Fox Terrier, Toy

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Fox Terrier, Toy

Fox Terrier, Toy Characteristics

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Fox Terrier, Toy Breed Information

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 3.5 - 7 lbs

Height: 8.5 to 11 inches

Color(s): White, Chocolate and Tan; White and black; White and tan

Overview

A descendant of the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Toy Fox Terrier was developed in the United States during the 1930s. They were most commonly used as ratters and circus performers. Commonly referred to as the Amertoy, this breed was admitted into the American Kennel Club Toy Group division in 2003.

Character

The Toy Fox Terrier is small, agile, sturdy, and energetic. This breed is considered to be more responsive and more trainable than most terriers. They are extremely alert, hardy, and playful. They have a fearless nature and are not easily intimidated.

Temperament

A sensitive, loving, loyal, and affectionate breed, the Toy Fox Terrier is a spirited companion. Due to their stature they do best in a home with older considerate children. They thrive on attention and stimulation. This breed will get along with dogs, cats, and other household pets they have been raised with. They may have a tendency to display aggression to same gender dogs and will fight if provoked or threatened. The Toy Fox Terrier is exceedingly animated, comical, fun loving, and entertaining.

Care

Toy Fox Terriers are relatively maintenance free. An occasional brushing will suffice. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. It is important to provide regular dental hygiene. The nails must be kept short. The Toy Fox Terrier is prone to such health issues as allergies to beet, corn, and wheat, demodectic mange, patella luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthe disease, Von Willebrands disease, and congenital hypothyroidism with goiter. They do not do well in cold climates.

Coat

The coat of the Toy Fox Terrier is smooth to the touch, shiny, and fine in texture. It is of uniform length on the body and slightly longer in the ruff. The color of the coat is tri-color black, tan, and white. Other colors include white, chocolate, and tan, white and tan, or black and white. This breed is a light shedder.

Training

A highly intelligent breed, the Toy Fox Terrier is quick to learn. Early socialization and obedience are recommended. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training should be done with fairness, praise, firmness, reward, and consistency. This breed is exceptionally talented as a hearing dog for the deaf and as an assistant to the handicapped.

Activity

The Toy Fox Terrier benefits from regular daily exercise. They enjoy securely leashed walks, family play sessions, and a safely fenced area to run and romp in freely. They will do well in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, attention, and stimulation.

Ask a Question Fox Terrier, Toy Questions & Answers

QUESTION: Is the Toy Fox Terrier good with 11 year old kids.

Anonymous - 2/8/2012 9:57:16 AM

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QUESTION: We just got a dog with AKC papers that state he is a toy fox terrier. But he is already 5 lbs and only 8 weeks old. Is there any way he could *really* be a miniature fox terrier? Any way to really know? Thanks!

48mystic - 1/17/2012 6:27:36 PM

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QUESTION: I have a 1 year old female toy fox terrier and and she is in heat. How long does the heat cycle last? Can I stil take her out for walks outside? I dont know if I should breed her next year either?

Anonymous - 11/28/2011 3:20:23 PM

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QUESTION: I just acquired a Toy Fox Terrier. They were giving him away as he was to not a good fit for their family. (young child). I have brought him home and he seems to be doing well so far. I am curious to know is it normal for them to have long curled tail? He has the most beautiful brown colors and a brown nose & almost green eyes. He is going to be a special guy in our house. I don't like clipping ears and tails tho..do I have to do this? His ears are floppy & his tail is long and curled. Is he truly a toy fox terrier or possible mixed since he has floppy years and curled tail?

Anonymous - 11/1/2011 2:49:39 PM

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They usually dock a Toy Fox Terrier's tail, but most of the time for akc reasons. My toy fox terrier has a tiny numb for a tail and mt moms toy fox terrier has a longer nub so it just depends on the breeder. My toy fox terrier's ears do not stand all the time like my moms dog but she is a full blooded tft. No worries!

Anonymous - 1/20/2012 8:24:31 PM

Toy Fox Terriers have their tail clipped. I think at the 2nd or 3rd notch. This is usually done when they are a few days old. The ears will stand up when the puppy is older.

Anonymous - 1/3/2012 8:28:36 AM

Your Toy Fox Terrier puppy's ears will begin to stand erect as he gets older, certainly by the time he is a year old. If you don't plan to show your dog, there's no reason to dock its tail. Just love him and he'll keep you laughing, these guys are such clowns!

