The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

The Purebred Toy Fox Terrier

Information and Pictures

Front side view - A white with black and tan Toy Fox Terrier is standing across a field, it is looking forward, its head is tilted to the left, its mouth is open and its tongue is sticking out. The dog has perk ears, a white body and a black with tan head. Its eyes are dark and its nose is black.

UKC CH Tuffy, photo courtesy of Rocktalk Toyfox Terriers

Other Names
  • American Toy Terrier
  • Amertoy
Pronunciation

toy fahks TAIR-ee-uhr speaker

Description

The Toy Fox Terrier is also known as the American Toy Terrier or Amertoy. The nose is black except in chocolate dogs where it will be self-colored. The eyes are dark and round. The ears are V-shaped and erect. A definite stop separates the domed skull from the small, narrow muzzle. The hair is short and thick. The tail is docked short and carried high. Note: Docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe. The coat is tricolor, predominately white with black and tan or tan markings. Other colors do occur, but may not be accepted by the written standard.

Temperament

The Toy Fox Terrier may be physically small, but this is a robust, little terrier that retains all the passion of its Fox Terrier ancestors. The breed is tough and bright, and can be stubborn without proper leadership from his owners. Curious and active, the Toy Fox Terrier keeps its young spirit throughout its life. It is intelligent, loving, sensitive and pleasant. It is very alert, inquisitive and quick. This is a companion dog that has not forgotten its ancient terrier instincts, and will therefore fight mice and small animals. This athletic little dog loves the hunt. Affectionate and very loyal, this breed is an exceptionally intelligent, trainable dog. Some have been trained to assist handicapped people around the home. It has proven to be an excellent hearing dog for the deaf. It can be trained to take its human companion to the sources of sounds, such as the telephone. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. If the human remains 100% pack leader, the dogs will not be yappers. Children should be taught to treat dogs kindly, yet in such a way the dog sees the child as his leader. This happy dog is sure to bring smiles to the faces of nearly all who meet it, due to its enthusiastic, puppy-like ways.

Height, Weight

Height: about 10 inches (25 cm)
Weight: 3.5 - 7 pounds (1.5 - 3 kg)

Health Problems

This is a fairly healthy breed; however, some are prone to Legg-Calvé-Perthes and stifle, which are typical toy problems. Some dogs are allergic to beet pulp (this is fairly common). Also, corn and wheat.

Living Conditions

The Toy Fox Terrier is good for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. It cannot tolerate cold weather. It should wear a coat in the winter to help keep it warm.

Exercise

These are active little dogs that need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, it will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard.

Life Expectancy

About 13-14 years

Litter Size

About 2-6 puppies

Grooming

The Toy Fox Terrier is easy to groom. Occasionally comb and brush the smooth coat. Keep the nails short. This breed is a light shedder.

Recognition
  • ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
  • ACR = American Canine Registry
  • APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
  • AKC = American Kennel Club
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
  • NKC = National Kennel Club
  • NTFTA = National Toy Fox Terrier Association
  • UKC = United Kennel Club
Three Toy Fox Terrier puppies are laying on a rug and they are wrapped in a towel. They are all looking forward.

Toy Fox Terrier Puppies—Photo courtesy of Foxhill Toy Fox Terriers

Side view A white with black and tan Toy Fox Terrier is standing across a grass surface, it is looking to the right, its mouth is open and its tongue is sticking out. There is a Toy Fox Terrier sniffing the ground across from it. The dog has large perk ears.

Foxlairs Minnie the Moocher, photo courtesy of Foxlair Toy Fox Terriers

Front side view - A white with black and tan Toy Fox Terrier is standing across a grass surface, it is looking up and to the left. The dogs body is all white and its head is black with brown.

Photo courtesy of Foxlore Toy Fox Terriers, photo taken by Sally Richardson

The left side of a white with black and tan Toy Fox Terrier is running across a grass surface and its mouth is wide open. The dog's small docked tail is up.

Photo courtesy of Foxlore Toy Fox Terriers, photo taken by Sally Richardson

Close up front view - A white with black and tan Toy Fox Terrier is standing in a yard and it is looking to the right. The dog has perk ears.

Photo courtesy of Foxlore Toy Fox Terriers, photo taken by Sally Richardson

Side view - A small tricolor white, black and tan puppy with perk ears being held by a lady in a blue shirt. The dog is looking at the camera.

Sadie the Toy Fox Terrier puppy at 3 months old.

Front view - A small tricolor white, black and tan puppy with perk ears being held by a lady in a blue shirt. The dog is looking at the camera. The dogs perk ears are wide.

Sadie the Toy Fox Terrier puppy at 3 months old.

Top down view of a white with black and brown Toy Fox Terrier that is standing on a concrete surface. It is looking up and its head is slightly tilted to the right. Half of the dogs face is white and the other half is black with brown. The color changes right down the middle of the dog's stop.

Oreo the Toy Fox Terrier at 4 years old—"She is absolutely wonderful. Her love for me is unconditional, and very much needed. She is great with kids, animals and traveling. Her markings are rare, so I thought it would be a great addition to the photos of this breed."

See more examples of the Toy Fox Terrier