Physical attributes
- Height: ranges from 20cm / 8 inches up to 25cm / 11 inches.
- Weight: ranges from 2kg / 4lbs up to 3kg / 7lbs.
- Typical fur colours: tri-colored, white & black.
- Eye colour: brown.
- Size category: small.

Health attributes
- Common health problems: patellar luxation, eye problems and heart problems.
- Usual longevity: 13 to 15 years.
- Hypoallergenic? No.

Toy Fox Terrier breed fulfilment and exercise needs
Toy Fox Terrier breed behavioural traits
- Character traits of a Toy Fox Terrier: The Toy Fox Terrier usually exhibits character traits that include intelligent, alert, friendly and playful.
- Toy Fox Terrier obey scale: In percentage terms, the Toy Fox Terrier typically scores around 70% on the obey scale.
- Trick repetitions required: In terms of how many times the Toy Fox Terrier needs to learn new tricks, expect between 16 and 25 repetitions before they pick things up.
- Intelligence category: The Toy Fox Terrier sites in the above average category when it comes to intelligence.
- Suitability for children: If you have kids, it’s worth knowing that the Toy Fox Terrier is moderately suitable for children.
Toy Fox Terrier: A Fascinating Background and Rich History
The charming Toy Fox Terrier holds a special place in American dog breeding history. These pint-sized dynamos emerged in the early 20th century when breeders decided to miniaturize the larger Smooth Fox Terrier. They’re classified as toy dogs, but don’t let their diminutive size fool you – these little powerhouses pack quite a punch when it comes to working ability and intelligence.

Born and bred in the United States, these peppy pooches were originally developed to be excellent ratters on farms. Their primary purpose was to keep barns and homes free of rodents, and they excelled at this job thanks to their quick reflexes and sharp instincts. What’s particularly interesting is that despite their small stature, they’ve maintained the working dog mentality of their larger ancestors, consistently proving themselves to be above average in working dog trials and activities.
Back in the day, these clever canines didn’t just stick to pest control – they became popular performers in traveling circus acts during the 1920s and 1930s. Their impressive agility, combined with an eager-to-please attitude, made them natural entertainers. The breed wasn’t officially recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2003, but they’d been winning hearts across America long before that.

Today’s Toy Fox Terrier still carries the spunk and determination of its working dog heritage. While they might spend more time cuddling on laps than chasing rodents, they haven’t lost their sharp minds or athletic abilities. These little dogs have proven themselves versatile enough to transition from farm workers to beloved family companions, while maintaining their reputation as above-average working dogs in various dog sports and activities.
Modern Day Versatility
In contemporary homes, these spirited little dogs have adapted beautifully to family life. They’re showing up in agility competitions, obedience trials, and even therapy work. It’s remarkable how this American-bred treasure has maintained its working dog prowess while fitting perfectly into the toy dog category. Whether they’re performing tricks for treats or curled up on the couch, Toy Fox Terriers continue to demonstrate why they’re such a beloved breed in the United States.
Typical costs for buying and owning a Toy Fox Terrier
- Typical purchase price: £363. (Ranges from £158 to £514).
- Expected lifetime cost: £8,840.
- Food costs per year: £378.
