Fearless, intelligent, loving, and endlessly entertaining. A true attention-hog.
8.5 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder.
3.5 to 7 pounds.
12 to 15 years.
Low. Weekly brushing is sufficient for their short coat.
High. They are energetic but their small size makes exercise manageable.
Families with older children, singles, seniors, and other pets with proper socialization.
Low to Moderate. They shed, but the short hairs are easy to manage.
The Toy Fox Terrier, or “Amertoy,” is a study in contrasts. They possess a graceful, almost delicate air, yet they are utterly fearless, often forgetting just how small they are. Their personality is larger than life—they are spunky, outgoing, and happy-go-lucky attention hogs who thrive on being the center of their human’s world. This is not a dog that is content to simply observe; they want to participate, entertain, and charm their way into every heart in the household.
Their terrier heritage shines through in their high intelligence and boundless energy. They were once prized performers in circus troupes and tireless vermin hunters on American farms, and that same work ethic and desire to please persists today. They are natural comedians with an empathetic nature, making them wonderful companions. After a vigorous play session, they are more than happy to transform into a cuddly lap dog, snuggling for hours. While generally friendly, they can become territorial if not socialized early, a trait that makes them surprisingly effective tiny watchdogs.
The Toy Fox Terrier’s unique blend of traits makes them a perfect fit for some, but a challenge for others. An honest assessment of your home and lifestyle is crucial.
Active Singles or Seniors: Their manageable size and desire for a strong one-on-one bond make them perfect for individuals seeking an energetic sidekick.
Apartment Dwellers: Their small size means they can get sufficient exercise indoors, though they still love a good run in a secure area.
Those Who Want a Low-Grooming Breed: Their short coat is blissfully easy to care for.
People Looking for a Tiny Watchdog: They are incredibly alert and will not hesitate to sound the alarm when someone approaches.
You Have Very Young Children: Their tiny, fine-boned frame makes them fragile and susceptible to injury from rough handling by toddlers.
You Cannot Tolerate Barking: As alert watchdogs, they can be vocal when they hear or see something unusual.
You Are Away from Home for Long Hours: They crave companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety, leading to destructive behaviors.
You Want a Quiet, Sedate Lap Dog: While they love to cuddle, they are high-energy dogs that need daily mental and physical stimulation.
Due to their high energy levels, Toy Fox Terriers require a high-quality, nutrient-dense dog food. A formula designed for small or toy breeds is ideal. An adult TFT typically needs about ¼ to ½ a cup of dry kibble per day, divided into two meals. This prevents them from eating too quickly and helps maintain stable energy levels. Because of their small size, even a little overfeeding can lead to obesity, so monitor their weight and body condition carefully. Always provide access to fresh, clean water.
These are very active dogs, but their small stature makes their exercise needs easy to meet. They love running in a securely fenced yard, but can be perfectly content with indoor activities. A spirited game of fetch down a hallway or several short, brisk walks per day can be enough to satisfy them. Their intelligence means they also need mental exercise; puzzle toys and training games are excellent ways to keep their sharp minds engaged.
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Grooming a Toy Fox Terrier is wonderfully simple. Their short, smooth, single coat requires only a quick weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove loose hair. They are moderate shedders and may have two larger seasonal sheds in the spring and fall, during which more frequent brushing may be needed. Beyond coat care, regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and daily tooth brushing are essential to their overall health.
Training a Toy Fox Terrier is a rewarding, if sometimes comical, experience. They are incredibly intelligent and learn commands quickly, but they also have a short attention span and a creative mind. This can lead to them “elaborating” on commands for their own amusement, keeping owners on their toes! Keep training sessions short, positive, and engaging. Consistency and starting from a young age are key to overcoming their stubborn terrier tendencies. Early and ongoing socialization will help them grow into confident adults who are accepting of strangers and other pets.
The Toy Fox Terrier is a generally healthy and long-lived breed, with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. However, their development from a small gene pool means they can be susceptible to a few genetic conditions. Responsible breeders screen for these issues to ensure the health of their puppies.
At PuppyGuyz, we are committed to the health of our dogs. We exclusively partner with breeders who conduct thorough health screenings and genetic testing on their dogs, giving you the peace of mind that your new puppy has been bred for optimal health and vitality.
The Toy Fox Terrier is a truly American breed, developed in the United States in the early 20th century. The breed’s story begins with the Smooth Fox Terrier. For decades, breeders would occasionally find exceptionally small, or “runt,” puppies in their litters. Rather than discard them, savvy breeders recognized the potential in these tiny but tenacious terriers.
Around the 1930s, a dedicated effort began to develop these small dogs into a distinct breed. They were selectively bred for their toy size, keen intelligence, and spirited personality, eventually earning the nickname “Amertoy.” These little powerhouses were prized on farms and in granaries for their ability to clear out vermin, but their charisma and trainability also earned them spots as star performers in traveling circuses. They were officially recognized by the AKC in 2003, cementing their place as a beloved toy breed and a fine entertainer, but an even better companion.
Your search for the perfect, spirited Toy Fox Terrier puppy starts here. Below is our curated selection of puppies from our network of ethical, expert breeders. Each one is raised with love and is ready to bring endless joy and laughter to your home. Click on a profile to see more pictures, videos, and details.
While PuppyGuyz offers a premier nationwide home delivery service, we have a network of trusted breeders across the country. Here are some of the top states where you can find high-quality Toy Fox Terrier puppies:
Looking for a Toy Fox Terrier puppy in your area? We deliver healthy, well-socialized puppies to families across the United States. Explore our available puppies by state to find the perfect addition to your family:
We’ve compiled and answered the most frequently asked questions about the Toy Fox Terrier to provide you with a complete resource.
Toy Fox Terriers have a long lifespan for a toy breed, typically living between 12 and 15 years.
They are a true toy breed, standing between 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weighing a delicate 3.5 to 7 pounds.
They reach their full size relatively quickly, usually by 6 to 8 months of age, though they may continue to fill out until their first birthday.
Yes, they are considered moderate shedders. Their hair is short and fine, so it’s less noticeable than a long-haired breed’s shedding.
No, they are not hypoallergenic. While their shedding is manageable, they still produce dander, which is the primary trigger for people with dog allergies.
Yes, they are exceptionally smart. Their high intelligence makes them quick to learn, but they can also use their smarts to be mischievous if not kept mentally stimulated.
They are not typically aggressive towards people. However, true to their terrier nature, they can be scrappy and fearless with other dogs, including those much larger than them, if not socialized properly from a young age.
They can be prone to barking. Their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs, and they will bark to notify you of strangers, sounds, or anything they deem suspicious.
Their intelligence generally makes them easy to potty train. However, like many toy breeds, they can be stubborn, so consistency and positive reinforcement are crucial.
They can be wonderful family dogs, but they are best suited for families with older, considerate children who know how to handle a small, fragile dog gently.
They should not be left alone for long periods. They crave human companionship and can develop separation anxiety, which can lead to barking and destructive behavior.
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