Description: In America the Toy Fox Terrier is called Amertoy or Toy Terrier. This breed has a domed skull and a small muzzle. The eyes are dark in colour and round in shape. The nose is black, in most dogs, except in the chocolate coated dogs. This dog has V shaped ears that are erect. The dog stands at 10 inches and their weight is 3?7 pounds. This breed is in the terrier group. The tail is docked, in countries that permit docking. The coat is short and thick and is tri-coloured with white being the main colour, and you can then see black and tan or tan. Other colours do sometimes pop up but may not be accepted by some show standards.
History: The Toy Fox Terrier was developed in America in the 1930's. As with a lot of the Terrier family it was first used as a working dog to hunt rats and mice for the farmers. This breed is a descendent from the Smooth Fox Terrier, which was crossed with toy breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Italian Greyhound, Chihuahua, and the Manchester Terrier. This was done to miniaturize the dog, to the dog we see today called the Toy Fox Terrier. There is another group that believes the Toy Fox Terrier has only come from the Smooth Fox Terrier by selective breeding of the smallest Smooth Fox Terrier to miniaturize this line of dog and that no other dog breeds were used. The Toy Fox Terrier was recognized by the UKC in 1936 and then by the AKC in 2000.
Temperament: This may be a small dog but is very robust, as are most of the Terrier family. This is a hardy dog that is intelligent curious and active staying active all its life. This dog is loyal, loving, and is sensitive. This is a dog that has high levels of energy, and is inquisitive. This breed has got all the Terrier qualities and will still hunt and kill mice and rats, so small pets such as rats and rabbits are not a good idea with this breed. The Toy Fox Terrier is small but will still need a firm consistent leader to meet its natural balance and to bring out the best in the breed. Small Dog Syndrome is not good and this breed, if they think they are the pack leader, will become yappy and over demanding. This dog is great to train and with its sharp intelligent brain learns quickly. The Toy Fox Terrier is used for assisting the disabled and can work well for hard of hearing and other disabled groups, around the home. This dog is good with children providing the child understands to be a small leader. The dog will stay puppy like all its life which is about 13-14 years.
Health issues: While, over all, this is a good healthy breed of dog there are lines that can get stifle or Legg calve Perthes a syndrome, that is of the hip joint and is degenerative, both of which can be seen in the Toy breeds. Diet is important with this breed as allergies to corn, beet pulp, and wheat can develop.
Grooming: The Toy Fox Terrier is easy to keep smart and clean all that is needed is brushing the coat occasionally. This breed is a light shedder.
Living conditions: The Toy Fox Terrier is good for apartment living and is happy and active in an apartment, not needing a garden. This dog will still need good daily walks as it is an active breed and so needs to release a lot of energy and fulfil its need to have a great look around and explore.
