Toy Fox Terriers: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Toy Fox Terrier breed

The Toy Fox Terrier!

The Toy Fox Terrier, also known by its alternative names – American Toy Terrier or Amertoy, is a small terrier type breed of dog. It is characterized by its predominantly solid head with a definite stop separating the domed skull from the narrow muzzle and a short tail that is carried high. Its eyes are dark and round while its ears are V-shaped and erect. The Toy Fox Terrier possesses a generally athletic appearance due to its flexible muscular body.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
13-14 years

Energy Level:
Higher than average.

Living Conditions:
Fine for apartment life.

Barking:
Average..

Exercise Needs:
Yard play or daily 15 minute walk.

Breed Group:
AKC: Toy
UKC: Terrier

Size:
Small

Height:
8 - 11.5 inches

Weight:
3.5 to 7 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
White coat with black and/or tan markings.

National breed club:
American Toy Fox Terrier Club

Toy Fox Terrier Skills

The lineage of Toy Fox Terriers can be traced back to careful breeding of Fox Terriers with Toy breeds, thus the retention of its ancient terrier instincts of hunting and fighting mice and other small animals. In fact its first use was hunting rats. It is a perfect companion dog that can be trained to assist handicapped people as well as an excellent show piece performing quite well in conformation, obedience and agility trials. This particular breed of dog is also commonly used in circus shows.

Toy Fox Terrier Personality

Notwithstanding its small size, the Toy Fox Terrier tends to act like a big dog, not unlike the passion of its Terrier ancestors. It is bright, energetic, tough and rather quick. Its exceptional intelligence readily manifests itself by being a highly trainable dog. This particular breed is especially fond of human company but is not recommended for children due to its fragile size. The Toy Fox Terrier is quite entertaining and playful and is best suited for owners with a healthy sense of humor.

Exercise Needs

Being very active dogs, Toy Fox Terriers can pretty much take care of their exercise needs even indoors. However, this breed of dog is known to welcome any opportunity for a hunt either in a backyard or a barnyard.

Living Conditions

An apartment life is quite suitable for a Toy Fox Terrier. It is capable of being very active indoors and provision of a yard is not necessary. A coat should be worn during the winter to keep it warm as Toy Fox Terriers are unable to tolerate cold weather.

Grooming Requirements

Grooming a Toy Fox Terrier is relatively easy. It may consist of occasional combing and brushing of the smooth coat. It is also a light shedder. The Toy Fox Terrier is better kept with their nails short.

Health Issues

The Toy Fox Terrier is a fairly healthy breed but may be prone to typical Toy problems such as Legg- Perthes and stifle. Allergy towards beet pulp, corn and wheat are fairly common to the toy Fox Terrier.

If you liked this dog…

...you would probably be interested in the Miniature Fox Terrier, a related breed developed among similar line in Australia. Being equally active and intelligent breeds, both can be taught to respond to numerous words.