Toy Fox Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Toy

Weight

1.5-3 kg

Height

21-25 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Toy Fox Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Would you like an independent dog that has its own agenda? A dog that can think for itself and doesn’t need (or care) about your input? A dog that can be stubborn, suspicious of everything and everyone, and believes the house is its domain?

And while it sounds like we just describe 99% of dogs, there is actually a dog breed that fits that profile as well.

Say hello to the Toy Fox Terrier, and we promise your life and home will never be the same.

What is the history & origin of the Toy Fox Terrier?

The Toy Fox Terrier breed is not a new breed, but it only dates back to the 1930s.

In America, in the hopes of finding a viable future for small Smooth Fox Terriers, which were considered the runts of the litter, from Smooth Fox Terrier litters, several dog breeds were selected for cross-breeding.

The breeders selected Chihuahuas, Manchester Terriers, and Italian Greyhounds as the breeding dogs for the runts.

Because of the mix that made up the resulting puppy’s parents, the new breed inherited the toy dog’s body, but the Terrier’s temperament and trainability.

Thus, the dog breed was called the Toy Fox Terrier or TFT.

What is a Toy Fox Terrier breed?

The TFT is also known as the Amertoy as it was created in America and is a toy breed.

TFTs are a very vibrant breed with lots of energy and agility. They have even been known to climb trees in pursuit of squirrels.

The TFT has its own mind and own agenda, and if permitted will spend all day policing the backyard and maintaining law and order.

Even though the TFT is the result of cross-breeding, it is considered a purebred dog since its parent breeds are. It is even a show-quality dog.

As a purebred dog, this breed has American Kennel Club recognition as well as United Kennel Club recognition.

Who is a Toy Fox Terrier best for?

Generally speaking, this dog is a good addition to the family. They will fall in love with their family members and will get along well with other dogs and pets.

However, this breed is not recommended for families with small pets (such as rodents) or small children as young kids tend to unintentionally play a bit rough.

That may not only cause a defensive reaction in your dog but may result in its injury.

Toy dogs tend to be a bit more susceptible to injuries, and this dog is no exception. The Toy Fox Terrier puppy, and even the adult dog, are prone to broken bones, specifically their legs.

Like other small breeds, they will do very well in an apartment setting and are very adaptable in general.

If you are willing to be tested, this dog breed is OK for first-time owners, but do not think that because this is a small dog that it will be easy sailing. They will sense your inexperience and will challenge you.

Toy Fox Terrier Grooming & Shedding

The good news about Toy Fox Terriers is that they are a low-maintenance breed of dog. Their coats are short and smooth.

Toy Fox Terrier grooming is relatively straightforward. Brush their coats a few times a week to remove any dead dog hair, as they are moderate shedders (primarily during the spring season).

Keep their teeth and ears clean and stay on top of the nails.

Do Toy Fox Terriers bark a lot?

Without the proper training, beginning when they are pups, these will be very vocal adult dogs.

They have a high prey drive and are on constant alert to their surroundings, so movement will trigger them to bark. It’s also important to remember, that one of their primary means of exhibiting dominance is by being the loudest.

With that said, if, given the proper training, their propensity to be noisemakers can be relatively low.

What is the average weight & height of a Toy Fox Terrier?

As purebreds, dog size is controlled by the breed standard.

Weight

These dogs average between 1.5 and 3 kg.

Height

These dogs will reach 25 cm in height.

Are Toy Fox Terriers easy to train?

Thanks to their Terrier heritage, these dogs are very easy to train. And training is a requirement, not an option. However, with training, these dogs can do just about anything, including dog sports.

As with many toy breeds, housebreaking can be labour-intensive. This is a smart dog, and as such, it knows that the easiest way to do things is…well… the easiest way to do things.

So, without the proper training, your home will be a life-long Easter egg hunt if housebreaking is not addressed correctly while they are puppies.

And, though TFT puppies are cute, they are vessels of future tyranny if not given the proper training. Puppy Kindergarten Class is imperative if the future habitability of your home means anything to you.

How do Toy Fox Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Toy Fox Terrier temperament is the result of this dog’s lifelong identity crisis regarding its size.

Though they are smaller dogs, they genuinely believe they are larger dogs.

They can also be very dominant due to their high prey drive. They are very likely to try and exhibit that dominance over everyone else in the home. This is especially true regarding other dogs.

Most other dogs won’t put up with the TFT’s behaviour, however, and it could rain cats and dogs in your house until a peace accord is agreed upon.

With that said, these are very friendly and affectionate dogs. You may look at this pooch and think it is a lap dog, but they aren’t.

These are energetic and active dogs. Normally, this breed does not like being a couch potato. Though it’s possible, however, that being lazy is the individual dog’s personality. However, it could also mean there is something wrong with the dog.

Does the Toy Fox Terrier have any common health issues?

As a purebred pooch, this is a fairly healthy breed but does have some health problems to monitor.

The most common health problems are:

Demodectic Mange: A skin condition caused by a mite, leading to hair loss and skin irritation.
Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint does not fit properly, potentially leading to arthritis.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this affects the elbow joint, causing pain and mobility issues.
Legg-Perthes Disease: A condition affecting the hip joint, leading to pain and difficulty walking.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: A bleeding disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can lead to weight gain and skin problems.
Joint Issues: Various joint-related problems can develop, often linked to their small size.
Eye Problems: Conditions like cataracts can occur, requiring regular eye check-ups.
Obesity: Prone to weight gain, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise is crucial.
Skin Health Problems: Skin issues can arise, necessitating good grooming and care.

If buying from a Toy Fox Terrier breeder, be sure the breeder provides medical clearances for these issues from the proper organizations, such as the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.

What is the lifespan of a Toy Fox Terrier?

This breed has an average to above-average life expectancy. In good health, Toy Fox Terriers live between 12 and 15 human years, or to the dog ages of 74 to 84.

How much does a Toy Fox Terrier need to be fed?

As small dogs, TFTs do not need to each that much. With that being said, they will eat whenever the opportunity arises and whatever it is. Obesity is a major health concern for this breed.

The standard diet is 32 grams to 64 grams of high-quality dry food which is best divided into two meals throughout the day.

Though these are active dogs, their energy and activity level is unique to each individual. So, rely on your vet’s guidance for the diet specifics for your dog.

How much can you expect to pay for a Toy Fox Terrier in Australia?

For being purebred, this dog breed is not really that expensive. In fact, you may be able to find a Toy Fox Terrier rescue to adopt.

However, if you chose to buy from a breeder, you should contact the national breed club to locate a reputable breeder.

You can expect Toy Fox Terrier puppies to cost between $400 and $600.

Toy Fox Terrier FAQs

Are Toy Fox Terrier dogs hypoallergenic?

Though they may look like a good choice for an allergy sufferer, TFTs are not. However, it is important to remember that people suffer from various degrees of sensitivity as well. Generally speaking, TFTs are not considered hypoallergenic as these dogs do create dander.

What’s the difference between a Toy Fox Terrier and a Miniature Fox Terrier?

Both are hunting dogs but originate from different countries. The Mini is Australian, and the TFT is from the United States.

The TFT is more commonly a solid colour, while the Mini is more commonly bi-coloured. The TFT also tends to have more energy, but less bark than the Mini. And the TFT needs less space to live.

Are Toy Fox Terriers aggressive?

The answer is both yes and no.

These dogs can be scrappy. They do want to assert dominance. So while they tend to be friendly to humans they are familiar with, they can be aggressive toward other dogs, and sometimes strangers. This is most often experienced outside, such as when going for walks.