The Toy Fox Terrier, American Toy Terrier or TFT is an athletic looking diminutive toy dog breed. The TFT has an elegant muscular body that moves with grace and agility. TFT’s have natural v-shaped ears that are erect and a tail that is usually docked and carried high. The American Toy Terrier has an elegant domed head with a narrow muzzle and dark round eyes.
The coat is short, smooth, shiny and satiny with slightly longer hair in the ruff. The coat is predominantly white with black and/or tan markings. TFT’s stand about 10 or 11 inches tall at shoulder height and weighs from 3.5 to 7 pounds
Toy Fox Terriers are members of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Toy Dog Group.
History of The Toy Fox Terrier
The TFT is a true American breed that was created in the 1930’s by crossing Smooth Fox Terriers with various toy dog breeds including Miniature Pinschers, Italian Greyhounds, Chihuahuas and Manchester Terriers.
The resulting dog breed retained its terrier instincts but with a calmer disposition inherited from the other breeds. Toy Fox Terriers make great companion dogs and do well in the show ring and in agility and obedience trials. The Toy Fox Terrier was ranked 88th out of 154 dog breeds registered by the AKC in 2005.
Temperament
A Toy Fox Terrier has the personalities of both a terrier and a toy. As a terrier, the TFT can be athletic, lively, courageous and spunky but as a toy breed, the TFT can be a quiet lap dog that loves to be held. TFT’s are friendly, outgoing, comical, intelligent, loyal and affectionate toy dog breeds.
Toy dog breeds never do well with toddlers and very young children but the TFT gets along well with older children who appreciate his energy and love of ball games. This breed gets along well with other family pets. TFT’s are suspicious of strangers and will announce them with a bark. This toy dog breed is somewhat independent and prefers learning new tricks to obedience training.
Like most toys, TFT’s can be somewhat difficult to housebreak – especially in inclement weather. However reward based training (treats and praise) will allow you to be successful in training this breed to participate in obedience and agility competitions.
TFT’s should be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced yard when outside because their terrier personality will come to the fore and they will be off chasing small animals and squeezing through fences. TFT’s are great companion dogs, do fine with first time or novice owners and make good watchdogs.
Exercise
Toy Fox Terriers are excellent apartment dogs and require very little exercise. However they are happy to participate in conformation, agility and obedience trials. TFT’s love to be outside but should be leashed or in a securely fenced yard as they love to chase after things.
TFT’s don’t like cold weather and hate wet weather. This breed should wear a sweater when going outside in cool weather and use a harness instead of a collar to prevent damage to its trachea.
Grooming
Grooming requirements for this breed are minimal. The TFT is a low shedding dog breed but should be brushed weekly to remove any dead hair.
Health Issues
TFT’s are very healthy and have a long life expectancy of around 15 years. Some bloodlines have had hip dysplasia or eye problems so prospective buyers should ask to see the breeding parents Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) test results for hip dysplasia and also the Canine Eye Registry (CERF) recent ophthalmologists report for eye disorders.
Some breeders have been producing TFT’s that have too much energy and hyperactivity so you should ask to see the breeding parents before purchasing