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The Toy Fox Terrier is the result of the Smooth Fox Terrier being bred to smaller toy breeds to create a smaller version of Fox Terrier that could fit into small spaces and assist in rodent control. This breed tends to be a lot of dogs in a small body. They are cute, clever, impulsive, stubborn, and willful.
Breed Overview
Height:
8.5 – 11.5 inches
Weight:
3.5 – 7 pounds
Lifespan:
12 – 14 years
Colors:
Tricolor, black and white, white and wan, white and chocolate
Suitable for:
Adults, families with older kids
Temperament:
Active, intelligent, clever, stubborn, willful
They have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, this small breed weighs between 3.5 and 7 pounds and tends to get no taller than 11.5 inches at the shoulder. They have erect ears, pointy snouts, and come in a few different coat colorations including tricolor, black and white, white and tan, and white and chocolate.
Owners can expect a lot of love and loyalty from this breed and will come to enjoy their lively nature. They are relatively active little dogs that will make great company on short walks or regular daily playtime. These spunky little dogs can make for great companions with the right person or family.\
Toy Fox Terrier Characteristics
Toy Fox Terrier Puppies
Toy Fox Terriers will not be for everyone. They do have some character flaws that potential owners should be aware of. They can be feisty and are very quick to bark. Their natural prey drive causes them to be quick to chase and run off if off-leash.
Toy Fox Terriers will want to be always around their owners, as they become very attached. They can exhibit separation anxiety and destructive behaviors if left alone for too long. These little dogs are especially difficult to train since they think they are the boss, and their stubbornness knows no bounds.
They are best suited for a home without small children, and you should exercise caution with other pets, as they may get bossy and pick fights with others which can have terrible consequences.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terriers are full of personality. They are loyal, loving, willful, clever, bossy, and a bit stubborn. While they can learn very easily, they can be difficult to train due to the stubborn, independent nature and the fact that he thinks he’s your boss and not the other way around.
Toy Fox Terriers are very loyal and affectionate with their owners and will prefer to be always with them. They are energetic, hyper little creatures that will leave laughing and thoroughly entertained.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Toy Fox Terriers generally do best in a home with adults or families with older kids that can handle them appropriately and are aware of boundaries. Toy Fox Terriers aren’t ideal for younger kids due to their small size and tendency to get nippy and bossy with smaller children. Young children should be supervised around any dog to avoid any accidental injuries.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
The Toy Fox Terrier can exhibit “small dog syndrome” and tends to be bossy and even a bit scrappy with other dogs. For this reason, you will want to be cautious around other pets in the household, especially larger dogs that could cause them harm.
They have big personalities and do not seem to realize they are in tiny little bodies. They can be injured very easily by larger animals that may simply be defending themselves from these little spitfires.
Toy Fox Terriers do love to chase, after all, it is in their nature. You may have to watch them with smaller animals such as cats. Though a lot of cats may be larger and pose more of a threat to this dog. Proper socialization and training from a young age are key. It’s best to bring the toy fox terrier up with other pets rather than introduce them later.
Things to Know When Owning a Toy Fox Terrier:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Toy Fox terriers should be fed high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their size, age, and activity level. You want to avoid overfeeding or offering any human foods, as this could lead to obesity and associated health issues.
Toy Fox Terriers have been known to exhibit food allergies to some of the fillers used in commercial dog foods such as corn or wheat products. Food allergies should be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.
It’s always best to consult your veterinarian for dietary advice since diet and nutrition are so vitally important for overall health and longevity.
Exercise 🐕
This is an energetic and active little breed that will require some daily exercise for their health, energy expenditure, and mental stimulation. Toy Fox terriers will enjoy a romp around a secure, fenced-in yard, as they should not be let loose due to their tendency to take off and explore.
They will also do great with daily walks. Since they are so small with tiny little legs, a little walk each day could go a long way. They will also enjoy getting rowdy and playing with their people. It can be entertaining to watch these little guys jump around when excited and playful.
Training 🎾
The Toy Fox Terrier is as stubborn as he is intelligent. They do pick up on commands quite easily, they just may not always want to listen to them. This willful little breed will not be easiest to train so it is best to get a head start in puppyhood.
They are well known for being especially difficult to potty train due to their independent and stubborn nature. This is typical of small dogs so it’s best to start early and show your puppy where they are expected to use the bathroom. It may save you some trouble down the road.
Always use positive reinforcement training and keep it interesting. They are clever little dogs that can bore easily with mundane, routine training. Be prepared for your Toy Fox Terrier to try and boss you around.
Grooming ✂️
The Toy Fox Terrier is very easy to groom due to its short coat. Weekly brushing can help remove loose hair and prevent it from showing up on clothing or furniture. Though short-haired they do shed moderately all year round.
Small dogs can be more prone to dental disease, so it is recommended that you brush their teeth regularly. You should start the process from puppyhood so that these stubborn little guys are used to this as their normal routine. They can be a bit stubborn and nippy in situations that make them uncomfortable.
Their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent uncomfortable overgrowth. Always check their ears to ensure they are clean and free of infection or any debris that could irritate them.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Toy Fox Terrier has a lifespan of 13 to 14 years. They are prone to some genetic health concerns so as with any pet, it is recommended that you visit the veterinarian regularly for health and wellness checkups and contact them if you notice any unusual symptoms or have any cause for concern.
Male vs Female
While there are not many notable differences in personality traits or physical characteristics between male and female Toy Fox Terriers, it is rumored that females may be slightly easier to potty train. This is not always the case, however.
When it comes to getting your dog spayed or neutered, spaying a female is the more complex and expensive surgery compared to the neuter of a male. Having your pets spayed or neutered is very important if you are not a reputable breeder, as there are many behavioral and health benefits to having this done.
Speak to your veterinarian about the procedure and make sure to go along with their recommendation, as it can be very beneficial long-term.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Toy Fox Terrier
1. Toy Fox Terriers Make Good Watchdogs
These little dogs may not make ideal guard dogs, but they will make excellent watchdogs. Their fierce loyalty to their owners coupled with their need to bark at anything should leave you confident that you will be alerted of just about anything and everything.
2. Toy Fox Terriers Are An American Breed
Most of the time, you hear of dog breeds with history and origins across the world. After all, purebred dogs were around long before the United States came to be. This breed was first developed in the late 19th to early 20the century when breeders in the United States crossed the Smooth Fox Terriers other toy breeds including Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers, other terriers, and even the Italian Greyhound.
3. They Were Bred for Hunting
Toy Fox Terriers were bred down from the Smooth Fox Terrier to produce a smaller, more compact dog that could take on smaller spaces when hunting small prey like rodents. Toy Fox Terriers were commonly used to keep down the rat population on farms and to hunt squirrels.
Final Thoughts
The Toy Fox Terrier is a tiny, adorable, feisty little character that can make a great companion for the right person. They are little dogs with some of the biggest personalities. They are friendly and fiercely loyal to their owner and do not want to be away from them for long.
They may be wary of strangers and aren’t the best dogs for households with small children. They are stubborn, impulsive, and willful little creatures that can be more difficult to train than your average dog. They do a lot of barking and while they are a great size for apartments, their neighbors may not appreciate it.
The Toy Fox Terrier is active and will need daily exercise, but their small size would make them a great companion for a more active elderly owner. Overall, these spirited little dogs can bring you a lot of love and laughs and can make great pets to those that can handle their large personalities.
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Featured Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock
