Toy fox terrier: description and care tips

Toy Fox Terrier is a dog breed that has several names. Among them are Toy Fox, Amertoy. Also, the animal is often called the American Toy Fox Terrier. Representatives of this breed are rather small in size, therefore they are considered decorative pets.

The breed that became the original breed for the American Toy Fox Terrier is the Smooth Fox Terrier. Back in the 16th century, the British used these animals as companions in the hunting process. Dogs possessed such valuable qualities as agility and energy, and therefore coped well with their hunting duties and were highly valued by breeders. Due to the fact that the smooth-haired fox terriers were a heterogeneous breed (among the animals there were both small and larger individuals), it was decided that it was necessary to divide the variety into several species.

In order to at the genetic level consolidate the small size of smooth-haired dogs, which were registered by an organization called the United Kennel Club, the animals were crossed with various miniature breeds. So, fox terriers with a smooth coat began to happen with pinschers, chihuahuas, Manchester terriers and Italian greyhounds. As a result of such breeding work, in 1936, a breed called the Toy Fox Terrier was officially registered.

If you are thinking about purchasing an American Toy Fox Terrier as a pet, then you should familiarize yourself with the description of this breed.Moreover, both with the physiological characteristics of the dog, and with its mental characteristics.

American Terriers are small pets. A distinctive feature of animals is an athletic physique and rather strong bones. Amertoi's movements are graceful and noble, which is ensured by a flexible physique, as well as developed muscle mass. According to officially registered standards, the height of the animal is about 25 centimeters, and the weight does not exceed 3 kilograms.

Generally speaking, the anatomical structure of a dog's body is fairly proportional. The skull of the toy fox terrier has a rounded shape, and the front part has a wedge-shaped outline. Amertoya's nose is usually colored black, but there are exceptions. So, if the general color of the animal is brown, then the lobe can be painted in this shade. It should be noted that the bite of the animal is correct. The eyes of the dog are round and protruding in shape, the ears are erect.

The body of the animal resembles a square in its outlines, respectively, its length is almost equal to the height. The structure of females may be more elongated and rectangular. The chest of the American Toy Fox Terrier is curved and deep. The tail is set high enough. Feet (both front and rear) are erect and parallel to each other.

The hair of the animal is short in length and soft to the touch. The coat has a good texture and shines in the light. The length of the hairline varies: for example, the hair around the neck is longer. In total, there are 4 recognized colors of toy fox terriers in nature.

The most pronounced character trait of Amertoy is energy. Dogs lead an active lifestyle throughout their lives. Also distinguished are such character traits as courage and fearlessness, devotion and loyalty, developed intellectual abilities, pride, vigilance.

In the family in which the animal lives, the dog behaves friendly. She makes good contact with all household members, including school-age children (with children who are younger, animals can come into conflict). Despite this behavior with family members, with strangers, the animal can behave cautiously and wary.

It should be noted that the article describes the universal character traits and the most characteristic features. However, different dogs, depending on mental characteristics and upbringing, can differ significantly in character and behavior. A four-legged pet needs an active pastime and frequent walks. But if you meet other dogs on your way, then you should be especially careful, because conflicts can arise between animals.

Toy fox terriers need constant attention and care, therefore if your lifestyle is busy, and you often disappear at work, are on business trips, then you should not get a dog of this breed.

Amertoy is a breed of dog that can be called omnivorous. The animal is completely picky about food, and therefore prone to overeating, gaining excess weight and even obesity. That is why it is very important to create the right diet for the toy fox terrier, as well as draw up a nutritional schedule and control portions. All this will help maintain the health and prolong the life of your pet.

At the choice of the owner, you can feed the toy fox terrier with ready-made feed (dry or wet) or natural food.

• If you prefer the first option, then you should be very careful when purchasing feed.Choose nutritional formulations from quality and reputable manufacturers. Read the packaging carefully and buy only those products that match the breed, age and physiological characteristics of the animal.
• If you decide to feed your Amertoi with natural products, then make sure that they are fresh. Do not feed scraps from your table. Observe a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and also include vitamin and mineral complexes in the diet.
• From time to time, your four-legged friend can purchase various delicacies that are offered by the assortment of modern zoological stores. Do not forget to keep the water balance of the animal.

In general, it is worth noting that keeping an animal of the Toy Fox Terrier will not cause you any difficulties. All care measures are fairly easy to carry out.

• First of all, it is important to remember that the animal needs regular brushing. This procedure should be carried out using special combs and brushes.
• It is also important to bathe the dog - water procedures are carried out as needed. Moreover, in the warm season, the dog should be bathed more often than in winter. Amertoya can only be bathed in warm water and using detergents that are specially designed for animals. Shampoos, shower gels, and soaps that humans use can have a negative effect on the skin and coat of an animal.
• Dogs need to clean their ears once a week. This should be done with ordinary cotton swabs, if necessary, they can be moistened with water or vegetable oil (liquids will help to cope with particularly intense dirt).
• In the grooming process, it is important to pay attention to trimming the nails. This procedure should be carried out at least once a month. Cut the nails very carefully so as not to touch soft tissues and cause discomfort to your pet.
• Also, during the maintenance process, do not forget to monitor the condition of the oral cavity and teeth of the toy fox terrier. In order to maintain the health of the animal's canines, you need to regularly clean it with a special brush and paste.
• Due to the fact that the dog has a rather short coat and does not have an undercoat, it does not tolerate low temperatures. That is why it is important to take care of buying special clothing for dogs. Also, a leash should be purchased as an accessory (the roulette leash is considered the most convenient type). Also, the animal needs a comfortable collar.
• Do not forget that the dog must have its own place. Due to the fact that the toy fox terrier is a small dog, the animal can be kept even in small apartments in an urban environment. It is important that the dog has its own bowls for food and water, as well as a bed (this can be made from an old blanket).
• Pay close attention to the behavior of the animal. Lethargy may indicate a progressive illness. If you notice this behavior, then you should definitely show the animal to the doctor. In addition, do not forget about the mandatory preventive visits to the veterinarian at least once every 6 months. In no case should you self-medicate, as it can cause even more harm to your four-legged friend.
• You should also take care of the timely vaccination of your pet and its treatment against various parasites (worms, fleas, etc.).

As mentioned above, representatives of the Toy Fox Terrier breed are quite intellectually developed. That is why they are well suited for training and education. However, training should begin as early as possible, because in the nature of animals there is a natural stubbornness that will be difficult to overcome if you do not train the animal with due care. It is very important to take care of the socialization of the dog - it should be taken out for walks, introduced to new places and animals, people.

In the learning process, it is very important to try to turn training into games, since monotonous activities are boring for toy fox terriers. Animals may refuse to perform commands and tricks. That is why it is necessary find the right approach to animal training... If possible, entrust this task to professional dog handlers.

Animals belonging to the Toy Fox Terrier breed are prone to a number of different diseases. Among them are the following:

• hypothyroidism;
• dislocations;
• pathology of the circulatory system;
• allergies of a different nature;
• demodicosis, etc.

The level of predisposition to these diseases cannot be predicted in advance. However, for a more complete study of the health status of the toy fox terrier, you can carry out special genetic tests. In addition to these genetic diseases, animals can be susceptible to other ailments. However, they are most often associated with improper care and non-compliance with the recommendations of specialists. But if you follow all the instructions, then your four-legged friend can live up to 13 years.

Thus, we have got acquainted with the general description, as well as the distinctive features of the toy fox terrier breed. As you can see, the animal can be kept in almost any conditions and climate.

In the next video you will find interesting facts about the Toy Fox Terrier breed.