Read About Toy Fox Terrier Dog

Toy Fox Terrier, a runt of a dog, has the instinct nature to kill rodents, but yet gentle enough to assist the handicapped. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Quick Toy Fox Terrier Summary:

1. Size:

   Small dog breed

2. Weight:

   4-7 lbs

3. Coat:

   Short, thick and smooth haired

4. Shedding:

   Light shedding

5. Temperament:

   Affectionate and very loyal

6. Obedience:

   Very obedient dog

7. Ease of Training:

   Very intelligent and easy to train. Have been trained to assist the hearing impaired.

8. Way with Children:

   Playful with children, but cannot tolerate pulling and poking by small children.

Toy Fox Terrier -- Facts

1. AKC Group/Date Admitted:

   Toy group, 2000

2. Size & Weight:

   9 --11 inches, 3.5-7 lbs

3. Coat:

   The coat is white and black and tan or tan markings. The coat is shiny, fine in texture and smooth to the touch.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   The head is balanced in comparison to the body. The eyes are clear, bright and dark, including eye-rims with the exception of chocolate colored dogs whose eye-rims are self-colored. Their eyes are full, round and bulging. The ears are erect, pointed, set high and close together, but never touching. The size is in proportion to the head and body. The skull is moderate in width, slightly rounded and softly wedge shaped and has a strong muzzle.

5. Body:

   The neck is erect, muscular and slightly arched and has a taped body.

6. Colors:

   They range in color from white with tan, black or chocolate.

7. Life Expectancy:

   13-14 years

8. Popularity:

   Have grown in popularity since recognized

9. Habitat:

   This breed is truly a lapdog. Appropriate for indoors, does not need a yard and will be comfortable in an apartment. Will need a coat during winter months.

Toy Fox Terrier -- Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   United States

2. Historical Information:

   The Toy Fox Terrier is an American breed, resulting from a cross of Fox Terriers with toy breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Italian Greyhound, and Chihuahua.

Toy Fox Terrier -- Defining Characteristics

1. Temperament:

   The Toy Fox Terrier is intelligent, learns new tasks quickly, alert, friendly, and loyal to its owners. It adapts well, may be comical, entertaining and playful all of his life.

2. Behavior:

   Has an instinctive behavior to chase, dig and flee.

3. Habits:

   Loves the hunt and will fight small animals and mice. Very clean habits.

Toy Fox Terrier -- Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Some have been diagnosed with leg calve perthes and stifle. Some dogs may be allergic to beet pulp, corn or wheat.

2. Exercise Needs:

   Are very active dogs and obtain exercise with the home.

3. Grooming Needs:

   Occasional combing and brushing of coat.

4. Travel Needs:

   You will need to provide a leash, contact hotels to see if pets are allowed, crate for transporting, food dishes and food, bed and bedding.

5. Getting Along With Other Pets and Children:

   Very good with children with the exception of small children due to its small size and generally good with other dogs.

Toy Fox Terrier -- How to Choose

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Check the puppy for fleas, ticks or other pests. Make sure that the eyes are bright and shiny. Check for shiny coat, baldness, scars, or missing teeth.

2. What you will Need for a New Puppy:

   You may need to find a veterinarian, food and water dish, bed or bedding, purchase a crate, leash, flea and tick collar, puppy treats.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   If your puppy is going to live indoors make sure you relocate and make inaccessible cleaning chemicals, paints or plants that are all potential threats to your new puppy. It would be good to check the locations of all power cords and place them underneath rugs and behind furniture.