Toy Fox Terrier

Breed Type: Toy
Common nicknames: American Toy Terrier, Amertoy, TFT
Coat: Smooth
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Friendly, playful, energetic, smart
Life expectancy: 13-15 years
Color & patterns:
Hero image
Toy Fox Terrier - red
Toy Fox Terrier - Black
Toy Fox Terrier - Black
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small and lively breed with an athletic build and a sleek coat. Originally bred for vermin hunting, Toy Fox Terriers have a rich history of fearless feats and tenacity. Today, they continue to showcase their active natures and feisty personalities, but are also known for being affectionate and loyal. Their energetic and playful natures make these terriers great companions for individuals and families seeking an active and entertaining companion, and their intelligence and adaptability make them quick learners and versatile in various activities. They form strong bonds with their people, so the Toy Fox Terrier is the perfect choice if you're seeking a compact pup with a big heart.

Toy Fox Terrier characteristics

Learn about about Toy Fox Terrier basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Toy Fox Terrier facts.

Average height

9-11 inches (22.9-27.9cm)

Average weight

3-10 pounds (1.4-4.5 kg)

Average lifespan

13-15 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny TinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
How big do Toy Fox Terriers get?

Toy Fox Terriers are extra-small dogs, most weighing between three and 10 pounds and standing around nine to 11 inches tall. Their small size makes them great companions, especially for people looking for a portable pet.

What colors do Toy Fox Terriers come in?

Toy Fox Terriers are usually predominantly white with black or tan markings on their heads, but they can also be tricolor. Other color combinations include white with chocolate markings, black and white, chocolate and white, solid black, or solid chocolate. They often have a distinct combination of these colors.

When do Toy Fox Terriers stop growing?

Toy Fox Terriers usually reach their full height and weight by around 10 to 12 months of age. However, some may continue to fill out and gain muscle until they’re about 18 months old. After that, their growth will generally plateau.

Do Toy Fox Terriers shed a lot?

No, Toy Fox Terriers do not shed much. They have a short, smooth coat that sheds minimally compared to other breeds. Grooming a Toy Fox Terrier is very low-maintenance: an occasional brushing will help remove excess hair and keep the coat looking glossy. Toy Fox Terriers are a good option for those looking for low-shedding dogs.

How long do Toy Fox Terriers live?

Toy Fox Terriers typically have a lifespan of about 13 to 15 years. With good care, proper diet, and regular veterinary check-ups, some can live even longer. Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, so maintaining their overall health is important.

Toy Fox Terrier temperament

Learn about about the Toy Fox Terrier temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Toy Fox Terriers noisy?

Yes, Toy Fox Terriers can be quite vocal. They are known for their alertness and may bark to communicate, especially if they sense something unusual or want attention. As with any dog, however, they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

Are Toy Fox Terriers good family dogs?

Yes, Toy Fox Terriers can make excellent family dogs. The Toy Fox Terrier was bred to be a lively companion, an active ratter, and a vocal sentinel. They tend to be good with children and enjoy being part of family activities. More sociable than most terriers, this dog loves to announce a visitor to all and then befriend them.

Are Toy Fox Terriers friendly?

Yes, Toy Fox Terriers are quite friendly. Their affectionate and playful nature makes them great companions. They often bond well with their families and enjoy interacting with people. Socialization from a young age can enhance their friendliness, helping them get along well with kids, other dogs, and even cats.

Are Toy Fox Terriers cuddly?

Yes, Toy Fox Terriers can be quite cuddly. They often enjoy being close to their pet parents and will happily snuggle up for some affection. Their small size makes them great lap-dogs, and they usually love to spend time with their families. Just like any dog, individual personalities can vary, but many Toy Fox Terriers thrive on companionship and enjoy being cuddled.

Are Toy Fox Terriers easy to potty train?

Yes, Toy Fox Terriers can be relatively easy to potty train, especially if you start early and are consistent with your approach. Their intelligence and eagerness to please work in your favor. Using positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, can help them learn the desired behaviors. Regular routines and frequently taking them outside will also help in the training process.

