General Description

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(American Toy Terrier, Amertoy) The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, perky dog. The first thing many notice about the breed is their bat-like ears which stand straight up on their petite heads.  Compared to the rest of their tiny heads, their ears are very large.  Like their ears, the Toy Fox Terrier’s dark eyes are also big in comparison to the rest of its body.  Protruding from their head is a small, narrowing muzzle tipped with a small black nose.  The breed’s tail is normally docked so it stands straight up on its back.  The dog’s slim frame leads into slender, long legs which end with tiny, delicate feet.  The sleek and smooth coat of the Toy Fox Terrier should be solid white; white, tan, and black; or white and tan.

The Toy Fox Terrier is a well-balanced toy dog of athletic appearance displaying grace and agility in equal measure with strength and stamina. The ears are erect, pointed, inverted V-shaped, set high and close together. They are not bat-like and they balance with the size of the head. Their eyes are full, dark and round, somewhat prominent yet never bulging and with a soft intelligent expression. The head is moderate in width, slightly rounded and softly wedge-shaped. When viewed from the front, the head widens gradually from the nose to the base of the ears. The Toy Fox Terrier is square in proportion, with the height being approximately equal to length. Bone must be strong, but not excessive and always in proportion to size. Overall balance is important! The topline is level when standing and gaiting. The tail is docked to the 3rd or 4th joint, set high, held erect and always in proportion to the size of the dog. The Toy Fox Terrier's coat is short, satiny, shiny, fine in texture and smooth to the touch. It can be white, black, and tan; white, chocolate, and tan; white and tan; or white and black. The body must be over 50% white.

The Toy Fox Terrier is considered a toy breed.

Character

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The Toy Fox Terrier is a lively and friendly dog. It loves attention but is not good for small children. They are good with other dogs but will hunt small animals. They are very inquisitive and intelligent, yet the breed can often be defiant even though it is also easily trained. The Toy Fox Terrier will protect the family with barking but will usually not do so excessively. It is an energetic, happy breed who wants to be around its owner.  Toy Fox Terriers, like other small breeds, sometimes seems to believe they are actually much larger dogs. The breed is very loving with their family and strangers, but they are also loyal to their family.

The Toy Fox Terrier is intelligent, alert, friendly, protective and completely loyal to their owners. They learn new tasks quickly and are eager to please. They can adapt to almost any situation. The Toy Fox Terrier, like other terriers, is self-possessed, spirited, determined and not easily intimidated. They are highly animated and will be comical, entertaining and playful all their life. The Toy Fox Terrier has often been described as a big dog in a small dog package. They are confident, brave, alert and loyal. They do respond well to positive reinforcement. They adapt very well to any schedule, as long as they get affection when their owner arrives home. They are very intelligent and are very pack oriented which makes them so easy to train. They require some of lap time when you are with them. They are one of the few breeds acknowledged for watching TV. They do love to be outdoors but cannot take extreme temperatures.

General Health

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Although the Toy Fox Terrier is a fairly hardy dog, it can suffer from some food allergies and some leg problems that are common in toy breeds.  The average life span of the Toy Fox Terrier is between 13 to 14 years of age.

Due to their small size, this breed can be susceptible to allergic reactions to rabies shots. This may be in the form of a permanent loss of hair in the area of the shot, or even a scabbing and loss of hair on the inside of the ears, near the tips. Before getting your dog its routine shots, consult with your vet about antihistamines that you can use a day or two before getting the shots to minimize the allergic reaction.

History

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The Toy Fox Terrier originated in the United States around the 1930s.  The breed came from the much older Smooth Fox Terrier, but its small size, sleek body, and sweet nature developed after select breeding with Italian Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, and English Toy Terriers. These later cross breedings also made them better for hunting.

The Toy Fox Terrier is a true American breed developed by breeding small Smooth Fox Terriers with several toy breeds including the Chihuahua and Manchester Terrier. Today, the Toy Fox Terrier is a well-balanced toy dog of athletic appearance displaying grace and agility in equal measure with strength and stamina. From the hunt to the show ring, the Toy Fox Terrier has become a cherished companion dog and excellent show piece. The Toy Fox Terrier has shown that he is at home in conformation, obedience and agility trials. His favorite spotlight is the center stage of his owner. The Toy Fox Terrier is a toy and a terrier and both qualities have influenced his personality and character. Cross-breeding with various toy breeds for-mentioned created a milder disposition dog. Although easier to live with than many terriers the Toy Fox Terrier is still a working terrier and many of them delight in hunting. Given the opportunity, the Toy Fox Terrier will pursue the smells of the backyard or barnyard with diligence. Known to tree squirrels and flush out rodents, a hunt is always welcome. Flyball or fetch are easily learned and perfected for endless hours of activity. However, if you enjoy a lap dog, this little companion loves to sit for hours with it's owner. Children especially enjoy the unending energy and zeal for play throughout this dog's life.

Maintenance

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The Toy Fox Terrier is a very easy to groom dog. They need to be brushed sometimes but the breed does not need a bath often. They shed very little, and their nails need to be trimmed regularly. They do not need a lot of vigorous exercise but like any dog Toy Fox Terriers do like walks. The breed should also be able to run around and play in the house.  In cold weather, these dogs need a coat to keep warm.

Ideal Environment

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The Toy Fox Terrier is a good dog for apartments. They do not need a yard because they play a lot in the house.  Because their bodies can be delicate, they would do better with older children. They are good for older people who want a lively companion but who can not provide much exercise outside of the house. Toy Fox Terriers need an owner who is willing to play with them and give them lots of affection. They do great with other dogs but will try to harm small animals, such as hamsters, because of their hunting instincts. They can be disobedient but do well with training and learn quickly.

Toy Fox Terrier Q&AAsk a Question

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  My fox has a constant weeping eye. What can I do to fix it?

  My fox has a constant weeping eye. What can I do to fix it?

  Asked by Anonymous - 2 answers
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  do TFTs shed alot? Are they good with babies? Are they easy to housebreak? Do they bark alot?

  do TFTs shed alot? Are they good with babies? Are they easy to housebreak? Do they bark alot?

  Asked by Anonymous - 5 answers
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  do they shed?

  do they shed?

  Asked by Anonymous - 2 answers
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  I have a TFT that sheds alot. I'm going to get a brush and start brusing her to see if it ...

  I have a TFT that sheds alot. I'm going to get a brush and start brusing her to see if it helps. Also my TFT has little black spots around her body, they tiny spots but she has alot of them. Is this ok?

  Asked by Anonymous - 0 answers

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