Toy Fox Terrier
IntelligentAlertLoyal
United States · 13–15 years
About the Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is an American breed that combines the athleticism and tenacity of a terrier with the charm and convenience of a toy breed. Developed in the early 1900s by breeding small Smooth Fox Terriers with toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinschers, Toy Fox Terriers were originally used as circus performers and farm ratters. They are intelligent, animated, and entertaining dogs with a sleek tricolor coat and an alert, eager expression. Despite weighing just 3.5 to 7 pounds, they are robust, athletic dogs with enormous personalities.
Breed stats
- Height
- 8.5–11.5 in
- Weight
- 3.5–7 lbs
- Lifespan
- 13–15 years
- Group
- Toy
- Coat
- Short, fine, smooth, glossy
- Origin
- United States
Coat colors
- White, Black, and Tan
- White and Tan
- White and Black
- White, Chocolate, and Tan
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
20–30 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.25–0.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Von Willebrand's disease
- Demodectic mange
- Lens luxation
Not every Toy Fox Terrier will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Toy Fox Terriers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Toy Fox Terriers are classified in the AKC Toy Group, but they retain strong terrier characteristics. They have genuine terrier instincts — prey drive, tenacity, and bold confidence — packed into a tiny toy-sized body. Unlike many toy breeds that are purely companions, Toy Fox Terriers were working dogs that caught rats and performed in circuses. They are more robust, athletic, and independent than most toy breeds. Think of them as real terriers that happen to be very small. Their terrier side means they need more exercise and stimulation than typical toy breeds.
- Toy Fox Terriers are among the most trainable toy breeds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and quick learners — traits inherited from both their Fox Terrier and toy breed ancestry. They excel at trick training and have a long history as circus performers, learning complex routines and sequences. Housetraining can be challenging due to their tiny size (small bladders and sometimes reluctance to go outdoors in cold or wet weather), but patience and consistency pay off. Positive reinforcement works best. Their intelligence means they need mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behavior.
- Yes, Toy Fox Terriers are very sensitive to cold weather. Their tiny size, thin coat, low body fat, and high surface-area-to-volume ratio mean they lose body heat quickly. Most Toy Fox Terriers need a sweater or coat in temperatures below 50°F (10°C). In winter, they may resist going outside for potty breaks, which can complicate housetraining. Many owners use indoor potty pads as a backup during cold weather. Providing warm bedding, draft-free sleeping areas, and cozy clothing helps keep them comfortable during cold months.
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