How to Identify a Toy Fox Terrier

The toy fox terrier is not only alert and friendly, but very loyal to its family. It is an intelligent breed and learns new things quite quickly. Its intelligence, loyalty and eagerness to please, combined with its terrier attitude, makes it a very active dog that is a good companion. Here's what to look for in a toy fox terrier.

Instructions

1. Look at the general appearance of the dog. The toy fox terrier is a well-balanced breed that is graced with agility, strength and stamina. It measures from 8 ½ inches to 11 ½ inches at the shoulders. It is a square-looking dog, so the measurement from the shoulders to the rear is approximately the same as the height. The bone is strong but not coarse.

2. Make sure the elegant head is well balanced with the body, and shows an intelligent and alert expression in its carriage. The clear, bright eyes are dark, round and prominent, but not bulging, and should show that the toy fox terrier is very interested in things. The eyes are set quite far apart on the skull. The ears stand straight up and are v-shaped. The nose should always be black, except in chocolate dogs. Chocolate dogs have self-colored noses.

3. Check that the neck is proportionate to the rest of the body and is carried proudly. It arches into well-angulated shoulders and is muscular but not throaty. The head and neck are approximately the same length. The deep chest is very muscular. The shoulders should be muscular, but not to the point of looking overdeveloped. The small feet are ovate in shape and lead to strong, arched toes protected by deep pads. The muscular rear is also angulated. The muscular upper and lower thighs provide power for this little dog. The tail sits up on the rump and is held straight up. It is docked at the third or fourth joint.

4. Pet the shiny coat. It is a fine coat, and feels almost like satin. It may be tri-color – either black, tan and white, or white, chocolate and tan. It may also be white and tan, or white and black.