# Toy Fox Terrier Also known as: American Toy Terrier, Amertoy, Toy Fox - **Group:** Terrier (FCI group 3) - **Size:** Small - **Origin:** United States - **Height:** 21.5–29.2 cm - **Weight:** 3.5–9 kg - **Life expectancy:** 12–14 years - **Temperament:** Lively, Loyal, Playful, Intelligent, Affectionate The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, glossy American terrier descended from the Smooth Fox Terrier. Lively and trainable, it is known for its clownish humour and attachment to its people. ## Overview The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, athletic terrier that comes from the United States. It descends from the larger Smooth Fox Terrier and has been registered as a separate breed since 1936. It is active but not as driven as a Jack Russell, and it makes a lively, devoted companion that suits many homes, including those of older owners. ## History The breed is believed to have appeared in the United States in the early 1900s, working as a farm dog and household pet that caught rodents. Some breeders trace their lines back to Foiler, a Smooth Fox Terrier registered in Britain in the 1870s. Breeds such as the Toy Manchester Terrier, Chihuahua and Italian Greyhound have been used at times. The United Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1936 and the American Kennel Club placed it in the Toy Group in 2003. ## Appearance A small, muscular and graceful dog with a short, fine, glossy coat that is mostly white, usually with a solid-coloured head. It has V-shaped ears, large eyes and a short, high-set tail. It stands about 21 to 29 cm tall and weighs roughly 3.5 to 9 kg. Tri-colour, white and tan, and white and black patterns are all seen. ## Temperament Bright, playful and loyal, the Toy Fox Terrier was a circus favourite and is said to suit owners with a sense of humour. It is quite trainable and very attached to its family. It is active as terriers go but not hyperactive, and if well trained it does not tend to bark excessively. ## Care and exercise Daily walks and play sessions keep it fit and happy, and it enjoys learning tricks. Its short coat needs only a quick weekly brush. Because it is small, protect it from cold and rough handling, and supervise play with young children. ## Health Like other toy breeds it is prone to patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and von Willebrand disease. A 2024 UK study found an average life expectancy of about 12.9 years. ## Ratings (1 to 5) - Energy: 4 - Exercise needs: 3 - Grooming: 1 - Shedding: 3 - Trainability: 4 - Barking: 2 - Good with children: 3 - Good with other dogs: 3 Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/toy-fox-terrier Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Fox_Terrier · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q37510 Photo: Terry Best (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Toy_Fox_Terrier_2.jpg Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.