Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 1st March 2026
Toy Fox Terrier
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 1st March 2026
A small sized terrier, the Toy Fox Terrier is a descendant of the larger fox terrier, though a distinct breed of its own. Muscular and athletic, it is characterized by an elegant shaped solid head, round, clear, bright eyes with an intelligent, alert expression, erect, V-shaped ears, strong muzzle, and a high set erect tail.
Toy Fox Terrier Pictures
Quick Information
| Other Names | American Toy Terrier, Amertoy |
| Nickname | TFT |
| Coat | Short, glossy and white |
| Color | White and black; white and tan; white, black and tan; white and chocolate; white, chocolate and tan |
| Breed type | Purebred |
| Group | Terrier, Companion dogs |
| Average life expectancy (How long do they live) | 13 to 15 years |
| Size (How big do they get) | Small |
| Height of a full grown Toy Fox Terrier | 9 to 12 inches |
| Weight of a full grown Toy Fox Terrier | 3 to 7 pounds |
| Litter size | 2 to 6 puppies |
| Behavioral characteristics | Active, friendly, alert, intelligent, brave, smart |
| Good with children | Older ones |
| Barking tendency | Minimal except when it is stressed |
| Climate compatibility | Cannot adjust to cold weather |
| Shedding (Do they shed) | Moderate |
| Are they hypoallergenic | No |
| Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information | AKC, UKC, CKC, ACA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, NTFTA, NKC |
| Country | United States |
Video of Cute Toy Fox Terrier Puppies
Other Similar Breeds
Toy Fox Terrier Mixes
- Toy Fox Terrier x Beagle = Toy Fox Beagle
- Toy Fox Terrier x Chihuahua = Taco Terrier
- Toy Fox Terrier x Jack Russell Terrier = Foxy Russell
- Toy Fox Terrier x Miniature Pinscher = Toy Fox Pinscher
- Toy Fox Terrier x Papillon = Toy Foxillon
- Toy Fox Terrier x Poodle = Foodle
- Toy Fox Terrier x Toy Fox Terrier x Dachshund = Toy Foxie Doxie
- Toy Fox Terrier x Yorkie = Torkie
- Toy Fox Terrier x Cocker Spaniel = Toy Foxker
- Toy Fox Terrier x Japanese Chin = Jafox
- Toy Fox Terrier x Pug = Toy Poxer
- Toy Fox Terrier x Shih Tzu = Toy Fo-Tzu
History and Origin
They are a recent breed of dogs stemming in the first half of the 20th century when the Smooth Fox Terriers (a fox terrier variety) was crossed with toy-sized breeds like the Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua. The resultant breed possessed the agility and energy of the terrier alongside the high-spirited and cheerful nature of toy dogs. They began as farm dogs to drive away vermin and rats from granaries and barns. In 1936, the UKC registered the TFT and in 2003 it was acknowledged by the AKC.
Temperament and Personality
It is a bundle of energy which would serve as perfect house companions because of its affectionate and loyal nature.
They are renowned for their brilliant sense of humor, keeping everyone in the household entertained to the fullest. It is perhaps due to this reason that the TFTs are commonly seen in circuses serving companions to clowns.
Because of their pleasant and comforting nature, they are said to be well suited to give company to elderly people suffering from disabilities.
Though most of them are bundles of energy you would also notice a few of the couch potato kind, who would mostly prefer to laze in the confines of their home.
They excel as efficient watchdogs since these breeds would alert the arrival of an unknown person into their territory at once.
These small dogs are fun loving but not a suitable companion for very small children who may not handle them with care. Being toy-sized they are highly susceptible to break their bones, especially if one does not take proper care.
They get along well with other dogs mainly when brought up with them, but could get a little territorial on encountering strange canine trespassing into their domain. The TFTs are also friendly with felines and are known to exist with two or three of them at a time which may be bigger than it in size.
Care
Exercise
Alert and athletic, they would do well when taken for a brisk walk on a daily basis, teamed with sufficient playtime. Your Toy Fox Terrier would love to accompany you for a jog or hiking trail. When indoors, you can engage it with interesting puzzles or other games. However, make sure that it does not jump from increased heights as that could cause a bone fracture, a problem that persists in this breed.
Grooming
Their short, smooth coat is easy to groom, sufficing with a weekly brushing to remove dead hair. Bathe it only when the need arises. Other hygiene needs include brushing its teeth twice or thrice to minimize chances of tartar buildup, trimming its nails one or two times in a month, as well as checking its eyes and ears to keep infections at bay.
Health Problems
Obesity and dental problem are common among this breed. Always provide them with chewable toys like denta bones to strengthen their teeth. Other health issues that they may suffer from are patellar luxation, von Willebrand’s disease, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome.
Training
They would not be too much of a hassle to train, though the trainer should be tactful in dealing with these smart dogs.
- Teaching them the basic of socialization since the time they are puppies would polish their equation with unknown people, and they would not uselessly bark every time delivery or paperboy is at your door to discharge their duties.
- Leash training is a must as they have an instinct to chase. Acquaint them with the leash since the time they are puppies so as they grow up they would learn to walk on it without any fuss.
Feeding
Dry dog food of a good brand along with homemade food comprising a sufficient amount of animal proteins and all other essential nutrients would help in maintaining its overall health.
FAQ’s
