Are you looking for an “All American” dog to be the furry mascot of your next Fourth of July party (and everyone after that for the next thirteen years)?
If so…
Then the Toy Fox Terrier is a dog you definitely want to put on your short list to consider. Tiny and mighty, even if you don’t like toy dogs, this might be one to consider.
Of course…
We should remind folks that not all breeds are right for all households. This is why we wanted to take a moment and write this article all about what it might be like to own a Toy Fox Terrier in an effort to help you decide if a Toy Fox Terrier should join your family, or not.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Toy Fox Terrier Fast Facts
Country of Origin: USA
Original Purpose: Hunt Vermin
Height: 8 to 13 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 3 to 8 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Toy group
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Origin of the Toy Fox Terrier Dog Breed
Okay, we did say this is an “All American Pup”, but we’ve got to back in history a little to give you the full story about how this little guy did make it to American and ultimately become “home grown”.
You see…
Back in the 1500s, a similar dog known as the Smooth Fox Terrier originated in England. This dog was way bigger than the Toy Fox – up to twenty pounds or so. And while sure, some of them were small, technically these smaller Smooth Fox Terriers were considered runts.
However…
As tends to happen with the underdog, people started to like them – almost more than the original sized dog! As you can probably guess, breeders started breeding smaller puppies, and they became a legit dog, not just the “runt of the litter!”
Eventually…
They became so popular and well liked, they were finally recognized by the United Kennel Club as Smooth Fox Terriers, though. That is, until sometime in the 1920s when some people petitioned to have the dog recognized for what it had become: an entirely distinct breed. After becoming popular in America, the dogs got recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2003.
Physical Traits of a Toy Fox Terrier
Now the first thing that you’re going to need to understand is that this tiny little dog can vary slightly in the way he looks because some breeders crossbred with Chihuahua and the Toy Manchester Terrier originally to help maintain the small size.
Later on…
It was decided that these genes shouldn’t come into the Toy Fox Terrier’s genepool…but as you know, it’d be impossible to map the genes of every Toy Fox Terrier since the beginning of time!
It’s kinda like…
When humans get a DNA test and find out they have genes from a part of the world they never knew! The color can also an vary from tricolor (black, tan and white) or be any other combo (White and tan, white and black, and black & tan).
Temperament or Personality of the Toy Fox Terrier
If you get this puppy young and train him or her immediately, he’ll learn and be receptive to all you have to teach.
This is because…
He’s a people pleaser when it comes to his family/owner. He wants to be loved and if you try to do family activities without including this pup, it’s likely he’ll come over and say…
“Hey guys! What about me?” (But, in a bark – obviously).
He’s also a bit of a cuddle monster, and will probably feel uncomfortable or lonely sleeping anywhere but on your bed.
Despite this…
Almost clingy nature he shows to his loved ones, he’s a bit aloof when it comes to strangers or new people. But, if you give him regular socialization opportunities from a young age it should help. Toy Fox puppies who are around new people from the get go, learn to adjust.
Also…
It should be noted that this dog’s energy levels can really vary. Some people find their Toy Fox Terrier to be a bit of a lazy pup, most comfortable roaming around home and not much more. But, others tend to be hyperactive. It’s really just the luck of the draw – and sure, puppy upbringing probably influences the kind of adult dog they grow into.
Now if…
You aren’t 100% sure about the Toy Fox Terriers personality, you could also consider the Italian greyhound or the wire fox terrier. Something to think about for sure.
Children & Toy Fox Terriers
Now, most people “make the assumption” that small dog = good for children. While this sounds like it should make sense, it doesn’t always.
The reason for this…
Is, children tend to be slightly rough with dogs and the terrier may not take to it well. There could be some snapping from the dog, and likewise your child might accidently hurt the pup.
Toy Fox Terrier Health Concerns
Whenever you get a dog, the first thing you should do is make sure that the breeders involved are trustworthy and using best practices so the dog is as healthy as possible. Without a good breeder, your pup runs the risk of displaying some genetic problems later. Remember though, a good breeder doesn’t totally eliminate the possibility of genetic problems.
Here are some of the most common:
- Demodectic Mange: This is a skin disease that is common among street dogs. While it’s not exactly certain that this is genetic, the genes do play a role. This skin disease can lead to painful patches all over the body. It’s not good.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A lot of small dog breeds are susceptible to this. Sometimes, people think it’s the same as hip dysplasia, but that’s not actually the same. This disease happens when there is a major problem in the head of the femur bone: it’s actually died.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD): named after the guy who discovered it, this autosomal recessive genetic disease can be life threatening. It is a disease which causes the dog to bleed more than it should if injured. Thus, it’s likely that you won’t know your dog has it until an accident occurs.
- Patellar Luxation: The patella is the kneecap. When a dog has a kneecap that twists or doesn’t face the right direction it’s known as patellar luxation. If it is serious, the dog may require surgery.
And while…
Many of these conditions may not be life threatening, they can certainly become quite expensive to deal with particularly if they become recurring issues.
This is why…
We here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be right for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
