TOY FOX TERRIER DOG BREED

Description:

The Toy Fox Terrier is a direct descendant of the Smooth Fox Terrier. This breed was developed in the United States in the 20^th century. Most often, these terriers were used as rat hunters and circus artists. In 2003, Toy Fox Terriers were officially recognized by the Toy Group of the American Kennel Club, and they are often referred to as American Toy Fox Terriers.

Height: 8-12 inches  Weight: 3-7 pounds  Lifespan: 12-15 years

Characteristics:

The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, agile and strong breed which has an extremely high level of energy. This breed is considered to be much more responsive and more teachable than most terriers. Toy Fox Terriers are extremely vigilant and hardy, yet very playful. Like all terriers, these dogs are absolutely fearless by nature and very difficult to intimidate. Comparable Breeds: The Rat Terrier and Chihuahua.

Character:

Sensitive, loving, loyal and affectionate, the Toy Fox Terrier is the personification of encouraging companion. Because of its tiny size, this breed gets along better with older children who know how to behave. Toy Fox Terriers get along well with other dog breeds, cats and other domestic animals, provided that they grew up in the same house. These dogs have a tendency to challenge much bigger dogs of the same sex, so it is better not to leave them without supervision. The Toy Fox Terrier is extremely cheerful, funny and interesting little dog.

Coat / Care:

Toy Fox Terriers have a short, smooth coat, which is pleasant in structure and slightly longer at the ruff. This breed usually comes in three colors: black, brown and white. However, there may be other color combination, including white, chocolate and brown, white and brown, or black and white. Since the Toy Fox Terrier sheds moderately, he requires virtually no maintenance. From time to time, clean your pet with a brush or a rubber glove. Toy Fox Terriers should be bathed only when needed, using a dry shampoo. Also, it of great importance to monitor oral hygiene and to trim the nails once or twice a month.

Health Problems:

The most characteristic diseases for the Toy Fox Terriers are Allergies, Patellar Luxation, Legg-calve-perthes disease, Demodectic mange, Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD) and Congenital Hypothyroidism. The Toy Fox Terrier is not suitable for countries with extremely cold temperatures. The Toy Fox Terrier has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Weight / Height

The male Toy Fox Terrier dog breed’s height is around 8.5-11.5 inches and weighs around 3.5 and 7 pounds. Female Toy Fox Terrier dogs can reach a size from 8.5-11.5 inches and weighs between 3.5 and 7 pounds.

Training:

Very clever breed by nature, the Toy Fox Terrier learns with ease. Early socialization and obedience training is highly important for this breed. Make sure to avoid coarse or heavy-handed teaching methods, since this approach can only do harm. As a matter of fact, education should be based on firmness, respect and positive reinforcement, including food reward and play. Toy Fox Terriers are showing exceptional talents as helpers for people with disabilities.

Activity:

The Toy Fox Terrier likes to be engaged in physical and mental work on the everyday basis. Hence, this breed loves to take part in all sorts of outdoors activities, and it especially enjoys family games. Toy Fox Terriers like hiking on a leash but prefer to frolic in a safe and well-protected place, where they can roam around and explore. If he exercises sufficiently, the Toy Fox Terrier is great for keeping in a city apartment.

Photo credit: Sunny/Flickr