Toy Fox Terrier

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingWash & go

  The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Living spaceApartment-friendly

  Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment13–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Patellar luxation · Legg-Calvé-Perthes · Dental issues

The Toy Fox Terrier was developed in the United States by breeding the smallest Smooth Fox Terriers together with Chihuahuas, Manchester Terriers and Italian Greyhounds, producing a genuine terrier in a two to three kilogram body. It was long known to breeders as the Amertoy and was recognised by the AKC in 2003, placed in the Toy group. Do not let the size mislead you. This is a bold, fast, tenacious dog with full terrier drive: it will chase squirrels, kill rodents, dig and bark, and it is convinced it is much larger than it is. It is also exceptionally clever and quick to train, and it has a long history as a circus and trick dog; it excels at agility and obedience for tiny dogs. It bonds intensely with its owner, dislikes being left alone, and can be reserved with strangers, so early socialisation matters. The short satin coat needs nothing more than a weekly wipe, but the dog feels the cold badly and needs a coat in winter. Care priorities are those of any toy breed: daily tooth brushing to counter the dental disease that dominates small-dog medicine, a harness rather than a collar, and care around stairs and jumps to protect fragile joints. Buy from a breeder who screens for patellar luxation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and who DNA-tests for von Willebrand disease and for congenital hypothyroidism with goitre, both documented in the breed.

• How much exercise does a Toy Fox Terrier need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a Toy Fox Terrier need?

  Wash & go. The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Is a Toy Fox Terrier suited to apartment living?

  Apartment-friendly. Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Is a Toy Fox Terrier a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Toy Fox Terrier live?

  13–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Toy Fox Terrier?

  Keep an eye out for Patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes, Dental issues. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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