Every dog breed has some unique, interesting or just strange facts associated with the breed. The Toy Fox Terrier is no different and as prospective or current owner you may be interested to find out that:
The Toy Fox Terrier has only been a distinct breed since 1930 and is one of the few breeds of dogs that was developed exclusively in the United States and then introduced to other countries.
The Toy Fox Terrier was the 148th breed of dog to be recognized by the American Kennel Club and although it is a terrier it is categorized in the Toy Group, not the Terrier Group. In the United Kennel Club the breed is within the Terrier Group.
In the early 1900s the Toy Fox Terrier, often still referred to as the Smooth Fox Terrier at that time, was often used as a circus dog because of their small size, athletic ability and natural intelligence. They love to be the center of attention and were considered to be the center stage in many of the old style three ring circus that traveled from town to town.
The breed standards were developed by the National Toy Terrier Association in 1949 and have remained almost identical since their first acceptance.
Although considered a direct descendent of the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Toy Fox Terrier also has had infusions of such diverse breeds as Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers, Italian Greyhounds and Manchester Terriers. These additions have standardized and differentiated the Toy Fox Terrier as a unique breed, not just a miniature Smooth Fox Terrier.
Although the American Kennel Club allows the color variation of white and chocolate the United Kennel Club disqualifies this color combination.
Many Toy Fox Terriers today can trace their lineage back to the first Smooth Fox Terrier ever registered in the United Kennel Club. This dog was first registered in the UK in 1875 and his name on the registry was Foiler.
There are now Toy Fox Terrier breeders in almost every area in the world including Europe, Australia, Africa and China.
The Toy Fox Terrier has been immortalized on the internet through adding these lively little dogs to famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa holding a Toy Fox Terrier, Starry Night and a Toy Fox Terrier and even Whistler's Mother with a Toy Fox Terrier on her lap.
The Toy Fox Terrier can be used in hunting trials and even in earth dog competitions despite their small size. They can also be ideal in relay races such as Flyball, although they need specialized equipment as they are so light that they cannot pop the ball out of the standard weight springboards.
Toy Fox Terriers are really a unique breed and are often seen on television advertisements and commercials. With the demand for smaller breeds increasing it is likely that this breed will continue to develop as one of the more popular toy breeds due to their engaging and playful personalities.
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