Anonymous - 11/11/2011 10:56:29 PM

QUESTION: I have a 3 year old Toy Fox Terrier Charli, and she sheds horrible! Can any one tell me why and what I can do to stop this shedding all the time? Other than this she is the perfect girl. She sheds year round !

Anonymous - 9/3/2011 10:04:50 AM

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Pull a small amount of olive oil in with your Toy Fox Terrier's food once a week ! it helps.

Anonymous - 1/20/2012 8:25:33 PM

QUESTION: Hello! I just adopted a 14yo TFT his owner went into Hospice and the family boarded dog with Vet for 5 mos. He was owned since a puppy by one elderly man. He is very weak from not moving much and his back legs shake or he limps upon arising. He also seems very tender in chest area when I pick him up to the sofa or bed. Vet said it is weakness but, his ribs seem to crackle and move-am I imagining this? I want to love this dog for whatever time he has but, I worry he needs arthritis meds or PT. I just want reassurance that (if given a complete clean bill of health from vet and btw this beauty has all his teeth!!) if TFT live beyond 14 yrs. He seems so healthy and vibrant (except for cataracts) I cannot imagine him dying in a few months. My 5lb Chihuahua dies at 22yo last year so I know theere are always exceptions to the standard. Love is a great healer and restore!

Anonymous - 7/31/2011 5:03:52 PM

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Did the vet check your TFT's patellas? I wouldn't worry so much about him crying some when you pick him up but have his patellas checked. You can give him glucosamin (sp?) it will help a lot with his joints.

Anonymous - 9/3/2011 6:47:46 PM

QUESTION: Is it okay to leave a toy fox terrier in a kennel for 2 months or more? and can they travel with you?

Anonymous - 7/29/2011 5:26:09 PM

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Personally I would not board a dog so long in a kennel. You risk several kennel spread diseases, the attention is limited and surroundings will be strange. Why don't you look into a home care situation where someone would foster your toy fox terrier for a fee in their home. The vet or rescues may recommend one or look online and get references and check out place. This way your pup will be in a home environment which is less stressful and get more attention. Traveling with any pet depends on what activities you will be doing and type of transport as well as temperament of pet. I traveled with some of my pets and they loved it-others were left home because stress caused incontinence, vomiting and anxiety.

Anonymous - 7/31/2011 5:11:04 PM

QUESTION: I have a 49 yr old toy fox terrier that thinks she is pregnant - we took her to the vet, but he said she is traumatized cause she wants to be a mom again, but she already has 10 times, i dont know what to do HELP ME PLEASE ALL APPRECIATE !!!!

Anonymous - 7/21/2011 11:53:19 AM

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QUESTION: I have a toy fox terrior he feels like he weighs about 10-12 pounds is that ok

Anonymous - 6/15/2011 11:47:43 AM

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yeah your fox terrier is just a bit over weight

Anonymous - 8/8/2011 12:06:20 PM

QUESTION: I've been thinking about buying a Toy Fox Terrier and would like to know if they are good for children around age 10. I also would like to know if they are good lap dogs.

Anonymous - 5/21/2011 7:02:27 PM

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I also have a tft they do get along with children around age 10 ! Five years and under they dislike...

Anonymous - 2/2/2012 8:53:29 PM

Toy Fox Terrier's are wonderful around older children and make great lap dogs. That's what they are for. But they do like to play.

Anonymous - 1/15/2012 5:34:23 PM

I have a 6 year old daughter, my Toy Fox Terrier is still a puppy. Only about 6 months or so. She is a great little dog. She gets into all the small things but lets the little one hold her all the time. She also loves the 2 cats Ihave who are bigger than her and plays with one of them like she is a cat. However the big dog mentality is there. She listens best to me as I'm the main one who feeds and takes care of her so will follow me everywhere. I trained without a leash and will never go anywhere. And I'm not a little dog guy but she grew on me and hope to add a big dog to the family with her and the cats

jrs23 - 10/5/2011 5:35:10 PM

I have a Toy Fox Terrier and my son grow up with her since he was 4 and now he is 11 and my daugther is 13, and yes they are good with kids and they like to sleep with people, but they like to protect people if you hit somebody that she loves she would want to bite you. You cant have them outside too long like about 20-25 minutes its ok for them and give them ice cold water.

Anonymous - 7/21/2011 11:46:11 AM

QUESTION: How long are the tails of a toy fox terrier?

Anonymous - 5/16/2011 5:07:10 PM

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My Fox Terrier's tail is about an inch, inch and a half long.

