed, according to the AKC | Weight gain, tiredness |
Other care
- Check the anal glands often.
- Brush its teeth regularly.
- Go for yearly check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC says a healthy diet and exercise are essential, as obesity is a serious problem in the Toy Fox Terrier.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 kg | 170 kcal | 200 kcal | 42–57 g |
| 3 kg | 260 kcal | 290 kcal | 65–83 g |
| 4 kg | 320 kcal | 360 kcal | 80–103 g |
- Measure its portions.
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. Only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance should be used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- A miniature Fox Terrier. It descends directly from the Smooth Fox Terrier.
- Separate since 1936. Registered by the UKC.
- Both toy and terrier. That is how the AKC describes it.
- A coloured head. The body is mostly white.
- Watch its weight. It puts on weight easily.
Frequently asked questions
Is it recognised by the FCI?
No; the AKC recognises it.
Which breed does it come from?
From the Smooth Fox Terrier.
How much does it weigh?
1.8–4 kg.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 13–15 years.
