Toy Fox Terrier

The Toy Fox Terrier is an American miniature of the Smooth Fox Terrier, kept as a ratter and a companion in equal measure.

History

American breeders bred down from the Smooth Fox Terrier in the early twentieth century, adding toy breeds for size, to get a small terrier for farm vermin and for the house. It became a common act in American circuses and travelling shows, where its trainability and size suited the work.

Temperament

The breed is known for being bright, playful and closely attached to its person, bold well beyond its size and quick to learn.

Care and training

Exercise needs are modest and met indoors and on walks. The short coat needs nothing, and a small thin-coated dog feels the cold sharply. It trains very readily.

Health

Known tendencies include patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and hereditary eye conditions. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.