Description and origin of the American Toy Fox Terrier

Author of the article: Dmitry Boyko | Updated: 08/21/2020

If you're looking for a miniature dog that's easy to care for and yet makes a playful, cheerful four-legged friend, the American Toy Fox Terrier is just what you're looking for. They are funny and very kind, for which they are so highly valued by dog ​​breeders. In addition, representatives of this breed are quite energetic, for their mini size. How to care for a dog and what basic points in the description a breeder needs to know - read about it below.

Dossier

Adult height: no more than 28 cm. Weight: 1.5-3.5 kg. Characteristic colors: white, white with black, white with red and black (tricolor), white with chocolate, white with tan. Coat length: short-haired dog. Life expectancy: 12-14 years. Advantages of the breed: easy care, not prone to diseases of dwarf breeds, friendly character. Difficulties of the breed: prone to allergies. Toy Fox Terrier price: from $200 to $1000 (the price depends on the pedigree and purity of the breed). Classification: small (dwarf) breed, decorative, apartment, companion dog.

Fox Terrier Character

The confident and inquisitive nature of the Fox Terrier can bring some mischief into the life of the family. For example, there are cases of “raids” on the kitchen table or flowerbed. Keep in mind that puppies are just as active as adult dogs. Therefore, you will need a lot of time and attention to train these dogs.

Dogs of this breed are distinguished by their activity, responsiveness and intelligence. They are prone to mischief, while they are very charming and just as cunning. The Fox Terrier can outwit anyone, and sometimes such antics cause outright laughter in many. The vigilance of these pets makes them excellent watchdogs, but sometimes their vigilance can cause the dog to be intrusive.

Fox Terriers are very sociable and inquisitive, so such pets are very friendly to people, but without much embarrassment they sometimes start a fight with their relatives. Fox Terriers, like other dogs, require early socialization. They need to be accustomed to communicating with people, introduced to various objects, sounds, etc. Socialization is the key to ensuring that your pet will be fully developed.

Origin story

The homeland of Toy Fox Terriers is the USA, therefore the full official name of this breed is “American Toy Fox Terrier”. She was bred from noble English smooth fox terriers. It was noticed that among the large individuals of fox terriers there are smaller ones that cope with the assigned tasks even better than their relatives.

Therefore, they began to select small ones, and on their basis, Toy Fox Terriers were bred in the USA. In 1936 it was registered in America, in 1960 this breed was no longer crossed with others to improve its qualities, and in 2013 it was finally recognized by the American Canine Union.

Photo of American Toy Fox Terrier

Add "WOOF!" 0

Purpose

• Decorative lap dog. Cute little dogs are real companions for humans - they stick their noses into everything and always try to participate in all life processes.
• Security functions. A dog can protect property and housing entrusted to it. Of course, she will not be able to defeat a large animal or person, but her loud and ringing bark will wake up everyone in the area.

• Hunting instinct. Since the main ancestor of the Toy Fox Terrier was the smooth-haired English Fox Terrier, which was often used for hunting, the memory of this was preserved in the genes. You can only hunt small animals and land birds.

Character

• A devoted friend for a person . A well-mannered puppy, and then a dog, will accompany its owner everywhere.
• A very sensitive dog. With tenderness he will look into the eyes of the owner and try to guess his mood. If a person feels bad, he will strive to console him and cheer him up.
• Fearlessness . Although the size of the dog is not very large, it is not lacking in courage. This dog will bark in case of danger and rush at its owner's offender.
• Playful. Until old age, they will behave like puppies: play and invite their owner to play with loud barks.

• Suspicion . All strangers cause fear, this also applies to large dogs. At the same time, the dog is not afraid, it just looks suspiciously or bursts into loud barks. This trait can be corrected through socialization.
• They get along well with cats and small dogs.
• Smart and savvy . They are easy to train and do not challenge their owner’s leadership.

Training and education

The Amertoi are very smart and understand well what is wanted from them. But natural stubbornness sometimes complicates the process of training the breed. From early childhood, the puppy must be taught to socialize. While walking, introduce new places, animals, people.

During training, the owner must show consistency, perseverance, and strength of character. The dog must understand who is the leader. However, you must not shout at the animal or use physical violence.

The educational process should be interesting and classes should not be monotonous. It is better that they take place in a playful way.

How to choose a puppy

If you decide to get a Toy Fox Terrier puppy, then you should know what to look for when buying.

• Always buy a puppy from people who can provide you with all the documents about its parents.
• The price is always higher if the parents took prizes at exhibitions or competitions. If you also plan to attend such events, then this item is required.
• The puppy should look healthy: the skin and coat should be smooth to the touch, without scratching or rashes, the eyes and ears should be clean. A healthy baby is always very active .
• Study the breed standard so you don't make a mistake with your choice.

