The Toy Fox Terrier is an American breed descending from the first registeredSmooth Fox Terrier, named ‘Foiler’. Fox Terriers were bred for fox bolting (chasing foxes out into the open where they could be attacked by larger dogs); white was preferred to distinguish the dogs from foxes at night.
The Fox Terrier was one of the earliest show dogs, recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 (the Smooth Fox Terrier andWire Fox Terrierwere recognized as distinct breeds a century later). Toy Fox Terriers were bred from their larger cousins by American farmers who favored the shorter variety for chasing rodents.
Toy Fox Terriers were crossed with other breeds such as theChihuahuaandManchester Terrierfor a smaller size and slightly calmer temperament. The Toy Fox Terrier was recognized as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club in 2003.