Toy Fox Terrier

OVERVIEW OF THE TOY FOX TERRIER

Favored for its friendly, energetic, and lively personality, Toy Fox Terrier is a toy breed dog that was developed in England in the 19th century by crossing the Smooth Fox Terrier with a variety of toy breeds including Manchester Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, Miniature Pinscher and Chihuahuas. These dogs were originally bred for hunting small game such as rats and rabbits, but they soon became popular among the upper class as lap dogs. Today, they are commonly kept as family pets due to their affectionate and loyal nature.

At the height of 8.5 inches to 11.5 inches tall, Toy Fox Terriers are small in stature, yet they are well-built and muscular. They have a long muzzle that is well set on at the base of their skull and a black nose with wide nostrils. Their eyes are round and dark in color and have an intelligent expression. These dogs have short, smooth coats that are predominantly white with black or tan patches on the head and body.

Despite their small size, Toy Fox Terriers boast strong hunting instincts and notoriously feisty personalities. They are always ready to chase after whatever catches their eye — whether it’s a cat or a squirrel — this characteristic makes them excellent watchdogs but keep in mind that these dogs are known to bite when scared or provoked. As such, it is important that you train them from an early age, or enroll them in a puppy kindergarten so that they learn how to behave around other pets or toddlers in your home.

Renowned for their agility and intelligence, Toy Fox Terriers are a popular choice for dog sports such as obedience and agility competitions, rallies, and fly balls. These charismatic dogs can also be trained to perform tricks and stunts, making them a perfect choice for those who want to show off their pup’s skills.

If you plan on welcoming a mischievous and loving Toy Fox Terrier to your home, here’s what you need to know.

TOY FOX TERRIER FOOD AND HEALTH

Weighing four to nine pounds, Toy Fox Terriers are a small breed that requires only moderate amounts of food. For optimal health development, you should feed your Foxy a quarter to half cup of dry food, divided into two meals. When choosing Toy Fox Terrier food, you should look for a high-quality brand that contains at least 23 percent protein and 5 percent fat. This will help keep your dog strong and healthy as he ages.

Since these dogs are prone to developing eye issues, it is important to feed them a diet that’s rich in vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. You can also supplement your dog’s diet with high-quality treats or meaty bones to provide him with additional nutrients. These dogs also have food intolerance so you must avoid buying food with wheat, corn, and beet pulp.

These terriers can be con artists and can trick you into giving them table scraps. Although most dog owners think that table scraps are a good way to add variety to their dog’s diet, this is not the case. Table scraps are high in fat and carbs that can lead to weight gain or digestive issues — especially if you have an older dog.

COMMON HEALTH CONCERNS

Toy Fox Terriers are generally healthy dogs that can live up to 14 years on average, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues that may affect their lifespan or quality of life if left untreated. These include:

Demodectic mange

Demodectic mange is a skin infection caused by Demodex canis, a mite that lives in the hair follicles and oil glands of dogs. This disease can manifest as early as three months of age, but most commonly appears between 6 and 12 months. The infection causes hair loss, redness, scaling, and itching in affected areas. Additionally, dogs with this condition are more likely to develop secondary infections from the mites, which can lead to cancerous tumors or immune system deficiencies.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

Also known as avascular necrosis (AVN), this orthopedic condition affects the femoral head, leading to hip joint degeneration and deformity. The symptoms of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease are limping and lameness, joint pain, and swelling, which usually affects one hip at first but may spread to both hips over time. Treatment typically involves pain medication and physical therapy, though surgery may sometimes be required to treat severe cases.

Von Willebrand’s disease

Von Willebrand’s disease is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects platelets, which are necessary for blood clotting. The most common symptom is abnormal bleeding (from cuts, nosebleeds, etc.), but it may also cause spontaneous bruising or nosebleeds, even if there are no external wounds present. If your dog is diagnosed with von Willebrand’s disease, your veterinarian may prescribe an injection of Factor VIII or a blood transfusion to help control the problem.

Primary Lens Luxation

The most common health concern of Toy Fox Terriers is primary lens luxation (PLL), which is a condition that causes the lens of the eye to dislocate from its normal position. PLL affects about 25 percent of Toy Fox Terriers and will cause blurry or double vision, depending on where the lens has moved. Other symptoms include sensitivity to light, squinting, clouding, and redness in the white part of the eye. If you suspect your Toy Fox Terrier has PLL, take him to your vet immediately.

Besides these diseases, Toy Fox Terriers often experience hypothyroidism, patella luxation, and epilepsy. Before buying your dog, ask the breeder about the history of health problems in their breeding program and make sure that your new dog is fully vaccinated.

BEST CRATES, BEDS, AND DOG HOUSES FOR TOY FOX TERRIERS

Known for their loving and affectionate demeanor, Toy Fox Terriers are extroverted dogs who love their human companions and enjoy spending a lot of time with them. This means you do not have to buy a dog house for them, but you must get them a crate.

Crate training your Toy Fox Terrier is recommended to help keep them safe when you are not at home. Crates can also help create boundaries and establish dominance in your relationship with your dog. When buying a crate, you want to make sure it is the right size for your dog. Crates should be large enough for your Toy Fox Terrier to stand up without its head touching the top of the crate, sit down with its legs outstretched and turn around comfortably. Since Toy Fox Terriers are prone to developing separation anxiety, you may want to leave them outside of the crate for short periods of time at first, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend inside.