Are Toy Fox Terriers good with kids?

Yes, Toy Fox Terriers can be good with kids. They are generally friendly, playful, and energetic, making them great companions for children. Toy Fox Terriers are known to be great with older children and have the energy to spare to keep up with them. However, like most terriers, they can be territorial over their space and their food, and their tiny size makes them quite susceptible to harm from rowdy younger children, so older children who know how to behave around dogs are best for this breed.

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Toy Fox Terrier to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Are Toy Fox Terriers easy to train?

Yes, Toy Fox Terriers are easy to train. They are intelligent and eager to please, which helps them learn commands and tricks quickly. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work best, as they respond well to praise and treats. Early socialization and training can help ensure they grow into well-mannered companions.

Are Toy Fox Terriers good with cats?

Yes, Toy Fox Terriers can get along well with cats, especially if they are raised together and properly introduced. They tend to be quite tolerant of cats in the home, especially since they are usually much smaller than them, though they may chase the cats they see outside. Socialization and positive experiences can help foster a good relationship between these dogs and your cat.

Are Toy Fox Terriers good with other dogs?

Yes, Toy Fox Terriers can be good with other dogs, especially if they are socialized from a young age. They tend to have a friendly and playful demeanor, which can help them get along well with their canine companions. However, individual temperaments can vary, so introductions should be done gradually and in a controlled environment.

Are Toy Fox Terriers smart?

Yes, Toy Fox Terriers are quite smart. They are known for their intelligence and quick learning ability, which makes them relatively easy to train. Their curiosity and eagerness to please contribute to their sharpness. Providing mental stimulation through training, puzzles, and interactive play can help keep their minds engaged and prevent boredom.

Toy Fox Terrier history

Learn about where this Toy Fox Terrier came from!

Is a Toy Fox Terrier the same as a Rat Terrier?

No, Toy Fox Terriers and Rat Terriers are not the same breed, although they share some similarities. Toy Fox Terriers are smaller and weigh between four and seven pounds. They were developed for companionship and to hunt small game. Rat Terriers are larger, weighing between 10 and 25 pounds, and were bred for farm work, hunting rats and other small vermin.

Where are Toy Fox Terriers from?

Toy Fox Terriers originated in the United States in the early 20th century. They were developed from a mix of smaller Fox Terriers and other small breeds, like the Chihuahua and the Miniature Pinscher. Their breeding aimed to create a small, agile dog excellent for hunting small game and as a companion. Toy Fox Terriers have a rich history of fearless feats and tenacity. Today, they continue to showcase their active natures and feisty personalities but are also known for being affectionate and loyal.

Is a Toy Fox Terrier a Chihuahua?

No, a Toy Fox Terrier is not a Chihuahua, but they do share some similarities. Toy Fox Terriers were developed as a distinct breed in the U.S. and are a mix of smaller Fox Terriers and other breeds, including Chihuahuas. While both are small and can have similar temperaments, they are recognized as separate breeds with different characteristics and histories.

Toy Fox Terrier health

Learn about about the Toy Fox Terrier health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Do Toy Fox Terriers have health issues?

The Toy Fox Terrier is generally a quite healthy breed with a long average lifespan. However, like all dogs, they may be prone to common health issues depending on a combination of factors, including genetics and lifestyle.

What diseases are Toy Fox Terriers prone to?

Some common concerns for Toy Fox Terriers include:

  • Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes: This condition causes the head of the femur (located in the hind leg) to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, this will lead to erosion of the hip joint and arthritis. A Toy Fox Terrier suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes will become lame, limp while walking, and experience pain when moving the hip joint. Surgery is the most effective treatment for the disorder.

