Page 12 - ShowSight Presents - The Toy Fox Terrier

dogs to move into different positions by using a ‘crowding their space’ maneu- ver so it’s only natural to expect the dog to react if crowded. The next step is to keep in mind that the judge is check- ing for a scissors bite which can easily be determined by examination of the front and both sides of the teeth with- out even opening the mouth. There is no need to count teeth since missing teeth are not to be faulted. The TFT is examined on the table with gentle and confident hands, judged on the floor, and know that happy little dog you see on the ground may not be so inclined to give you ears and tails up when he’s on the table.
The Toy Fox Terrier is not a cook- ie cutter breed and that is not a bad thing as long as each style is within the breed standard. There can be significant
stylistic differences from breeder to breeder, region to region, and coast to coast. One of the many wonderful things about these delightful little ter- riers is that there’s something for every- one! The diverse height standard of 8 1⁄2 to 11 1⁄2 inches at the withers allows breeders a choice as to how they would like their breeding program to develop regarding size. It is also important for judges to understand that neither ‘short’ nor ‘tall’ is either right or wrong; it’s which exhibit best exemplifies the writ- ten AKC Breed Standard in all aspects of that standard regardless of size.
Then we come to color! There are nine disqualifications listed in the Toy Fox Terrier Breed Standard and six of them pertain to color. One might think we are just a little color obsessed so here are some points to keep in mind regarding color and color combinations:
• Body spots on black-headed tri- colors must be black
• Body spots on chocolate-headed tri-colors must be chocolate
• Body spots on white and blacks
must be black
• Body spots on white and tans
must be tan (Those first four points can be summed up with one simple sentence. The color of body spots must be the same color as the predominant
head color!)
• A blaze must not extend into the
eyes or ears
• Head must be more than
50% colored
• Body must be more than
50% white
• Nose color must be black with
the exception of chocolates,
which are self-colored
Toy Fox Terriers may or may not
have body spots but either white bod- ied or spotted bodied is well within the standard and each should be given equal consideration. And, as if there has not already been enough written about color there are a few more points that are well worth mentioning.
While body spots on black-headed tri-colored TFTs are black, and body spots on chocolate-headed tri-colored TFTs are chocolate, a slight tinge (or fringe) of tan alongside any body spots near the chest and under the tail is con- sidered normal bi-color patterning and therefore should not be faulted.
It is also important to note that it is not a fault or a disqualification for a Toy Fox Terrier to sport grey hairs. There is a gene that occurs with some regularity in this breed and many fine examples of TFTs tend to grey early. This should be regarded as insignificant when judging the Toy Fox Terrier. It is preferred that the portion of the coat that is white be ‘clear white’ but a small amount of tick- ing is not to be penalized.
Hopefully this explanation of color has cleared up and lingering questions on the subject.
My advice to new exhibitors and new breeders would be to bring a sense of passion to your love of the Toy Fox Terrier. Never stop learning and know that this smart, comical, and entertain- ing little breed will, at times, keep you humble in the show ring! For as much they can be loving, loyal, and faithful companions I would urge new breeders to also maintain their terrier gameness, along with their spirited and self-pos- sessed attitude and sense of determi- nation and courage, by keeping those traits strongly rooted in their breeding programs as to not breed out that which embodies the total Toy Fox Terrier.
REFERENCES:
The Toy Fox Terrier Official Breed Standard, The Toy Fox Terrier Illus- trated Breed Standard, The Toy Fox Terrier Judges Guide
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sheryl Irwin has been loving and raising Toy Fox Terriers since early 2001. She is a Breeder/ Owner/Han- dler and breeds under the reg-
istered kennel name of StarFox Toy Fox Terriers. Having produced many champions and multiple group plac- ing TFTs she continues to strive for excellence in her breeding program. Sheryl is a member in good standing of the American Toy Fox Terrier Club and has served on the several commit- tees. She has been seated on the Board of Directors since 2013, is an AKC and ATFTC approved mentor and present- er, and currently serves as the Judges Education Chair for the American Toy Fox Terrier Club.
270 • SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2017