If possible, try adding a crate bed or mattress to the crate, as this will help your dog adjust to their new sleeping space. When buying a dog bed, you must check its material, and choose one that’s made of memory foam. This will help your dog stay comfortable and reduce its chances of developing a sore back.

Given the working dog background of a TFT, they have an unending desire for wanderlust. If you don’t want your dog escaping into the streets in your absence but don’t want to confine it to a kennel, consider installing an invisible fence. This will allow them to roam freely within a certain boundary while keeping them out of danger.

LEASHES AND COLLARS FOR A TOY FOX TERRIER

Just like other terriers, Toy Fox Terriers require 30 minutes of walking every day to stay active and healthy. When walking your Toy Fox Terrier, it is important that you use a leash that is strong enough to hold them back if they try to run off. A good option is a retractable leash, measuring at least six feet long. This will allow your dog some freedom to explore while keeping them close by at all times.

Toy Fox Terriers have a high prey drive, so they might try to chase down small animals and wander off. To keep track of your dog in unfamiliar territory, you must get a collar with a GPS (global positioning system) tracker and an identification tag.

While picking out a collar, there are a few considerations you must keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to make sure that the collar fits your dog properly. It should be snug around their neck — without being too tight or too loose — so that it does not hurt them or restrict their breathing. Secondly, you should choose a collar made of durable material that can withstand daily wear and tear — this includes rain, snow, and other weather conditions.

Many dog owners use shock collars and prong collars as a part of their obedience training program. While these collars are effective when used correctly, they can also cause serious injuries if used incorrectly. Instead, you should use positive reinforcement to train your dog. This will help them learn faster and build a stronger bond with you as well. The best thing is that these dogs are quick learners so you won’t have to spend months training them.

TOY FOX TERRIER TOYS

Toy Fox Terriers are intelligent and curious dogs, so they need toys that will challenge them both mentally and physically. You can get them involved with training games like hide-and-seek or fetch, but remember not to overdo this kind of activity — too much running around will wear out even the most energetic breed. Additionally, you can opt for interactive puzzles or agility training kits. These kits include hoops, tunnels, weave poles, and jump poles, providing your dog with mental stimulation while strengthening his bones and muscles.

Toy Fox Terriers love to chew on things and can be quite destructive if they’re left alone with nothing to occupy their attention. To control undesirable behavior, try giving him an indestructible “bone” or other chew toys like flavored ropes that he can gnaw on safely. These kinds of toys will help keep his teeth and gums healthy, and they’ll also prevent boredom when you’re not home.

GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR TOY FOX TERRIER OWNERS

Unlike other toy dogs, Toy Fox Terriers are quite low maintenance. They shed little to no hair and do not require frequent bathing. To keep their coats shiny and clean, brush them thoroughly with a slicker brush and bathe them occasionally using dog shampoo. As mentioned above, these dogs are prone to developing demodectic mange, so you must check their skin when grooming them. If you notice scaly patches, redness, or swelling on your dog’s skin, contact your vet immediately to get an accurate diagnosis.

These dogs also love to dig around, so you must give them a paw pedicure once or twice a month, but you should check their nails daily to make sure they aren’t getting too long. You’ll also want to make sure to check your Toy Fox Terrier’s ears for dirt and wax buildup, and wipe it away with a cotton ball dipped in mineral oil to prevent infections. They don’t have any wrinkles or folds in their skin, which makes ear cleaning easier than it would be for other breeds.

Toy Fox Terriers are prone to dental problems and gum disease, which is why it’s important that you brush their teeth daily with dog-friendly toothpaste. This will prevent the build-up of tartar and freshen up their breath while eliminating the risk of painful infections.

TOY FOX TERRIER ACCESSORIES

When it comes to accessories for Toy Fox Terriers, there are a lot of them to choose from. Since these dogs do not tolerate inconsiderate handling, you must also invest in high-quality hound gloves to prevent painful scratches. You can also opt for a high-quality grooming kit that includes a vet-approved shampoo and conditions, a slicker brush, and a comb. This way, you can keep your dog’s coat looking healthy and shiny while preventing tangles and mats from forming.

If you plan on taking your canine on a hiking or camping trip, you must also consider getting a pair of comfortable dog booties. These will protect your dog’s paws from getting injured by sharp rocks, sticks, and other debris. TFTs are also known for their squirmy nature so if you don’t want a mess or constant jumping during a car ride, you should opt for a dog car seat cover and a seatbelt harness. These will keep your dog safe and secure, preventing them from jumping around or getting into any trouble while you are driving.

Some other accessories include a collar, a rain jacket with a hood, a collapsible feeding bowl, and sunscreen. Unlike other dogs, Toy Fox Terriers are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures, so you also consider adding a sweater and some warm clothes to their wardrobe.

For training, we recommend getting a dog whistle, a training clicker, and some treats. The clicker will help you train your fur buddy to do tricks and obey commands while the treats will encourage him to be more responsive and provide positive reinforcement for good behavior.