Anonymous - 6/8/2011 9:32:14 PM

QUESTION: I have 2 Toy Fox Terriers, the girl is 3 yrs old and weighs 5 lbs; the boy is 18 mos old and weighs 15 lbs. We recently introduced an 8 wk old kitten into our house as a gift for one of my 3 children. The problem is that our female TFT will chase and bite the cat. I am worried that she might kill the poor kitten. I have been keeping the kitten locked in my son's bedroom and will only bring the kitten out when the dogs are either outside or in their crate. The female TFT has bit the kitten's tail, ear, head, and side (though not drawing blood). She is VERY vicious towards the kitten. Is this normal TFT behavior? What can we do so that she will get along with the kitten? The boy TFT doesn't seem to care too much about the kitten one way or the other though he will sometimes bark but he does not attack like the female TFT does. HELP!

Anonymous - 5/16/2011 12:30:28 PM

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Your Female TFT is the top dog of the house most likely at age of three she would probably not except the kitten , get rid of the Kitten or the Female TFT the choice is yours , I would keep the Dog ! P.S You will find the Kitten eaten Up !!!

Anonymous - 2/2/2012 9:06:19 PM

I have a TFT and she gets along better with the female cat than the big male cat. The male i've had for 4 years so just wants to be left alone. The young cat about a year and tft is 7 months play and chase after each other. Though the cat usually wins.

jrs23 - 10/5/2011 5:37:09 PM

Toy Fox Terrier females dont like other females only them cause they think you are going to pay more attention to the other if you would of have the kitten since she was born she would be ok with her

Anonymous - 7/21/2011 11:49:07 AM

The cat is small, quick, and too similar to the older dog's natural prey (small rodents ie mice, moles, rats, young ground hogs, etc.) The young dog can safely be introduced to the kitten, but I fear the older dog will not welcome the newcomer and may well injure/kill it. It is in their nature.

Anonymous - 6/16/2011 6:02:54 PM

QUESTION: Are Fox Terrier's good with kids? I have an 8 and 2 year old. My mother in law has a large dog and a small one and they both do well with them.

Anonymous - 5/6/2011 4:41:54 PM

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Agreed. My 5 yr old daughter dropped our TFT puppy and broke her leg. Healed well but was a HORRIBLE experience for everyone involved. Either get a larger dog or wait until the kids are older and more mature.

Anonymous - 10/28/2011 10:20:46 PM

I would not put a TFT with small children. They are very fragile and can easily break their legs if dropped or they jump off of high places. As for temperament, they are fantastic with people and children. (At least the ones I have had) I did have a larger female that was 12 pounds. She was very sturdy and would have been fine with a younger child. My TFT now is only 4.3 lbs and I would not let a small child handle her.

Anonymous - 5/25/2011 12:26:24 PM

QUESTION: I am moving in with my boyfriend, and he has a 18 lbs cat that is about 5 or 6. I have a 5 lbs Toy Fox Terrier that is 7. Both of our animals have never lived with other animals. My TFT gets really nervous around other dogs and usually starts growling. The two animals met and the cat was nervous and hissing at my TFT. Does anyone have any ideas how we can help them learn to like each other? I'm really nervous that the cat will hurt my dog.

Anonymous - 5/6/2011 12:56:18 PM

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Ya gotta love it as a Toy Fox Terrier owner we are so worried about our babies. I think that in time the cat will adjust. I brought my puppy into a house with two boston terriers both 14 years old the female never liked or tolorated other animalls. Even though in her old age she eventually accepted the puppy the puppy learned what to do and not to do. I have photos of them in the same bed shorty before my female boston passed which was only a few weeks ago.

Anonymous - 7/5/2011 11:22:47 PM

QUESTION: Do toy fox terriers have tails?

Anonymous - 4/23/2011 9:21:31 PM

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if you call a nub a tail, then yes

jrs23 - 10/5/2011 5:38:02 PM

YES Toy Fox Terriers have tails

Anonymous - 7/21/2011 11:54:30 AM

yes toy fox terriers have tails

Anonymous - 4/26/2011 8:11:37 PM

QUESTION: My Toy Fox Terrier is 9 years old and has started to growl if you try and pick her up in the dark. Does anyone know if they have eye sight problems or if they get meaner with age?

