Toy Fox Terrier Information
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small terrier breed of dog, directly descended from the larger Fox Terrier but considered a separate breed.
General Info
Toy Fox Terriers adapt well to apartment life. They are active indoors and will do without a yard, as they can usually take care of their own exercise needs. They often have trouble tolerating cold weather without careful acclimation. Their life expectancy is about fifteen years (since the breed has only been officially recognized by groups like the UKC and the AKC since 2000, there is little official documentation). Toy Fox Terriers are significantly healthful and resilient, however, as with many toy breeds, some are prone to patellar luxation (slipped stifle). Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome and von Willebrand's disease are uncommon. Some dogs are allergic to beet pulp, corn, and wheat. The Toy Fox Terrier is easy to groom, although grooming is generally seen as unneeded due to how short the hairs are (under a centimetre in length most of the time). Sometimes, it is necessary to comb and brush the coat. It is a light shedder.
History
Some Toy Fox Terrier breeders can trace their dogs’ lineage back to a Smooth Fox Terrier called "Foiler", the first fox terrier registered by the Kennel Club in Britain, circa 1875-76[citation needed] . It is believed that careful breeding from smaller Smooth Fox Terriers without crosses to other toy breeds such as Manchester Terrier and Chihuahua resulted in the Toy Fox Terrier of today.
Toy Fox Terriers were recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1936 and placed in the Terrier Group, and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in July 2000 (Toy Group).
Appearance
It is a small dog with a muscular and athletic appearance. The breed has been deemed elegant and graceful with V-shaped ears and large eyes. The tail can be short and straight, and breeders often shorten the tail a few days after birth by clipping it about three-fifth of the way from the tip (at the third or fourth joint). The coat is short, fine, and glossy in white with black; there are two other variants, one with 'chocolate' replacing the black in areas (the UKC doesn't allow this variant to be shown), and another which is all white and tan with no black at all. These variants are often known as 'Tri-Color', 'Chocolate', and 'Tan and White', respectively. The height ranges from 8.5–11.5 inches (21.5–29.2 cm) and weight from 3.5-7 pounds (1.5-3 kg).
Temperament
The Toy Fox Terrier is often recognized as an intelligent, bold and athletic dog. Although lithe, they are hardy and well balanced. Toy Fox Terriers love human company. A related breed is the Miniature Fox Terrier, which was developed along similar lines in Australia.
Toy Fox Terriers, like many active and intelligent breeds, can learn to respond to a number of words. Toy Fox Terriers were used commonly in circus shows by clowns, and they are said to make great companions for owners with a good sense of humor[citation needed]. They are also, in general, not as active as the Jack Russell Terrier and are well suited for older owners. They are extremely trainable and are cited as making a wonderful companion for people with disabilities.