Breed standard

• Head: elongated wedge-shaped.
• Body: muscular, proportional.
• Ears: long, erect, set high.
• Eyes: oval, chocolate or black.
• Limbs: long, slender.
• Tail: short, high.

A toy fox terrier suits you

• If you have a small apartment.
• If you have little time to care for your pet.
• If you are alone. But the Toy Fox Terrier can also be a family dog.
• If you are at an age when caring for your pet is no longer possible.
• If you want your dog to always be with you.
• If you plan to attend and win exhibitions and competitions.

Description and main characteristics

As a rule, the weight of these dogs does not exceed 3 kg, and the height at the withers is about 20 cm. A feature of the breed is considered to be large ears for such a dog, shaped like the ears of bats. Another key nuance in the description is the short tail. Interestingly, dogs are not docked; the pet has such a tail from birth. A representative of this breed has rather long paws. Among the additional species characteristics that are recommended for any dog ​​breeder to become familiar with are the following:

• head shape is wedge-shaped;
• the muzzle is somewhat elongated;
• The nose, as a rule, has a black tint. However, if your pet has brown patches of hair on his head, his nose may be a similar color;
• elongated eye shape. The shade varies between dark brown and hazel;
• The coat is quite short, but at the same time smooth and shiny. The fur is longest in the neck area;
• tricolor color. Interestingly, a representative of this breed is characterized by a predominance of dark colors on the head and a white tint on the body.

Similar article: The main differences between the miniature pinscher and the toy terrier

Study the breed description carefully to ensure you purchase a dog that fully meets the breed's standards.

Care and maintenance

The beauty of all small dogs is that they are easy to care for.

• Bathing. Only as needed. The rest of the time, make do with dry shampoos.
• Walking. Required. But walking time depends on your dog. It is quite possible that you will come across a “homebody” for whom he will only need to go outside for one reason - out of need, and he will be able to arrange all the games for himself in the house.

• Content. The Toy Fox Terrier doesn't care where he lives. The only condition is that it be warm. He will not be able to live outside in an enclosure. If you have your own area, you need a reliable lattice, as the dog is very curious and can sneak away.
• Grooming. Minimum. Brush occasionally with a special brush and that’s it!
• Caring for ears, eyes and teeth. You need to wash your eyes every day, it is also advisable to brush your teeth every day; Wipe your ears with a swab dipped in water once a week.

Training

Training a Toy Fox Terrier is a pleasure. The dog is smart, quick-witted and observant. She will not challenge her owner's leadership and will always strive to please him. However, this breed is prone to “pampering” and, if it feels weak, it will immediately turn into an uncontrollable animal. Toy Fox Terriers are great at learning different tricks.

Training rules:

• subsequence;
• no aggression;
• companionship;
• hardness;
• activity.

American Toy Fox Terrier. Video

AMERICAN TOY FOX TERRIER (a breed that has several names: AmericanToyFoxTerrier, Toy Fox, Amertoy, American Toy Terrier) is a factory breed bred in 1936 in the USA by crossing small smooth fox terriers with Mexican Chihuahuas and English toy terriers. Thanks to selection, this breed is free from many of the defects of dwarf dogs. The breed was bred as a hunting breed for hunting small game, rats and rodents. It is believed that the miniature breed was bred for cowboys so that the dogs could be transported in a saddle bag.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any breed, Toy Fox Terriers have a number of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• A universal dog. Suitable for everyone without exception.
• Very easy care.
• Good health - the dog has not inherited diseases typical of small breeds.
• Can be used in hunting and for protection.
• He gets along calmly with small animals, and will always make friends with large ones that live nearby.

Flaws:

• Freezing. In cold seasons, you will have to shell out money for clothes for your pet.
• Tendency to allergies.
• There is a tendency to joint injuries and hemorrhagic diseases.

Often dogs of this breed are adopted by people who also have other animals at home. Tell us how toy fox terriers get along with other pets in the comments.

Pros and cons of the breed

The advantages of the American Fox Terrier breed are:

• attractive appearance;
• “compact” sizes;
• good-natured, cheerful character;
• ease of dog care.

The disadvantages of American Fox Toy Terriers include:

• genetic predisposition to certain diseases (skeletal fragility);
• increased activity;
• stubborn disposition.

Who is such a companion suitable for?

Previously, dogs of the Amerto Fox Terrier breed were used only as hunting dogs. Today, Toy Foxes are famous as excellent family pets. Such a companion is suitable for active people who will enjoy the animal’s excessive activity and inexhaustible energy. Dogs get along well with other pets.

Important! These dogs are not very good with small children. A child can hurt a dog without even realizing it. The animal will not tolerate such an attitude and will most likely bite.

They feel comfortable with older children and are willing to communicate with them. In addition, the playful nature of the pet contributes to even greater attachment between the dog and the baby.