Toy Fox Terrier

The Toy Fox Terrier, cousin to the larger smooth Fox Terrier, is a lot of dog in a little package. Sturdy, and full of energy, this breed exhibits the best qualities of the toy breeds and the terriers. They enjoy cuddles, but their shining eyes give away their inherent spunk. Read on to learn more about the Toy Fox Terrier.

Description of the Toy Fox Terrier

With alert ears and eager eyes, these sturdy little companions can bring to mind breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier. This breed is usually smaller, though, with a more tempered version of the terrier tenacity. They are overwhelmingly cute – but don’t let that fool you. There is a lot of power built into their muscular frames.

The Toy Fox Terrier has a smooth, short coat. Most commonly, they are a mix of black, white, and tan. Markings are often concentrated around the head, but a variety of patterns are possible.

Life Expectancy and Size

As a toy breed, these dogs stand under a foot tall, usually measuring between 8.5 and 11.5 inches. They can weigh anywhere from 3.5 to 7 pounds. These dogs generally live into their early double-digits.

Protective Ability

This breed has great skill as a watchdog, being quite alert, and even barky. Many fox terriers are excited to announce the arrival of a cat or a neighbor.

Of course, there’s not much bite to back up that bark. The Toy Fox Terrier is just that – a toy sized dog. They do not have any real ability to protect their owners, despite often possessing unending love for them.

Training

The Toy Fox Terrier is eager and willing to please. These dogs are particularly well-suited to learning tricks. They are quick and clever, and many  are successful as obedience or agility dogs. On the other hand, this breed can be notoriously hard to potty train. Begin early, and seek the help of a trainer if necessary.

Because they are high energy, it can be quite easy to lose this dog’s attention. Maintaining a positive attitude and changing things up can help. Although they enjoy treats and respond well to them, it is easy for the Toy Fox Terrier to become overweight. Reduce the size of their regular meals to accommodate treats in training.

Energy Level

These are energetic dogs, there’s no way around that. They still have the terrier spunk, although it’s not as overwhelming as in many breeds.

When they are young, these dogs are especially playful, but they maintain a puppy-like attitude for many years. In such a small dog, this can be quite endearing. Besides adequate exercise, they should be allowed plenty of play and social time with their humans.

What Living with a Toy Fox Terrier is Like

This is a fun dog to live with. Playful and cuddly, he is a true member of the family.

These dogs are generally happy-go-lucky – an enigmatic mix between snuggle bugs and playmates. This can make them particularly fun for kids that are able to respect their small size. It can also mean that this breed will bounce off the walls from time to time.

Toy fox terriers are usually quite healthy during their long lives. One of the biggest causes of health problems for this breed is obesity. With proper feeding and exercise, this should be avoidable in most individuals.

Although this breed needs regular exercise, a lot of it can be achieved through playtime. They tend to let you know (by barking, digging, or chewing) if they’re being under-stimulated.

Care of the Toy Fox Terrier

These are adaptable dogs that can fit into many homes. It is most important that owners give them adequate play and snuggle time.

Environmental Needs

Originally bred as ratting dogs, the Toy Fox Terrier is small but versatile. They can deal with a variety of climates, as long as it’s not too cold. Their short hair and small bodies may not hold up to extended periods in frigid temperatures.

Exercise Needs

As terriers, these dogs need regular exercise. Daily walks or light jogs are a good option for the Toy Fox Terrier. They particularly enjoy being outside, so they may be good hiking partners or farm dogs. Do remember that their small legs can only work so fast. They also may face unique dangers around large dogs or livestock.

Even after his daily activity, the this breed is still likely to be energetic and playful at home. Providing these dogs with constructive outlets for their energy can make living with them easier. Giving them fun jobs, such as agility training, can be enjoyable for both dog and owner.

Shedding and Grooming

The Toy Fox Terrier does shed, but because he is so small and his hair short, it is more manageable than most. A mitt or glove can help to loosen dirt and hair, easing the amount of hair that ends up in the house.

Baths can be infrequent, limited to only when these terriers become smelly. Of course, this breed needs the regular care that all dogs require, including nail trimming.

Ideal Home Environment

This breed is popular, and can be a good fit for anyone that is willing to satisfy the Toy Fox Terrier’s busy mind, and provide them with the snuggles they desire. They love the outdoors, but as long as they can access an outdoor place to play, they can deal with apartment life as well.

Toy Fox Terriers can be a good choice for older kids, who may enjoy their antics well into adulthood. This breed is small, though, so care should be taken with small children that can hurt them accidentally. This breed is not a good fit for extremely active or inactive owners, or those that cannot care for their fragile little bodies.

Health Concerns

The Toy Fox Terriers are generally quite healthy. Later in life, they can fall victim to the joint or eye issues that plague many older dogs. Thyroid problems can also arise. Working with a reputable breeder and maintaining the Toy Fox Terrier’s weight can help them live their fullest lives.

Behavior Problems

This breed can be mischievous. They’re known to jump over, or dig under fences, excited to chase nearby prey. If they can’t reach that prey, they may begin to bark in a rather annoying fashion. They need solidly enclosed yards and supervision.

As watchdogs, this breed can be suspicious of new humans or dogs. This can be tempered by early socialization training. Beware that poorly socialized fox terriers may challenge other dogs, even those that they most certainly cannot handle.