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American Toy Terrier Breed Description

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Breed Organization

American Toy Fox Terrier Club

Native Country
United States Of America

Other Names
Toy Fox Terrier, Amertoy

Life Expectancy
Approximately 13-14 Years

Litter Size
Average 2-3 Puppies

Breed Group
AKC Terrier

General Description

Toy Fox Terriers are small dogs with a muscular and athletic appearance. Notable characteristic traits include a short glossy and predominantly white coat, coupled with a predominantly solid head, and a short, high-set tail. The breed has been deemed elegant and graceful with V-shaped ears and large eyes. The tail can be short and straight or long and shiny, and breeders often shorten the tail a few days after birth by clipping it about three-fifth of the way from the tip (at the third or fourth joint). The coat is short, fine, and glossy in black with tan, with areas of tan on the face; there are two other variants, one with "chocolate" replacing the black in areas (the UKC does not allow this variant to be shown), and another which is all white and tan with no black at all. These variants are often known as "Tri-Color", "Chocolate", and "Tan and White", respectively.

Breed Standard

Head: A definite stop separates the domed skull from the small narrow muzzle.
Ears: Are v-shaped and erect.
Eyes: Are dark and round.
Tail: Docked short and carried high.
Hair: Is short and thick. The coat is white with black and tan or tan markings. Other colors do occur.
Height: About 10 inches (25 cm.)
Weight: 3.5-7 pounds (1.5-3 kg.)


History

The Toy Fox Terrier was developed in the USA in the 1930's. It is directly descended from the Smooth Fox Terrier, which was crossed with various toy breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Italian Greyhound, Chihuahua and Manchester Terrier, with the intent of miniaturizing it. Its first use was hunting rats. The Toy Fox Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 2003.


Behavior

Toy Fox Terriers, like many active and intelligent breeds, can learn to respond to a number of words. Toy Fox Terriers were used commonly in circus shows by clowns, and they are said to make great companions for owners with a good sense of humor. As a terrier breed, they are often active, though perhaps not as active as the Jack Russell Terrier, and are said to be well suited for older owners. They are quite trainable and often cited as making wonderful companions for people with disabilities. They are also very lovable and loyal to their owners. In addition, dogs of this breed tend not to bark very much if they are trained well.

Toy Fox Terriers adapt well to apartment life but love to have room to run. They are active indoors and will do without a yard, as they can usually take care of their own exercise needs. They often have trouble tolerating cold weather without careful acclimation. The Toy Fox Terrier is easy to groom, although grooming is generally seen as unneeded due to how short the hairs are (under a centimetre in length most of the time). Sometimes, it is necessary to comb and brush the coat. The hairs shed very frequently.

Function

Pet.


Health

Some are prone to patellar luxation (slipped stifle). Legg-Calv -Perthes syndrome and von Willebrand's disease are uncommon. Some dogs are allergic to beet pulp, corn, and wheat. Some dogs are also allergic to tomatoes.



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