Toy Fox Terrier

Breed Description

The Toy Fox Terrier is a breed that originated in the United States in the early 20th century as a result of targeted efforts to create a compact, active, and versatile dog. This breed was developed from smooth-coated Fox Terriers brought to America from Great Britain. American breeders aimed to create a dog that would retain the temperament and hunting instincts of the Fox Terrier while being smaller in size, making it suitable as both a hunter and a companion.

To achieve compactness, small smooth-coated Fox Terriers, along with breeds like the Manchester Terrier and Chihuahua, were used in breeding. This allowed for a reduction in size while maintaining the dog’s energy, intelligence, and physical endurance. The result of this work was the Toy Fox Terrier-a breed that quickly gained popularity due to its versatility.

The first representatives of the breed were used on farms to combat rodents, where they displayed their excellent hunting qualities. These small, yet agile dogs were perfectly suited for working in hard-to-reach areas that larger terriers could not access. With their cleverness and eagerness to please, Toy Fox Terriers became not only working dogs but also cherished family pets.

As the popularity of compact breeds grew, Toy Fox Terriers began to capture the attention of city dwellers. Their small size, ease of care, and cheerful nature made them ideal companions for apartment living. The breed became popular not only among farmers but also among people leading active urban lifestyles.

The Toy Fox Terrier was officially recognized as a breed in the United States in the mid-20th century. Its popularity spread beyond America, making it known in other countries as well. Today, the Toy Fox Terrier remains true to its roots, combining hunting instincts, an energetic temperament, and a tender affection for its owners. Their story is one of adaptation and versatility, making them true stars among small breeds.

Appearance

The Toy Fox Terrier is a small yet beautifully proportioned dog with a harmonious and athletic build. Their appearance blends elegance and energy, making them versatile for both work and companionship roles. The body of the Toy Fox Terrier is compact, with well-developed muscles that highlight its active nature. This breed has a sturdy yet lightweight structure that allows for agility and speed.

The coat of the Toy Fox Terrier is short, smooth, and glossy, closely fitting the body. It not only gives the dog a neat appearance but is also easy to care for. Coat colors can vary widely, but the most common include white with patches of black, tan, or chocolate shades. The contrasting patches enhance the elegant lines of the body and give the dog a vibrant personality.

The average height of a Toy Fox Terrier is 21-28 cm at the shoulder, and their weight ranges from 2 to 4 kg. These compact dimensions make them ideal for urban living, but their physical activity requires regular walks and play. Despite their small size, Toy Fox Terriers are strong and resilient, reflecting their hunting origins.

The lifespan of a Toy Fox Terrier averages 13-15 years, and with good care, they can live even longer. This breed maintains its activity and playfulness even into maturity, making them loyal and cheerful companions throughout life. The appearance of the Toy Fox Terrier emphasizes their versatility and natural charm, which has contributed to their popularity.

Отличительные черты

Голова

In proportion to the rest of the body, it resembles a blunt wedge, both from the front and the side. When viewed from the front, the skull gradually expands from the nose to the base of the ears. The skull is moderate in width and slightly rounded. Serious defects include a dome-shaped skull (apple head) and a flat skull. Defects include an excessively wide occipital area.

Морда

The distance from the nose to the forehead is identical to the distance from the forehead to the nape of the neck. The muzzle is proportional to the length and overall size of the head. It has a smooth tapering in a straight line from the base of the ears to the tip of the nose. The area under the eyes is well filled. A Roman nose is considered a serious defect. Among the drawbacks, we note an excessively narrow, overly wide, or short muzzle.

Уши

V-shaped, set high and quite close to each other. The inner edge of the ear is aligned with the top of the skull. The ears are erect, and the cartilage is fairly firm. The size of the ears is proportional to the size of the head. Too rounded ear edges are a defect.

Глаза

Typically, they are dark brown. Preference is given to the darkest eyes. The gaze is intelligent, clear, and aristocratic. The shape of the eyes is closer to round. They are set at a significant distance from each other. Among the shortcomings are: irises of light shades, strabismus, protruding eyes, and an expressionless gaze.

Зубы

The bite is scissors-like, the enamel is white, and the teeth themselves are strong and closely fitted to each other. However, the presence of a proper bite is quite acceptable. A lack of teeth is not considered a defect if the strength of the bite and grip is preserved.

Корпус

The silhouette of the body appears nearly square when viewed from the side. The torso is well-balanced and narrows towards the rear of the ribs. The back is straight and very strong, while the chest is deep but not barrel-shaped. A chest that is too narrow is considered a serious flaw.

Конечности

Strong, straight, with rounded bones, they do not appear lightweight but also do not add bulk to the exterior. The front limbs are even, straight, and strong, with muscles that are not defined but are durable. The hind limbs have good musculature, with powerful and short thighs. A significant flaw is considered to be limbs that are placed too closely together or that are poorly developed.

