A confident, lively little dog that mixes terrier spirit with the cuddly nature of a lap dog. It is devoted to its people, likes to clown around, is not easily put off by larger pets, and can be reserved with strangers until it gets to know them.124
how to spot oneToy Fox Terrier coat and colours
short, smooth, satiny single coat
A fine, glossy coat that lies flat and feels silky to the hand, covering a compact, athletic little body that is mostly white.143
Colourstricolour (white, black and tan)white and tanwhite and blackchocolate tricolour (not accepted for AKC showing)31
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Toy Fox Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
how busy a day looksToy Fox Terrier exercise needs
Energetic for its size. Daily walks plus indoor games keep it content, and it copes well in an apartment as long as it gets regular play.2
where they are happiestToy Fox Terrier at home
Suits both houses and apartments; a small secure yard is a bonus but not required.2
who they like aroundToy Fox Terrier with people and other pets
Bonds closely with its family and enjoys being involved. Early socialisation helps it relax around visitors; best matched with older, gentle children because of its small size.21
the hands-on bitsToy Fox Terrier grooming and care
Very easy to keep. A weekly brush, the odd bath, regular tooth brushing and nail trims are enough; shedding is light and mostly seasonal.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Toy Fox Terrier, and at what times?
Feed adult Toy Fox Terriers at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stomachs empty within a few hours, so regular meal times help keep them comfortable. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Toy Fox Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.6
How often should I bathe a Toy Fox Terrier?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.7Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Toy Fox Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Toy Fox Terrier weekly to keep its short, smooth coat shiny and remove loose hair. Shedding is light and mostly seasonal, so weekly brushing is enough. This also helps distribute natural oils.27Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Toy Fox Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 3 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Toy Fox Terrier need?
This energetic little dog needs daily walks plus indoor games to stay happy. It adapts well to apartment life as long as it gets regular play. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily walks and playtime.2Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Toy Fox Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently dry ears if needed, but never push anything into the ear canal. Regular care prevents problems.7Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Toy Fox Terrier live?
Toy Fox Terriers typically live 13 to 15 years, a nice long lifespan for a small dog. With good care and regular vet checkups, they can enjoy many happy years with you.23
Is a Toy Fox Terrier good with children and other pets?
This breed bonds closely with its family and is best with older, gentle children due to its small size. Early socialisation helps it get along with other pets, and it's not easily put off by larger animals.21
Can a Toy Fox Terrier be left alone?
Toy Fox Terriers enjoy being involved with their family and may not do well left alone for long periods. They can be reserved with strangers, so early socialisation helps. If you're away often, consider a dog walker or daycare.21
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchToy Fox Terrier health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Toy Fox Terrier. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Patellar luxation
The kneecap slips out of place, causing skipping or lameness; vets check the knees at routine visits. Listed for the breed on Wikipedia; OFA patella screening is used by breeders. ↗
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Loss of blood supply to the head of the thigh bone in young dogs, causing hind-leg lameness that may need surgery. Listed for the breed on Wikipedia. ↗
Von Willebrand disease
An inherited bleeding disorder that can cause heavy bleeding after injury or surgery. Listed for the breed on Wikipedia. ↗
Congenital hypothyroidism with goitre (CHG)
An inherited thyroid defect in puppies that causes stunted growth and goitre; a DNA test is available for the breed. The causative TPO gene mutation was identified in Toy Fox Terriers, and DNA testing is offered through OFA and university labs. ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Toy Fox Terrier costs
Running costs for a Toy Fox Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Toy Fox Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Toy Fox Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Their agility made them a favourite with circus clowns, and some performed tricks such as tightrope walking.2
2
The nickname Amertoy is a blend of the words American and toy.2
3
The UKC was registering these dogs as Fox Terriers in the 1920s, a decade before it gave them their own breed name in 1936.1
4
They are easy to train and are often described as wonderful companions for people with disabilities.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name 'Toy Fox Terrier' reflects its small 'toy' size and its origin from the Smooth Fox Terrier, bred down in size by crossing with toy breeds like Chihuahua and Italian Greyhound.4
I wake up ready for adventure! I bounce off the bed and do a little spin to greet the day. My human laughs and tosses a squeaky toy across the room, and I chase it with all my might. After a quick walk where I investigate every leaf and crack, we come home for a game of hide-and-seek. I find my human behind the couch every time! In the afternoon, I curl up in their lap for a cozy nap, my favorite spot. When visitors arrive, I show off my best tricks until they smile. At night, I snuggle under the blanket, dreaming of tomorrow's fun. Being small means big joy!
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganToy Fox Terrier history
The breed was developed in the United States by selecting the smallest Smooth Fox Terriers, and some lines trace back to Foiler, an early registered fox terrier. Small toy breeds were also added along the way. The dogs started out as farmyard ratters and gradually became popular household companions.321
Smooth Fox Terrier
Rat Terrier
Toy Manchester Terrier
Miniature Pinscher