National Toy Fox Terrier Association "Dedicated to a Healthy Legacy"

History

The immediate ancestor of the Toy Fox Terrier is the larger Smooth Fox Terrier. The original Fox Terrier breed standard was written in England in 1876. The size of the breed at that time was 18 to 20 pounds. Owners of these brave little dogs found that the smallest, which they called “runts”, were the scrappiest of the bunch. These little dogs were prized for their temperament. Smaller dogs were developed and eventually were found in the seven-pound range.

The United Kennel Club began registering the Smooth Fox Terrier in 1912. Between then and the mid-1920’s, the Toy Fox Terrier was developed, being a miniature of the previous breed, however they were still registered under the name of Fox Terrier (Smooth). Those dogs appear almost identical to the dogs of today. It was not until February 24, 1936, that U.K.C. began registering the Toy Fox Terrier under its current name.

The Toy Fox Terrier is a very active and lively dog known for its hardiness. Although the Toy Fox Terrier is a small dog – 3 1/2 to 7 lb. , they remain true Terriers. Their instincts for hunting can be confirmed by almost every owner of the breed.

The breed is easily recognized with its distinctive head, with upright ears, set high on the head. The most often seen color is white/black/tan. The head is predominately black with tan trim. The body is mostly white with or without black spots. Other colors are white/black and white/tan. The coat is short and glossy and the body appears to be square with a gay tail that is docked and set high.

The Toy Fox Terrier is quite intelligent, alert, loyal and fearless. Many have been trained in Obedience, or as hearing dogs, circus dogs, and service dogs. Others are regular visitors to nursing homes, bringing joy to each and everyone they visit. They may come is a small package, but they are active all their lives. After having one, you will want another.

Selecting a Breeder

When choosing a Toy Fox Terrier, it is important to consider the dependability of the breeder and the ancestry of the dogs offered for sale. It is to your advantage to visit the breeder so that you may examine dogs for sale as well as his breeding stock. If you cannot visit the breeder, questions should be asked concerning ancestors, colors, probable weight at maturity, and qualities of the sire and dam. Also be sure the dog is registered with the United Kennel Club so that you may transfer the dog’s ownership into your name and U.K.C. records. You may note a ‘PR’ (Purple Ribbon-Bred) before your dog’s name on his papers. This designation is a guarantee of reported pure breeding that at least all of the dogs of the last six generations (126 dogs), are on file with U.K.C. All Toy Fox Terrier pups eligible today for U.K.C. registration are ‘PR’ bred.

Reliable breeders will not misrepresent their stock and thus jeopardize their reputations. The assurance that a puppy will mature as a show specimen or mature at an exact size cannot be made by a breeder. A purchaser should not expect this type of assurance. Any problems that arise with a new puppy or dog should be reported to the breeder immediately.

These tiny terriers are intelligent and love to be with the family, remaining playful all of their lives They enjoy company and trips in the car. They are excellent watchdogs and never relax from overseeing their homes.

A word of caution: be careful of Toy Fox Terriers for sale in pet shops. These dogs are often not bred to the standard and may mature too large or too small and extremely off-type.

Health Information

While generally recognized as a very healthy breed, there are several health issues that one should know about when purchasing a Toy Fox Terrier. Reputable breeders should be open about their breeding stock and share what they know about the breed. While no one can guarantee against unforeseen imperfections, being knowledgeable and asking questions will help you find the healthiest puppy possible.

Patella Luxation

Medial patella luxation, or kneecap luxation, may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. Patellar luxation is a dislocation of the kneecap. The congenital form is most common in the toy and miniature breeds and may occur simultaneously with other pelvic limb deformities. While the definitive sequence of events which leads to or allows these deformities has not yet been established, the age at which the syndrome occurs does play an important role in the severity of the degenerative changes in the joint. All dogs should be screened for this prior to being bred.

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange is the result of a microscopic mite multiplying out of control. The majority of dogs have demodex mites on their skin in small numbers. The mites are acquired in puppies at birth from contact with their mothers. Most of the time, these mites cause no problems at all. Demodectic mites can be found in small numbers in the hair follicles of all normal dogs. In dogs with nemodicosis (the skin disease caused by the microscopic parasitic mite) these mites multipy and large numbers inhabit the skin and hair follicles causing the dog to have a moth eaten appearance.

Demodectic mange can occur in one of two forms, localized and generalized mange. The localized form most often appears in dogs under 1 year of age and is usually brought on by stress or puberty. The first sign is a thinning of hair around the eyelids, the lips, the corners of the mouth and the front legs. The patches of hair loss can occasionally be confused with ringworm. Mite removal/reduction normally consists of creams, dips, and cleansing shampoos. Most puppies will “self cure” as their immune system matures. Adult onset demodicosis generally occurs in dogs over the age of 5 years and is often associated with internal disease or cancer. Localized demodicosis is the mildest form. Usually only a few areas of hair loss on the head or front legs occur. Most dogs with the localized form recover completely. Plan to visit your vet for the proper course of action.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

This condition is generally a disease of small breeds and is often confused with congenital hip dysplasia. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is due to the aseptic death of the head of the femur. This causes wearing and promotes arthritic changes. Thus, after the condition has progressed for some time it is difficult to diagnose whether the resulting degenerated joint is a manifestation of hip dysplasia or Legg-Calve- Perthes. Both conditions are considered congenital and have no known cure other than surgery to prolong the useful life of your pet. Animals with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease should be eliminated from any breeding program.

von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD)

Canine von Willebrand’s disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disease in which affected animals suffer a condition which makes them more likely to bleed abnormally. This is similar in symptoms to Hemophilia in humans. This can lead to life threatening consequences in situations such as accidental injuries, spaying, or neutering. Because it is an autosomal recessive disorder, “Carriers” of the disease can show no outward signs of vWD, yet can pass the gene along and perpetuate the disease through breeding. Ultimately, the result is more affected animals.

Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter (CHG)

Carrier status does NOT affect a spay/neutered pet. Only when breeding does Congenital hypothyroidism with goiter (CHG) become a potential problem. Carriers of this disease should be identified & bred carefully to Clear tested dogs to eliminate producing Affected (affected=puppies displaying the disfiguring effects of the disease). Breeding Carrier to Carrier dogs together can and does produce Affected offspring in approximately 25% of a litter … and … 50% of the litter will be Carriers … 25% will be clear. Affected puppies of CHG do not move around as much as normal pups, and the head may appear large in comparison to the body. If nursing care is given and they survive as long as 3 weeks, the eyes do not open, the ear canals remain very small, and the hair coat is abnormally bristly. By the second week of age, a swelling on the underside of the neck can be felt and continues to enlarge with time. Delay in lengthening of bones in the legs, spine, and face causes dwarfism. Eventually, even with treatment, the goiter continues to enlarge and constrict the airway. Affected puppies usually die or are euthanized by the age of 3 weeks.

Officers & Board of Directors

President
Kelley Maldon

Canton,GA 30114

maldonfo@windstream.net

Vice President
Nancy Fishinger

Monteverde, FL 34769

foxynook45@icloud.com

Secretary
Teresa Watson

Harrah, OK 73045
siriustfts@gmail.com

Treasurer
Ashlynn Amendola

Champaine, IL 61821

amendola92@yahoo.com