Хвост

It’s positioned high, staying no lower than the level of the back while in motion. In a calm state, it can be lower than the back level, but should never be pinched between the legs. The minimum size is 2.5 - 3 cm, and the maximum length is 7.5 cm. This requirement applies to toy foxes over six months old.

Шерсть

Short, satin-like and shiny, very fine in texture and smooth to the touch - this distinguishes the coat of the Toy Fox Terrier from other types of terriers. It is slightly longer on the back of the body, uniformly distributed over the rest of the body. A coat that is too coarse is considered a serious fault.

Окрас

The predominance of white over the other colors is considered the norm. However, the white fur on the head should be less than half. Combinations of white with brown, white with black, and white with chocolate in various shades are acceptable. Too "red" shades of brown and dark shades of chocolate are not encouraged.

Character

The Toy Fox Terrier is renowned for its energetic and playful personality. They make excellent companions for active individuals and possess an intelligent and independent nature. Let’s take a closer look at the main character traits of this breed.

High activity and boundless energy are characteristic of these little dogs throughout their lives, even into old age. Toy Fox Terriers need regular physical exercise. They love to run, play, and engage in sports, so a sedentary lifestyle, like that of a Basset Hound, is unsuitable for them. If you are an active person, a Toy Fox Terrier will make a great partner for your adventures. In this case, you can confidently get a puppy from a kennel.

Their intelligence and cleverness are often simply impressive. These dogs have a high level of intelligence and easily learn various commands. They are curious and always ready to learn new things, requiring constant mental stimulation. Training a Toy Fox Terrier can be an enjoyable activity, but it demands patience and consistency. Pay attention to the advice of professional dog trainers when looking through puppy sale listings. They will help you approach the training process from a professional standpoint, making it faster and easier.

Friendliness and a desire for interaction are also traits of Toy Fox Terriers. They absolutely adore being around people and get along well with children and other animals, though they may sometimes exhibit aggression towards other dogs due to their independent nature, particularly with same-sex dogs.

Despite their small size, Toy Fox Terriers are distinguished by their caution and observance. They can serve as good watchdogs, always ready to protect their owners from any threat. Naturally, they are unlikely to apprehend a criminal, but their loud, sharp bark makes them excellent alarms.

Their love for games and cheerful disposition are liked by all family members, especially children. Entertaining those around them with their positive energy and drawing attention is something both puppies and adult dogs greatly enjoy. They are always ready for active play and entertainment, making their temperament ideal for families with children or active individuals.Overall, Toy Fox Terriers are wonderful dogs with their unique character. They require attention and care from their owners, but in return, they offer unwavering loyalty and love. If you are looking for a loyal friend and companion for an active lifestyle, a Toy Fox Terrier is an excellent choice.

Care and Maintenance

Taking care of a Toy Fox Terrier is an important aspect of ensuring a healthy and happy life for them. These active and energetic dogs require specific living conditions and regular care to be at their best.

One of the main elements of care and maintenance is their physical activity. Toy Fox Terriers are very energetic dogs that need a lot of regular exercise. They love to run, play, and engage in sports, so a sedentary lifestyle is not suitable for them. Regular and fairly long walks, outdoor games, agility training, or playing frisbee all help satisfy a Toy Fox Terrier’s need for movement and stimulate their mental capabilities. This information can be obtained from reputable breeders who have posted puppy sales ads on Zoohnika. The best selection of kennels in Russia can be found on our site.

Caring for the coat of Toy Fox Terriers does not require much effort, but it plays an important role. They have beautiful fur that should be brushed with a special glove or brush. This process helps remove dead hair and provides a massaging effect that benefits the dog’s nervous system. They should only be bathed when necessary, after heavy soiling, and only with dog shampoos.

Regular feeding with high-quality food designed for medium and small breeds, according to their age and activity level, is essential for maintaining the health of Toy Fox Terriers. It is easiest to use super-premium quality food, which contains all the necessary vitamins, and the dry pellets help clean the dental enamel from plaque. It’s also important to provide fresh water and check their teeth and ears for cleanliness and health. The use of ready-made commercial holistic foods simplifies weight management for your pet.

Training and stimulation are necessary for ensuring mental stimulation for a Toy Fox Terrier. Regular training, games, and various mental tasks will help develop their cognitive abilities and prevent frustration. For instance, you can organize a scent-based game where you hide a treat and ask the dog to find it. Such games develop hunting skills and enhance their intellectual abilities. You can also use your pup’s favorite toy instead of a treat.

Regular visits to the veterinarian for check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite treatments are essential for maintaining the health of a Toy Fox Terrier. Attention should also be paid to monitoring their weight and overall health condition.In cases where a puppy comes home to a cat, they may develop a strong friendship. However, it is unlikely to happen with rodents, as hunting instincts will prevail, and sooner or later, the “prey” will be caught. Conflicts typically do not arise with other animals. However, the Toy Fox, despite being a small dog, is an innate leader. The owner’s task is to prevent the pet from taking a dominant position; otherwise, a little tyrant demanding constant attention will appear. Additionally, animals that do not have proper physical exercise often display deviant behavior and aggression. In difficult situations, the help of a pet psychologist may be necessary.Caring for a Toy Fox Terrier requires certain efforts, but in return, you will get a loyal and happy pet that will delight you with their energy and love. Be prepared to devote time and attention to your pet, and you will be rewarded with their loyalty.

