Is The Toy Fox Terrier The Breed For You?

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Choosing A Small Breed wasn't easy for us.  Toy breeds can be fragile so we finally decided on the hardy "terrier-like" Chihuahua.  We were having fun with them when a friend asked if we’d ever thought about showing a Toy Fox Terrier.  He said they were descended from the Chihuahua and that the new National AKC club needed help.

When he said the Toy Fox Terrier had the intelligence and devotion that defines all Toy Breeds but that it was also a true working Terrier, I was intrigued.

Terriers have always been bred for stamina, health, and ability. Feeling insecure with only a couple of elderly Akitas, I was also happy to hear that the little Toy Fox Terrier is a superb alarm dog!  Hmmm, an easy to carry small dog, and easy to groom smooth-coated terrier?  I like easy.  A hardy breed with toy dog brains?  Wow!  When he said the Toy Fox Terrier was "healthy as a horse" and had no whelping problems, I thought of the long-empty bassinet and agreed to talk it over with Bill.

The decision was easy but finding quality dogs in a new AKC breed overrun with new breeders was hard.  Fortunately, two breeder-judges helped us avoid the usual mistakes.  Sure enough, the Toy Fox Terrier is the perfect do-everything, go-everywhere canine companion.  Why did it take us so long to discover the TFT? 

Living With The Toy Fox Terrier.  After a high-stress day, how about a lively, playful little dog that's waited all day to make you laugh and shrug off the worries?  And when you finally sit down to relax, he immediately morphs into a quiet, soothing lapdog.  What a rare combination!  The Toy Fox Terrier is equally happy to nap in your lap (with one eye open in case something comes up) or amuse you with a new game he invented while you were gone.

The Toy Fox Terrier is after all, a born entertainer.  Even a young puppy will glance over to see if you’re watching and then pounce on an imaginary bug.  A true toy dog, the breed is always in sync with you.  Sizing up my degree of absorption in television, Jane will suddenly leap from the sofa to ward off a charging bison but she never interrupts in the middle of a good movie … How does she know?  She always checks the primitive pottery in front of the big-screen TV ... she knows the critter she chased out of the "big box" didn't hide in the pots but we still laugh when does that - so of course, she continues to do it.

The Toy Fox Terrier carries on conversations which you will understand almost as quickly as they learn your words.  "Can I have some?" is easy.  The Toy Fox says that when you're cooking.  You should have no trouble with "Can I go with you?" because that's said when you are thinking about going out.  "Did you SEE that monster on Animal Planet?"  If you say you saw the elephant, she will nod and go away, satisfied.  I strongly advise you to say you saw it or she will try to explain...  Don’t laugh.  We live with them. You'll see.

Toy Fox Terrier Health. The breed has (so far) escaped many of the health and structural problems that afflict many toy breed dogs. Legs are straight and strong with dense round bone. Teeth are strong, gleaming, and terrier-sized, unlike most small breeds. Use our natural health program and your Toy Fox Terrier will be spared expensive health or dental problems. (Gum infection can cause heart disease in dogs as well as people.) The body is solid and muscular, even in females.  If well bred, he is fearless and stout-hearted - and the heart is healthy! Most toy dogs are quick and agile but the Toy Fox Terrier has a terrier physique meant for chasing, confronting, and digging out varmints! The feet are thick, arched and strong, the result of Fox Terrier dominance over the Chihuahua's elongated feet and toes.

Breed History and Development - The Toy Fox Terrier is the only AKC Terrier or Toy Breed developed in America!  Talk about a unique history!  In the interest of honesty and common sense, I have dispensed with the "runt" Fox Terrier nonsense.  The webmaster is preparing a separate page with photo illustrations.  It will be ready soon...

What's In A Name? Let's just say he's All American!  The name game is a part of Toy Fox Terrier History which AKC  breeders either don't know or will quickly forget.  That is covered in Toy Fox Terrier Breed History, another section of the site.  click here. 

Who Should Own A Toy Fox Terrier?  Well, he's a traditional child's pet but toddlers and little puppies don't mix because little kids tend to throw things! Six month or older is usually safe with well mannered small children. They love kid's games and will help them invent more.  Remember, the Toy Fox Terrier is a circus performer!

The breed is a perfect choice for the elderly.  The Toy Fox sees and hears for its owner, fits anywhere and is an "easy keeper" on small amounts of quality food.  This breed rarely needs a vet, can exercise inside but keeps able owners fit, healthy and social! The Toy Fox self-exercises, will not run off or disobey, and grooming is simple, just stroke the little dog snuggled in your lap.

Do They Bark A Lot?  No.  The Toy Fox Terrier will sound an alarm when something is wrong but otherwise they rarely bark.  They don't cry wolf.  If your Toy Fox sounds off, check it out.  Actually, they're a safer and more effective crime-deterrent than the big guard breeds! The Toy Fox Terrier's high-pitched bark will not be stopped until a family member says it's okay.  More to the point, he can't be bribed with (poison) meat or distracted.  That's the single-minded terrier in him!  He can't be silenced by a kick or weapon because the Toy Fox is impossible to hit as he darts to and fro while challenging an intruder.  If you were a burglar, what would you do?  LEAVE.  As quickly as possible!  So unlike big guard dogs, the Toy Fox Terrier is not a legal liability but he is always alert and will protect you and yours. You can count on it!

Toy Dogs Are Hard to Housebreak!  I know, and it's true but America's smallest Terrier is a remarkably clean pet and easy to house train, even the males!  Our puppies go outside to potty by six weeks after having learned to crawl out of the nest and toddle over to the pee-pee pad in their third week.

What are the drawbacks?  I dunno.  The Toy Fox Terrier likes a little jacket if going for a winter walk.  A quick turn-out in your fenced yard is better.  He tolerates snow but otherwise hates getting his feet wet.  On the plus side, unlike short-faced breeds, he tolerates heat very well.  Let’s see….. All dogs shed.  Anyone who tells you otherwise takes you for a fool.  If you never pet or brush your Toy Fox, he will leave hairs on the sofa but if that is the case, gee, I hope you buy a dog somewhere else!

Did I mention he wants to go everywhere with you?  Surely I pointed that out?  Not to worry though, he's naturally well mannered and such a spiffy little dog, he's welcome just about everywhere! The Toy Fox Terrier loves to ride, will fiercely protect the car, but otherwise loves to meet new people and make friends. 

One last drawback.  if you like change, this breed is not a good choice.  A Toy Fox Terrier will be with you for 12 to 16 years.

Well, it's up to you.  If you feel good about this very different toy breed and terrier breed, we invite you to learn more about us and what you should expect when looking for your Best Friend.  Yes, we do have puppies available now but first, you should know how and why they were created.  Go to O'BJ Background.

Copyright © 2004 - 2008 Barbara J. Andrews.  All rights reserved.  Except for brief reference quotations with source provided, no portions thereof may be stored or reprinted in any form, electronic or otherwise, without prior express written consent of Barbara J. Andrews