  • Congenital hypothyroidism with goiter (CHG): This inherited disease prevents proper thyroid hormone production in young puppies. Puppies born with CHG will not move around as much as normal pups, have abnormally large heads, and exhibit dwarfism in their legs. After a few weeks puppies start to develop swelling near the thyroid gland (on the underside of the neck), which continues to enlarge. This is called a goiter. If caught early, medication can keep the goiter from growing and restricting the airways, but in some cases, the goiter continues to return and eventually leads to death.,

  • Von Willebrand disease: Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder seen in dogs. It happens when a dog does not produce enough of a specific protein that helps the blood cells used in clotting stick together. This results in dogs that are unable to clot properly and could cause hemorrhages or other bleeding issues. The deficient protein is called von Willebrand factor (vWF).

Are Toy Fox Terriers hypoallergenic?

No, Toy Fox Terriers are not considered hypoallergenic. While they have a short, smooth coat that sheds minimally, they can still produce dander and saliva, which may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. If you’re looking for a breed that’s more suitable for allergy sufferers, it’s a good idea to spend time with a Toy Fox Terrier first to see how you react. Regular grooming and cleaning can also help manage allergens in your home.

Popular Toy Fox Terrier mixes

A few common Toy Fox Terrier mixes include:

  • Wire Toy Foxter (Toy Fox Terrier + Wire Fox Terrier)

  • Welsh Toy Fox Terrier (Toy Fox Terrier + Welsh Terrier)

Toy Fox Terrier Mixes picture

Find Toy Fox Terrier puppies near you

Adopting a Toy Fox Terrier

We don't see any Toy Fox Terriers available for adoption in your exact location or cities near you, but here are some adorable similar breeds in Columbus, OH.

Photo of Little Andy

Little Andy

Chihuahua

Male, 5 yrs

Lewis Center, OH

Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids
Not good with dogs
Not good with cats
Spayed or Neutered
Story
This is Andy and he comes to us seeking a forever home with patient adopters! Andy was running as a stray and all the signs are there that he had a difficult/abusive past. Andy needs his time to get settled in and get to know you, which is just a few days. He loves being near you, indoor life (especially couches), a yard where he can watch the birds and Andy loves to eat! Andy is approximately 4 years old and about 22 pounds. Andy would love to start his live with family that will love him for who he is. He has a lot of love to give to that special person who will earn his trust. Apply to meet Andy at ricopetrecovery.org. Fee is $250.
Photo of Mira

Mira

Chihuahua Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Female, 2 mos

Columbus, OH

Color
Brown/Chocolate
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids
Not good with dogs
Not good with cats
Story
Meet Mira! This little girl loves everyone and is fearless around other dogs. She loves to play and also cuddle on your lap. We are guessing on her breeds based on her size and appearance and expect her to be a smaller dog. She will be available for transport after 4/16. ✔️good with kids ✔️ good with dogs Once adopted (if remote adoption) she will travel via the Rescue Transport to her new family. Transport is an additional $185. They travel every weekend from Memphis, Tennessee to the north east, delivering pups along the way as far north as West Greenwich, Rhode Island. If you would like to make this cutie part of your family please follow the link below to our adoption application. Our turnaround time is typically less than 24 hours so please be prepared before you submit your application. https://new.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BCAR/Dog
Photo of Sweetie

Sweetie

Chihuahua Pug

Female, senior

Columbus, OH

Color
Gray/Blue/Silver/Salt & Pepper
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids
Good with dogs
Not good with cats
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
Are you the type of person that likes to give sweet older pups a chance they might otherwise not get? Sweetie loves attention and will happily help you out by guarding the door of the bathroom from the inside. However, she can also be quite the independent little lady and doesn’t need to be a velcro dog… unless you want her to be! Sweetie can be a little bossy with her dog friends (part of why we think she’s mixed with chihuahua!) but generally gets along well with everyone. Sweetie is a beauty but would benefit from a little tough love when it comes to feeding and giving out treats and a little more activity in her day. A physically fenced yard is required. Sweetie is available for adoption in Ohio to residents of Ohio. If you are interested in adopting Sweetie, please complete the online application here (copy and paste into your browser): https://hhdane.formstack.com/forms/lostpetrecoveryadoptionform
Photo of BooBoo

