Page 23 - ShowSight Presents - The Toy Fox Terrier

TOY FOX TERRIERS
The Toy Fox Terrier or TFT as he is known to his friends, is a highly intelligent Toy Dog with a big dog personality.
Small, short haired and athletic, he is a devoted little dog of
immense character and charm.
His predominantly white body with
solid colored head is accented with body spots. Alert, athletic, intelligent and loyal with an endless devotion to his family. A short sleek coat, smooth body and square proportions, his erect V-shaped ears and docked tail are his trademark.
Weight at maturity is 4-8 lbs. Height at the shoulder is 81⁄2"-111⁄2".
Four acceptable color combinations of white, black and tan, tan and white, chocolate, tan and white and black with or without body spots.
Healthy and long lived, it is common to find spunky individuals living to 17 years or more. The breed is friendly, happy, curi- ous and confidant by nature. He loves life, his friends and his toys in equal measure well into his golden years!
Historically seen in circus acts the TFT is a quick learner, is highly trainable and agile making the TFT is well suited for agil- ity competition, obedience or service work.
The show ring finds him in his own spotlight, impressing the crowd with his amazing performance!
Breed lore places the origins of the Toy Fox Terrier on the farms of Middle America in the last century where a smaller Terrier was utilized to control rodent populations in barns and outbuildings. It is thought that the “runts” of litters of Smooth Fox Terriers were retained as breeding stock and crossed with several Toy Breeds to cre- ate the diminutive Toy Fox Terrier we see today. Prized as determined hunters and loyal companions, these small ratters could squeeze into tight spaces to seek out their rodent quarry. So cherished was this tena- cious little companion, their masters were
said to have packed up the plucky little Terriers in their saddle bags to accompany them in their days work on the ranch. The breed has retained their hunting and work- ing instincts to this day.
As an apartment dweller, in the fam- ily home or out on the ranch, the versatile TFT makes the perfect companion for the elderly. As a family pet or a fishing buddy, the charming TFT has proven to be highly adaptable family member. They have a natural affinity with children, interacting in their play.
Highly adaptable, they make excellent canine companions in any home setting.
It is no wonder why the breed has devel- oped such a loyal following.
By Denise Monette
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2014 • 281