Anonymous - 4/4/2011 4:33:53 PM

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YES, TOY FOX TERRIERS GET MEANER WITH AGE BUT THEY GET IN A CERTAIN WAY THAT THEY ARE REALLY SWEET THEY HAVE UPS AND DOWNS LIKE WE DO

Anonymous - 7/21/2011 11:55:57 AM

My Toy Fox Terrier started going blind at the age of 4. I took him to a specialist and he said it is probably hereditary. I had to have his left eye removed at the age of six, and he went blind in his right eye not too long after. I just lost him at the age of 14, two weeks ago, five days before he turned 15, he had a brain tumor.

Anonymous - 5/22/2011 3:38:07 PM

First, be sure your Toy Fox Terrier knows you are approaching. She may have trouble seeing in the dark. You may want to get her checked for health problems. She could be developing arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc. which make being lifted painful.

Anonymous - 4/22/2011 2:01:08 PM

QUESTION: My Toy Fox Terrier sheds horribly, can anyone suggest a remedy short of shaving her coat?

Anonymous - 3/31/2011 7:08:37 PM

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steroids from vet. 5 milligrams

Anonymous - 5/26/2011 8:44:34 PM

We had 2 Toy Fox Terrier's when I was growing up. They never shed badly, and as a breed they don't normally shed. You will probably want to take your dog to the vet - she may have skin allergies. Your vet will also be able to recommend things to help you. Otherwise, use a gentle shampoo (I use Hartz Oatmeal Shampoo) and comb daily.

Anonymous - 4/22/2011 2:00:08 PM

QUESTION: My TFT is just a year old and ever since she was a pup she hated having a collar put on her. I try all the time and she fights and tries to bite. When I have gotten it on she hates it. She has gotten worse about it since she was fixed at 7 1/2 months old. Any advise?

Anonymous - 3/21/2011 4:02:59 PM

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I had a toyfox terrier for 15 yrs that I just lost this past Saturday. He didn't like a leash either so we went out and got a "chest harness" leash. He didn't mind that one at all. It leads them from behind the head, just over the shoulder blades. Try that.

boyroy - 4/5/2011 4:44:32 PM

QUESTION: Do Fox Terrier's bark alot?

Anonymous - 3/18/2011 8:54:10 PM

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My Fox Terrier didn't start to bark until she was about 8 months old now she barks about everything, she uses her bark as a form of communication, she is very vocal.

Anonymous - 3/21/2011 3:55:52 PM

QUESTION: do toy fox terriers eat dry or canned food???

Anonymous - 2/5/2011 4:28:26 PM

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TOY FOX TERRIERS LIKE DRY FOOD CAUSE IF YOU GIVE THEM CANNED FOOD THEY WIIL GET DIARREA THEY LOVE CRAKER BONES

Anonymous - 7/21/2011 11:58:02 AM

Fox Terriers do well eating both - Your vetinarian would best be suited to help you . The age of the dog also plays a role in this. The dry food needs to be the small dog or tiny bits of food. The more canned food you give them, the more they need to use the potty !! : )

Anonymous - 2/7/2011 5:04:02 PM

QUESTION: I have a Fox Terrier, Toy ( 1 year ) and was wondering if anyone knows if their fur in front of their ears is normally very thin. My little Tilly is almost bald in this area as well as very thin hair on the front of her chest. Anyone elses TFT have this ?

Anonymous - 2/5/2011 10:56:47 AM

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My TFT has almost bald spots in front of her ears and on the very top of her head. She's always been this way (4 yrs). It's normal.

Anonymous - 6/8/2011 9:37:03 PM

Our Fox Terrier has very thin hair as well in both of those places!!!

Anonymous - 2/14/2011 8:49:18 PM

QUESTION: Can Toy Fox Terriers be tri-color with blue instead of black?

Anonymous - 1/21/2011 10:05:00 AM

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It is possible for a toy fox terrier to be a tricolor blue with gray eyes and nose but this is not an acceptable color in the breed. It is a dilute of the w/b/t tricolor gene and a disqualifying fault according to the breed standard. It is rare because it is not a color that an ethical breeder would breed for and comes with it's share of genetic defects.

maldonfox - 2/26/2011 9:02:03 AM

QUESTION: How long do toy fox terriers live?

Anonymous - 1/18/2011 1:59:54 PM

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My fox terrier is about 12 years old and he is as fit as can be. I have had him since he was a puppy and I used to take him on long leisure walks and play games with him frequently to keep him active. He has slowed down a bit in the last couple of years, but he is still very active and healthy.

