meet the...Toy Fox Terrier
Breed Summary
Breed Group Group 6: Terrier Breeds
Sub-group 6-C: Small Terriers
Origin Country United States
Weight Males: 4-8 pounds. Females: 4-8 pounds.
Height Males: 8-12 inches. Females: 8-12 inches.
Other Name(s) American Toy Terrier, AmerToy, Toy Fox Terrier
Breed Type Pure
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Origins
Small terrier-type dogs have been described in England as far back as 54 BCE. The Romans wrote of hunters using small dogs to dispatch quarry in their dens and burrows. In the publication titled Of English Dogges, Dr. John Caius gave record of terriers that were black and tan with rough hair. During the 18th century, there were many terrier varieties used for hunting different quarry throughout England, and each region seemed to have its own type of terrier. Some small terriers were kept around the home to keep the property free of pests. Other terriers were specifically used to accompany hounds that trailed larger quarry, such as foxes and badgers. During a hunt, these dogs were carried in baskets or boxes on the horses. When the hounds trailed an animal to its den, the terriers would be released to “go to ground” to extract the animal from its burrow or den. These dogs were typically stout terriers with shorter leg and heavier substance. The dogs used for fox hunting were simply known as “Fox Terriers.” They could be smooth coated, rough coated, or broken coated.
It wasn’t until the end of the 18th century that any terriers of white coloration were recorded. A dog named Pitch, reportedly a Greyhound-terrier cross, was owned by Colonel Thomas Thornton, and was painted by artist Sawrey Gilpen. It was this dog that many credit to be the ancestor of many white terriers found today. The white coat color found to be beneficial, as it helped to easily distinguish the dog from the quarry, as well as making him more visible. However, this cross added leg and diminished overall substance. While this added an element of refinement to the dogs, it also diminished their ability to go to ground and dispatch quarry such as fox or badger.
Eventually, the different strains of fox-hunting terriers were split, forming the Jack Russell, Parson Russell, and Fox Terrier breeds. It is believed that the Fox Terriers were further developed by crossing with the ancestors of the modern-day Beagle, Bull Terrier, Toy Terrier, Black and Tan Terrier (now called the Manchester Terrier), Pointer, and even the Dalmatian. By the end of the 19th century, a desired type was developed and set, and Fox Terriers were considered to be separate breeds. By 1876, the first official standard for each of the Fox Terrier breeds was produced.
Although the coat is the only major difference between the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers, and all Fox Terriers and Russell Terriers were at one point descended from the same group of dogs, breed enthusiasts claim that the two breeds were derived from completely separate strains. It is believed that the Smooth Fox Terrier descended from the ancestors of today’s sleek-coated Manchester Terrier (once called the Black and Tan Terrier), Bull Terriers, Greyhounds, and Beagles. The Wire Fox Terrier version is believed to have descended from Rough-Coated Terriers from Wales.
Eventually, fox hunting in England declined, becoming largely a hobby sport. However, the Fox Terrier’s plucky personality and refined appearance found a new following: the dog show circuit. They are now a dog-show staple at all-breed shows, where they have achieved more best of show overall wins than any other breed in history.
The Toy Fox Terrier, or TFT, is a pint-sized version of his larger cousin, the Smooth Fox Terrier. While the Fox Terrier was developed specifically to go to ground after larger game such as Fox, the TFT was developed in the 1930s from a culmination of breeds for his diminutive and more manageable size. The breeds used to create the Toy Fox Terrier include the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Italian Greyhound, the Chihuahua, and the Miniature Pincher. He was originally developed to be both a charming companion dog and a spunky ratter.Breed Characteristics
Head: Somewhat mesaticephalic skull-type, moderate in size, wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The skull is moderate in length and width, with a slight arch. The muscles of the head are smooth, and not overly pronounced or exaggerated. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkle.
Eyes: The eyes are moderate in size, set well-apart, and may be full, round, almond, or oval. They may range in color from hazel-green to dark brown, and the color is in accordance to coat color. The eye rims are tightly fitted and well-pigmented. Bulging eyes, obliquely set eyes, or blue eyes are incorrect for the breed. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.
Ears: The ears are of a moderate size, set somewhat high and fairly close on the skull. They are V-shaped and broad at the base, with pointed tips, held firmly erect. The ears should never appear narrow and long, nor broken.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. Upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, and of good bone substance, never appearing snipy or weak.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black, or self-colored according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened.
Neck: Moderate length to allow for proud head carriage and strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Body: Lithe, elegant, compact, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: Set high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, but never tucked. It is held erect when moving or excited, and downward in a neutral position when relaxed. The tail may be left natural (preferred) or docked short, to the third or fourth joint. Natural tails are of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved.