BooBoo

Chihuahua Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier

Male, 2 yrs

Columbus, OH

Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids
Not good with dogs
Not good with cats
Spayed or Neutered
Story
ABOUT ME… My name is BooBoo! I am guesstimated to be an approximate 2-year-old yorkie/chihuahua mix. I ended up at the big loud scary county shelter with an unknown history. I was struggling with some fear and anxiety in the shelter setting, so COPAW pulled me outta there. Now I am enjoying the great life of demanding love and affection from the humans whenever I desire. I especially love to be carried around in a sling, so I am always by your side! I AM GREAT WITH… -People, dogs, and cats! -Basic commands! My favorite one is to “sit pretty” for my treats! I AM STILL WORKING ON… -Housebreaking. I am scheduled to be neutered on 4/16/25, but I am admittedly a bit of a marker. ___ VETTING... ~All animals in our care are spayed/neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested (age 1 & up), given preventatives, and provided with initial vaccinations AT MINIMUM. ~If booster shots have not been completed prior to adoption, they may be completed at our clinic in Columbus, OH at no additional expense. Alternatively, the adopter can use their own vet to boost vaccinations, at their own expense. TERMS & CONDITIONS... ~Adopters must reside in the State of Ohio. ~No transportation assistance is provided; adopter must commute for meet & greet. ~Meet & greets are not scheduled until there is an approved adoption application on file. ~The expectation is that you will bring your new pet home from the meet & greet, if all goes well. Please be prepared to do so by bringing a collar, leash, harness, crate, etc. to secure your new pet.
Photo of Butch

Butch

Chihuahua Terrier (Unknown Type, Small)

Male, 2 yrs 9 mos

Plain City, OH

Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn - with Black
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids
Not good with dogs
Not good with cats
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
Butch was so frightened when arriving to us, but who wouldnt have been. Picked up as a stray with his buddy, Billy. Taken to the shelter where he was minutes from losing his life. Then transported across the country with lots of other barking and frightened pups. It’s been a whirlwind of stressful events. But even so, Butch began to relax slightly after a few days and after a week he allowed us to touch him. It just takes a little time and patience. Billy warms up a lot faster, but with time these two will be a delightful addition to any family. We are looking for someone with the time and patience to bring the best out in this sweet boy who Wants so badly to trust and believe there is good that exists in this scary world. At not quite three weeks we are now receiving kisses from Butch. Both boys are vaccinated, neutered, flea and tick treated and microchipped. Please submit an application to meet these sweet little guys. Canaananimalsanctuary.org
Photo of Milo

Milo

Chihuahua

Male, 4 yrs 1 mo

Plain City, OH

Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids
Not good with dogs
Not good with cats
Spayed or Neutered
Story
Meet Milo and Chico, a father-son chihuahua Bonded Pair!!! A bonded pair means they are very emotionally attached and must be adopted together. 4 year old Milo weighs only 8 lbs and 5 year old dad Chico is 11 lbs.Milo is a loving precious soul and is amazing. Milo and Chico lost their home when their owner passed away but they are extremely bonded and we want to do our best to keep them together. Milo loves playing with his dad and will not sleep unless his dad is nearby. He does enjoy having his own bed. He loves a recliner, sofa and will curl up in a blanket with his nose buried so his dad can play hide and seek. These 2 are full of endless entertainment. Although they are bonded they will let you know they have enough love for you too...with lots of affection full of snuggles and kisses and when they roll over for a belly rub, you can't resist either.Milo went to a petstore event sponsored by canine collective with his dad and another larger CC dog. He had no probs with this larger dog. They were super friendly with everyone they met and got lots of attention, were well behaved, and very much enjoyed their day out. Our little boy is very loving and loves to be held. He looks at you as if he hangs onto your every word. He does know his name and listens very well. Milo goes out to potty but also uses a washable pee pad overnight. He loves his toys and will retrieve them after he shakes the daylights out of them. Our boys are both very quiet so they would do great in an apartment. These little guys are supersweet and lots of fun too. Since they are so small we think an adults only or a family with older kids would be fine. If Milo and Chico are what you're looking for, apply at www.caninecollective.org.