Anonymous - 6/14/2011 4:16:01 PM

According to akc fox terriers live 14-to-15 or at least 13 years

Anonymous - 2/5/2011 4:30:23 PM

Fox Terriers can live at least 15yrs. I had a male who was a bit overweight at 18lbs and lived 15yrs with no major health issues. All depends if it is a female and has been bred a lot could be up to 10yrs. They are quite hardy, sturday dogs.

Anonymous - 2/3/2011 12:12:26 AM

QUESTION: I heard fox terriers like to watch t.v.,is this true?

Anonymous - 1/14/2011 3:41:08 PM

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YES , TOY FOX TERRIES DO LIKE WATCHING TV, BECAUSE I WAS WATCHING THE KARDASHINS THEY LOVE THAT SHOW AND ICE LOVES COCO TOO

Anonymous - 7/21/2011 12:00:28 PM

Our 2 Toy Fox Terrier's (boy age 18 mos and girl age 3 yrs) will watch TV with us and if they see any dogs on TV or sometimes even other animlas such as horses, they will run up to the TV and start barking at it! This can be funny but sometimes if our 3 kids are watching a movie such as "101 Dalmatians" it is also very annoying!

Anonymous - 5/16/2011 12:25:56 PM

Our fox terrier loves certain shows and she will just sit and stare at the tv! She especially loves Animal Planet !

Anonymous - 2/5/2011 10:57:45 AM

QUESTION: Is it better for Fox Terrier, Toy to eat dry food or home made because it confuses me and im really scard for my Fox Terrier, Toy

Anonymous - 1/11/2011 7:27:16 AM

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My TFT has been eating dry dog food and home food She's 14 years old ! still kicking ...

Anonymous - 2/2/2012 9:43:00 PM

You have to be select on what you feed him. I just lost my toy fox this past saturday. He was diabetic in the past 2 1/2 yrs due to his diet. We gave him inscilin shots for the years he was diabetic and he went blind, so please, watch what you feed him. We fed him some dry food mixed with canned dog food and he was fine, but no people food.

boyroy - 4/5/2011 4:47:49 PM

QUESTION: How do you tell the differences between a toy rat terrier and a toy fox terrier ?

Anonymous - 1/4/2011 9:17:30 PM

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If you want to know the history and differences in both, you should go to websites for each to read their description and history. I believe they are different, having had 4 TFT's. The toy fox terrier is especially known for having very large alert ears, people will often ask if they will grow into them or if they need to be cut.

Anonymous - 5/9/2011 5:29:01 PM

QUESTION: Is it possable for a fox terrier dog to be agility? I mean, they're energenic and all. Good training.

Anonymous - 1/2/2011 3:00:01 AM

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Toy Fox Terrier's can absolutely do agility. I had one who had done it with a previous owner until she injured her shoulder. I think it's a perfect match for the energetic ones. The 4 that I've had all love to run in the house and leap over things, etc.

Anonymous - 5/9/2011 5:25:32 PM

QUESTION: My 3 year old Toy Fox Terrier trys to cover up her food. Has any one else come across this? Does any one know why they do this? Thank you.

Anonymous - 11/28/2010 11:36:31 AM

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Its a cache behavior, its a natural instinct to store food for later use, scene most commonly in wild canids.

Anonymous - 2/24/2011 1:35:22 PM

QUESTION: I own a Fox Terrier, Toy. Should they have back claws? Mine doesn't. Thank you!

Anonymous - 10/18/2010 11:28:52 AM

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No Fox Terriers do not have back claws.

Anonymous - 11/26/2010 12:39:32 PM

QUESTION: Are Toy Fox Terriers playful dogs?

Anonymous - 10/13/2010 12:46:27 AM

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Very much so, Fox Terriers love to play, but they can also be very docile and just lay on your lap.

Anonymous - 2/12/2011 4:49:21 PM

Of course, especially with youngsters.

Anonymous - 10/18/2010 5:29:24 PM

Yes, I have a 3 year old and she is very playful. She waits till I come home from work every day and bites at my feet till I sit down and let her pull my socks off. Then she goes to her basket and gets out stuffed animals for the two of us to play with. She is a real sweety.

Anonymous - 10/18/2010 7:49:00 AM

If you are looking for Fox Terrier, Toy puppies for sale from reputable Fox Terrier, Toy breeders or to adopt a Fox Terrier, Toy from a Fox Terrier, Toy rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Fox Terrier, Toy puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Fox Terrier, Toy puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.