Training and Education

Raising and training toy fox terriers play a crucial role in shaping their behavior and character. The right training methods help raise a dog that will behave well in a variety of situations and bring joy to its owner through obedience and loyalty. In this article, we will discuss the main principles of raising and training toy fox terriers and provide some examples of exercises to help shape the desired behavior in your dog.

The process of upbringing starts the moment a puppy arrives home. It is important to establish clear rules and boundaries that will be maintained throughout the dog’s life. Gradually familiarizing the puppy with house rules, play and feeding restrictions, as well as socialization with other animals and people are all essential elements of raising a toy fox terrier puppy.

Training, on the other hand, focuses on developing specific skills and commands that will assist the dog in daily life. Basic commands such as “sit,” “lie down,” “heel,” “leave it,” and “go to your place” are necessary for effective communication with the dog and controlling its behavior both in public and at home.

Before choosing a puppy from a kennel, familiarize yourself with some examples of exercises:

“Sit!” Start with this command by showing a treat, then lifting it above the dog’s head to encourage it to look up. As soon as the dog sits, immediately reward it with the treat and praise. Gradually increase the time the dog must sit before receiving the reward.

“Leave it!” Find an item that attracts your dog’s attention (like a favorite toy) and slowly bring it close to the dog’s nose. As soon as it shows interest, say “leave it!” and remove the item. Once the dog loses interest in the item, praise it and give a treat.”Go to your place!” Start by putting the dog on a short leash and taking a few steps away from it. Then say “place!” and indicate with your hand or a treat the spot where you want the dog to return. As soon as it comes to the specified place, praise and reward it.It is important to remember that training requires patience, consistency, and perseverance. Dogs, including toy fox terriers, are more easily trained using positive methods and reinforcement. Every training session should be based on encouragement and praise rather than punishment. Zooinika brings together certified breeders offering puppies with excellent pedigrees.

How to Choose a Puppy

Where to buy a Toy Fox Terrier puppy? Since this is a very responsible step, there are several important factors to consider when choosing a puppy of this breed.

Breed Club and Breeder: It’s essential to work with reputable breeders who have a solid reputation in breeding Toy Fox Terriers. Check ratings and reviews about the kennels. On Zooinika, you will find the best selection of kennels in Russia offering puppies of various terrier breeds, including Toy Fox Terriers.

Health: Responsible breeders will always have health test results for both the parents and the puppies. Ensure that the parents have negative results for hereditary diseases and that the puppies are vaccinated.

Visual Inspection: Pay attention to the puppy’s activity, coat condition, and skin. The puppy should look happy, energetic, and show no signs of shyness or aggression.

Socialization: A good kennel should ensure the socialization of the puppies. This way, you can choose a puppy from the kennel with confidence that it has already been exposed to various sounds, smells, and situations.

Pedigree: Make sure the puppy has a complete pedigree and documents confirming its origin. If you do not plan to participate in breeding or improving the breed, it may be worth considering advertisements for puppies without documents. However, in this case, there is a high risk of fraud by sellers.Contract: Don’t forget that a dog is also a commodity. It’s advisable to enter into a contract with the breeder that clearly outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. On Zooinika, it’s simple, fast, and safe, with a quality guarantee.

Health and Diseases

Toy Fox Terriers are generally healthy but are prone to certain conditions that owners should be aware of. Like many small breeds, they may experience patellar luxation, which manifests as limping or discomfort when moving, especially in active dogs. Regular veterinary check-ups and weight management can help minimize the risk of this condition.

The breed may also be susceptible to hypothyroidism, which is related to thyroid dysfunction. This condition is characterized by reduced activity, weight gain, and a decline in coat condition. Treatment is tailored individually, and timely diagnosis can effectively manage this condition.

Toy Fox Terriers sometimes suffer from skin allergies caused by food, external irritants, or parasites. Symptoms include itching, skin redness, and hair loss. Using hypoallergenic food, regular parasite treatment, and proper skin care can help address this issue.

Due to their small size, the breed may face dental issues, including tartar buildup and gum inflammation. Regular teeth brushing, the use of special oral care toys, and periodic professional cleaning by a veterinarian can help prevent these problems.

Some Toy Fox Terriers may be prone to inherited eye diseases, such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy. Regular check-ups with a veterinary ophthalmologist can help identify and treat these conditions promptly.

Due to their active temperament, Toy Fox Terriers are prone to injuries, particularly if they overestimate their jumping or playing abilities. It’s important to monitor their safety, especially at home, to avoid fractures or dislocations.The average lifespan of Toy Fox Terriers is 13 to 15 years, and with good care, they can live longer. Regular preventive veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, active walks, and attention to their emotional well-being help maintain the health of this breed at a high level, ensuring a long and happy life.