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: 12-15 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

8-12 inches (20.3-30.5cm)

Average weight

4-7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kg)

Average lifespan

12-15 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
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.

How big do Toy Fox Terriers get?

Toy Fox Terriers are extra-small dogs, most weighing between four and seven pounds and standing around 8 to 12 inches tall. Their small size makes them great companions, especially for people looking for a portable pet.

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.