A diminutive satin-coated terrier with an amusing toy-dog personality, the Toy Fox Terrier is, as breed fanciers say, ‘truly a toy and a terrier.’ They began as barnyard ratters but are today beguiling companions with a big personality. A surefire recipe for fun: Take the lovability of a lapdog. Combine with terrier tenacity. Pour the mixture into a beautifully balanced container. Wrap in a tight-fitting satin coat. Top with large, erect ears and dark eyes that sparkle with eager intelligence. This is the Toy Fox Terrier, a lithe but sturdy little comedian standing under a foot tall but packed with enough charisma for a whole kennel of ordinary dogs. The breed’s admirers like to say, ‘TFTs are truly a toy and a terrier.
History
Health
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 Tests From the National Breed Club:
- Patella Evaluation
- Thyroid Evaluation
- Primary Lens Luxation(PLL)
Grooming
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.
Exercise
Quick, alert, and athletic, Toy Fox Terriers like running and romping. They enjoy walking, running, and hiking outdoors when they have the chance. On ‘days off,’ they are happy to run laps in the living room! Kids especially are charmed by the unending energy and zeal for play throughout this dog’s life, but as with all toy breeds, they are not recommended for small children. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment, although they love to explore the outdoors.
Training
Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended for all dogs and help to ensure that the Toy Fox Terrier grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. Housebreaking can involve just training the puppy to go outside, or it can include training him the use of a potty pad indoors, which can be very helpful for travel or during inclement weather conditions. Toy Fox Terriers are content and capable of any range of activities from hunting, to obedience, to just lounging around in the sun (or on the sofa). They are naturally extroverted and highly intelligent, which makes training, including housetraining, a breeze.
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