Movement: The Toy Fox Terrier’s movement is lively, active, energetic, animated, effortless, efficient, and flowing. It should be free from any hackney action. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: The TFT is an engaging, lively, energetic, and spunky character. He is loyal to his people and owners. His intelligence allows him to learn and excel in many disciplines and sports (such as obedience). His athletic and capable body, along with his can-do attitude, makes him an excellent agility prospect. Eager, confident, courageous, and lively, he is up for almost anything. Although he is a loving and devoted little dog, he also possesses an independent streak passed down from his terrier ancestors. This results in him becoming instinctual and single-minded. He can also become predatory toward other small animals, and sometimes aggressive toward other dogs, especially those of the same sex. However, much of this can be curbed with early obedience and socialization training. True to terrier nature, he is watchful and can possess a hair-pin trigger. If anything seems amiss, it can set him off to alert. This is what makes Toy Fox Terriers such excellent watch dogs. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 6: Terrier Breeds
Proportions: Square in proportion, with length of the body, measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump, being just equal to the height at the withers. The ideal body height to length ratio is between 1:1 and 10:9. Females may be slightly longer. The body is well put together, with sturdy substance and medium bone. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type.
Head
General Appearance: Somewhat mesaticephalic skull-type, moderate in size, wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The skull is moderate in length and width, with a slight arch. The muscles of the head are smooth, and not overly pronounced or exaggerated. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkle.
Expression: Alert, watchful, intelligent, and lively.
Stop: The stop is moderate and slightly sloped.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is 1:1, with the topskull being equal to or just longer than the muzzle.
The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. Upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, and of good bone substance, never appearing snipy or weak.
Lips or Flews: Lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws, revealing the tapered wedge-shape of the muzzle.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black, or self-colored according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened.
Cheeks: The cheeks are smoothly muscled. They are never chiseled or coarse. The area below the eyes is well-filled.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, white teeth. Bite may be level or scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth as a result of routine work is not to be penalized.
Eyes: The eyes are moderate in size, set well-apart, and may be full, round, almond, or oval. They may range in color from hazel-green to dark brown, and the color is in accordance to coat color. The eye rims are tightly fitted and well-pigmented. Bulging eyes, obliquely set eyes, or blue eyes are incorrect for the breed. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.
Ears: The ears are of a moderate size, set somewhat high and fairly close on the skull. They are V-shaped and broad at the base, with pointed tips, held firmly erect. The ears should never appear narrow and long, nor broken.
Body and Tail
General Description: Lithe, elegant, compact, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderate length to allow for proud head carriage and strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Topline: Level from slightly prominent withers to croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat and level, or slightly arched, yet supportive. The back is never swayed or roached.
Croup: May be flat and level with the back, or gently sloped.
Underline: Slight tuck-up present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, but never tucked. It is held erect when moving or excited, and downward in a neutral position when relaxed. The tail may be left natural (preferred) or docked short, to the third or fourth joint. Natural tails are of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: Forequarters are always in balance with the hindquarters. Forequarters are well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: Elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of moderately fine (yet strong) bone, and parallel to one another.
Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: Upper thigh and lower thigh are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of moderately fine (yet strong) bone, and well-muscled.
Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: Angulation of hindquarters is always in balance with angulation of forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: Short, straight, flat, silky, satin-like, of a fine texture, and smooth to the touch. Very slight ruff may be present on the neck and shoulder.
Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes two color varieties of the Toy Fox Terrier breed: the standard color and nonstandard color variety.
Standard coat color variety: Predominantly (51% or greater) white or ticked body (not including head) with markings that can be clear tan, black, black with tan point markings, liver (chocolate), or liver (chocolate) with tan point markings, all with a predominantly color-marked (51% or greater) head. Markings on the head must completely cover both ears and eyes. Blazes are permissible granted they don’t touch the eyes or ears. Color markings must not extend below the hock joints of the hindlimbs. Preference is given to symmetrical head and body markings.
Nonstandard coat color variety: Solid white, fully ticked, predominantly (over 50%) red, Isabella, Isabella with tan points, any color pattern not considered a standard color pattern above.
Movement
The Toy Fox Terrier’s movement is lively, active, energetic, animated, effortless, efficient, and flowing. It should be free from any hackney action. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
The TFT is an engaging, lively, energetic, and spunky character. He is loyal to his people and owners. His intelligence allows him to learn and excel in many disciplines and sports (such as obedience). His athletic and capable body, along with his can-do attitude, makes him an excellent agility prospect. Eager, confident, courageous, and lively, he is up for almost anything. Although he is a loving and devoted little dog, he also possesses an independent streak passed down from his terrier ancestors. This results in him becoming instinctual and single-minded. He can also become predatory toward other small animals, and sometimes aggressive toward other dogs, especially those of the same sex. However, much of this can be curbed with early obedience and socialization training. True to terrier nature, he is watchful and can possess a hair-pin trigger. If anything seems amiss, it can set him off to alert. This is what makes Toy Fox Terriers such excellent watch dogs. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
