All About
Toy Fox Terrier

The Toy Fox Terrier was developed in America by breeding Smooth Fox Terriers with toy breeds to bring them down to size. These dogs are a hybrid of classic terrier and toy traits: they are fearless and plucky like a terrier, but enjoy the companionship and affection that comes with being carried and coddled like a toy. They are excellent watchdogs, alert and vigilant, they will quickly sound the alarm when they hear or see someone approaching. Toy Fox Terriers bond deeply with the people they love and insist on being treated as a full member of the family, which includes sleeping in the bed. Toy Foxes make excellent family dogs and are a smart choice for first time dog owners.

The Toy Fox Terrier should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

The Toy Fox Terrier requires minimal grooming. Shedding is helped along by using a small shedding comb or a gentle hound glove. The breed needs only an occasional bath. The owner should start grinding or trimming the pup’s toenails at a young age if possible, so that he will be accustomed to the procedure.

Toy Fox Terriers do well in smaller living spaces such as apartments. They need little space to exercise adequately. They are definitely housedogs; they do not have the coat to live outdoors.That said, they love to explore the outdoors but should be leashed or properly supervised to prevent them getting into trouble. Their big dog attitude can often cause them to attempt to tangle with animals much larger than themselves.

Obesity is a serious issue for Toy Fox Terriers. Healthy diet and exercise are a must. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for health conditions such as patellar luxation and eye disease.  The dog’s anal glands must be checked often, and the teeth need to be cared for regularly.

Recommended Health Test from the National Breed Club:

Terrier breeds have been documented in England as far back as the 1500s. One of those breeds was the Smooth Fox Terrier, developed to rout foxes from their dens during the hunt.The Smooth Fox Terrier had always been widely divergent in size, with some dogs weighing about 20 pounds while others were as small as 7 pounds. These runts were often more prized than the larger dogs as they seemed to be feistier and more willing to jump into the fray whether it be ratting, hunting other game or defending the homestead.The United Kennel Club began to register Smooth Fox Terriers in 1912. The smaller dogs were registered along with the larger ones as Smooth Fox Terriers. In the mid- 1920s, fanciers of the smaller dogs petitioned the UKC to make the smaller dogs a separate breed, which was finally accomplished in 1936. The breed was registered as the Toy Fox Terrier. The TFT was granted American Kennel Club recognition in 2003.For many years there was a debate among breeders regarding size, some wanted a larger dog; others wanted the dog to remain a toy. Some fanciers introduced Toy Manchester and Chihuahua blood into the breed to help fix the size.This move upset other breeders who did not want the contamination of other breeds in the gene pool. The UKC agreed that the dog should remain a toy and that other breeds should not be introduced into the gene pool. The Toy Fox Terrier stud book was closed by the UKC on August 31, 1960 so no more crossing of breeds could be done.