Where the Toy Fox Terrier came from
The Toy Fox Terrier is believed to have come from the United States in the early 1900s. They descend from the Smooth Fox Terrier and were used to catch rodents on farms. Over time, some lines were crossed with toy breeds like the Chihuahua, the Italian Greyhound and the Toy Manchester Terrier.
Some breeders trace their dogs to a Smooth Fox Terrier named Foiler, registered in Britain in about 1875. The United Kennel Club recognized the Toy Fox Terrier as its own breed in 1936. The AKC recognized the breed in 2003.
Today they are quick, clownish and eager to please. They are known as small dogs with big energy who love tricks.
- 1936 The United Kennel Club recognizes the Toy Fox Terrier as a separate breed
- 2003 AKC recognizes the Toy Fox Terrier
The job a Toy Fox Terrier was bred for
A small farm and household ratter that also served as a companion. That is why many Toy Fox Terriers are quick, alert, bouncy and full of terrier drive.
What you may see at home
Quick, bouncy, barks when excited, loves tricks.
Give them: Trick training, agility, and confidence building.
Sports that fit a Toy Fox Terrier
- Trick training. A natural performer who loves attention
- Agility. Quick, light and eager
- Rally. Fun and short for a smart dog
- Fast CAT. A straight line sprint for a small dog
- Barn hunt. Taps into the rodent hunting instinct
Training tips for a Toy Fox Terrier
- Use quick, upbeat training with tiny treats.
- Teach a calm greeting. Toy Fox Terriers can bounce and bark when excited.
- Build confidence with handling practice, so small dogs are not worried by touch.
- Teach a settle on a mat and reward it often.
Body and health
A small dog with a short, easy coat. Jumping off furniture can hurt small legs. Small breeds can have knee and tooth problems, so ask the breeder about health testing and keep up with dental care.
Fun fact. The Toy Fox Terrier has been registered as its own breed with the United Kennel Club since 1936, and the AKC followed in 2003.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Toy Fox Terrier is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Free tools for your dog
- Breed drive calculatorMixed breed? Add the other breeds and see the drives your dog was bred with.
- Dog breed quizTen photos, four names each. The same quiz our trainers take.
- Dog drive testAnswer everyday moments and find the job your dog runs on.
Looking for a different breed? See what 137 breeds were bred to do, and download any of their guides.