Toy Fox Terrier Breed Information & History

The Toy Fox Terrier is known to be a jack of all trades. Throughout this breed’s history, they have successfully taken on many different roles. Whether it be hunting squirrels or starring in a show ring, these dogs could do it all.

Originating in England back in the 16th century, the Toy Fox Terrier served as an excellent ratter and small game hunter. Although the small-sized Toy Fox Terrier and its larger Smooth Fox Terrier were considered the same, these dog breeds were finally separated from one another in 2003.

Toy Fox Terrier Temperament & Personality

Loyal yet lively, the Toy Fox Terrier is an affectionate pet that thrives on human companionship. Because of their strong devotion to their owners and their suspicion towards strangers, American toy terriers serve as excellent watchdogs and will alert their owner at the very first sign of an intruder. Just like all terriers, the Toy Fox Terrier is fearless for a toy breed, but they also enjoy being around people. At the end of the day, these pups are happiest when they are treated as a member of the family.

Toy Fox Terrier Training Tips

As long as you start the process early, you should have no issues training your Toy Fox Terrier puppies. However, with that being said, remember that majority of terriers are known to have a stubborn side as well. That means if they are not properly trained from a young age, they may be more difficult to train. It is also important to socialize your dog with different people, places, sounds, and experiences while he is still a puppy. This will help ensure that your Toy Fox Terrier puppy develops into a well-behaved and trained dog later in life.

Toy Fox Terrier Exercise Needs

Although the Toy Fox Terrier is small, this dog breed still requires daily exercise. A quick walk around the block or a little playtime in the backyard will be plenty for these peppy companions. They also enjoy participating in a variety of activities such as obedience and agility training.

Toy Fox Terrier Lifespan

The average lifespan of the Toy Fox Terrier is between 12 to 14 years.

Toy Fox Terrier Breed Popularity

The Toy Fox Terrier has gained little popularity in the United States since they were officially recognized in 2003. Today, the American Kennel Club ranks this toy breed as the 116th most popular breed in the U.S. out of 202 registered breeds.

Toy Fox Terrier Feeding Requirements

When choosing what dog food you are going to buy, make sure to look for one that contains nutritious and healthy ingredients. Try to stay away from any food products that contain preservatives or fillers. As a general rule of thumb, the Toy Fox Terrier should consume between ¼ to ½ of high-quality food, split into two equal meals.

Toy Fox Terrier Grooming

The short, smooth coat of the Toy Fox Terrier is known to be fairly easy to maintain. It is always recommended to brush their coat at least once a week to keep their coat color clean and free of debris. Aside from their regular coat grooming practices, brush this breed’s teeth at least once a week to prevent dental disease from forming. Trimming their nails every couple of weeks is also advised to avoid cracking.

Are Toy Fox Terriers Good With Kids?

The care-free and fun personality of the Toy Fox Terrier pairs great with children; however, small children should at least be 6 years of age. Toy breeds are very small dogs and can easily be injured by a rambunctious toddler. Make sure a parent is always around to supervise any interactions between a little dog and child.

Toy Fox Terrier Health Problems

The Toy Fox Terrier tends to be generally healthy, but they are still susceptible to several canine health problems later in life. These may include:

Von Willebrand’s Disease: This disease is a blood clotting disorder that occurs in many breeds. Symptoms of Von Willebrand’s Disease in dogs usually include abnormal and excessive bleeding. This disease can be life-threatening in severe cases.

Mange: Mange in dogs is a skin infection caused by mites. There are two strains of mange and they both require different treatment plans once the dog is properly diagnosed.

Patellar Luxation: Patellar Luxation in dogs occurs when the kneecap becomes dislocated from its normal positioning. Once this happens, a dog may experience pain or lameness in their legs.

Other Resources

National Breed Website: American Toy Fox Terrier Club

Rescue: Toy Fox Terrier Rescue, Inc.