Toy Fox Terrier Dog Breed Information

Posted on May 8, 2019, Modified : Nov 22, 2019 Zina

Breeds

Country of Origin	United States
Nicknames and Other Names	American Toy Terrier Amertoy
Scientific Name	Canis lupus familiaris
Breed Type	Purebred
Group	Toy Group
Bred For	Clear rat and vermins
Size	Small-sized
Recognized By	AKC, CKC, UKC
Life Span	13-15 years
Ideal Weight	3.5-7 pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height	8.5-11.5 inches (male and female)
Fur Type	Glossy, short, smooth
Common Colors	White and Tan, White Black and Tan, White and Black, White and Chocolate
Markings	None
Availability	Commonly available
Achievements	None
Suitable for Apartments	Yes
Used in World War	No
Most Similar To	Smooth Fox Terrier

The Toy Fox Terrier is a smaller version of their ancestor, Smooth Fox Terrier. It is a terrier dog having a toy personality. It has been used for various tasks, from keeping farms and house free from rats and vermin to circus dog. They are even considered as a lap dog that can make a great companion for a family.

The Toy Fox Terrier has a lithe muscular body that has great stamina and also strength. The head is elegant with an expressive dark and bright, round eyes. Their ears are V-shaped erect, pointed upwards and set high close on the head. The coat is shiny, fine, and smooth to touch.

Origin and History

The origin of the Toy Fox Terrier is in the United States. It was originally bred to clear rats and vermin from the farm. It was bred by crossing Smooth Fox Terrier litter runts with toy dogs like Chihuahuas and the Italian Greyhounds.

The breeders wanted a dog that possesses the terrier personality, but with a beguiling toy-breed personality. While at first, they began as ratters, they soon were taken for a show dog due to their cleverness and grace which made them a great circus trick dogs.

Toy Fox Terrier History — Toy Fox Terrier dog.
Image Source: AKC

The United Kennel Club registered its first Toy Fox Terrier in 1936. The American Kennel Club registered this breed in Toy Group in 2003.

Is Toy Fox Terrier Child-Friendly?

The Toy Fox Terrier is a very active and energetic dog that makes a great playmate for older children. However, small children interaction should be supervised, as the Toy Fox Terrier high energy level is not suited for small kids. Teach your children to interact with dogs as their rough handling can hurt this small-sized Toy Fox Terrier.

Toy Fox Terrier get well with older children — Toy Fox Terrier with a baby girl.
Image Source: Instagram-@eggyplanda

Temperament, Behavior, and Personality

Temperament: The Toy Fox Terrier has a friendly and alert temperament. It is a very energetic dog that makes a great family companion. They are an excellent watchdog as they are alert every time and will warn you of someone approach. They bond deeply with their people and want to be involved in every family activities.

Behavior: The Toy Fox Terrier is an excessive barker that can disturb your neighbor. They might bark at the sight of an object moving or just because they are bored. Therefore, train your dog to stop whenever command so.

Personality: The personality of the Toy Fox Terrier is intelligent, loyal, and protective. They are very attached to their family and their instinct to protect them comes naturally. They are not afraid to stand if someone tries to threaten them.

Trainability

Training Toy Fox Terrier is easy as they are highly intelligent and are quick at catching different commands. Treat them gently and do not correct them physically as they will mistrust you. Motivate them by rewarding them with delicious treats and a lot of vocal praises.

Train them in a fun way by including dog games like tricks and fetching. Once basic training is completed and your Toy Fox Terrier has mastered it, jump it to advance training like agility.

Facts

The Toy Fox Terrier is also known as the Amertoy.
It ranks 116 of 193 American Kennel Club registered breeds.
The Toy Fox Terrier dog like to get wet.

Health Issues

General Health	Healthy
Common Health Issues	Demodectic Mange, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Patellar Luxation, Legg-Perthes Disease
Hypoallergenic	No
Vaccination Required	Canine Distemper, Canine Coronavirus, Canine Parainfluenza, Canine Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough, Rabies
Shedding	Moderate Shedder
Drooling	Low Drooler
Grooming	Easy and Effortless Grooming Required
Weight Gain Potential	Low to Average
Separation Anxiety	High Chance
Allergies	None
Diets and Supplements	Protein: 18% Fat: 5% Glucosamine Multivitamins Fish Oil

The Toy Fox Terrier is generally a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 13-15 years. During these years they might have the possibility to suffer from following canine diseases:

Patellar Luxation: The dislocation of the kneecap is known as patellar luxation. It can cause due to genetic or by some injury. The dog might have some pain or a lot of pain on the knee part which makes it difficult to walk. Therefore, consult a vet for proper treatment of this condition.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A fumer bone is located in the hind leg of the dog. When a dog suffers from Legg-calve-Perthes, the hip joints, and bones disintegration causing inflammation. The symptoms are lameness and pain when moving hip joints. It should be treated after properly consulting a vet.