At a glance the quick version
UKC standard: up to 8 lb (3.6 kg), with 4.5 to 7.5 lb (2.0 to 3.4 kg) preferred. Daily Paws gives 3.5 to 7 lb (1.6 to 3.2 kg). Wikipedia lists a much higher 3.5 to 9 kg, which conflicts with the standard.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth, satiny single coat
A fine, glossy coat that lies flat and feels silky to the hand, covering a compact, athletic little body that is mostly white.241
Personality what they are like
A confident, lively little dog that mixes terrier spirit with the cuddly nature of a lap dog. It is devoted to its people, likes to clown around, is not easily put off by larger pets, and can be reserved with strangers until it gets to know them.234
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Energetic for its size. Daily walks plus indoor games keep it content, and it copes well in an apartment as long as it gets regular play.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very easy to keep. A weekly brush, the odd bath, regular tooth brushing and nail trims are enough; shedding is light and mostly seasonal.3
Home where they are happiest
Suits both houses and apartments; a small secure yard is a bonus but not required.3
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its family and enjoys being involved. Early socialisation helps it relax around visitors; best matched with older, gentle children because of its small size.32
The story where it all began
The breed was developed in the United States by selecting the smallest Smooth Fox Terriers, and some lines trace back to Foiler, an early registered fox terrier. Small toy breeds were also added along the way. The dogs started out as farmyard ratters and gradually became popular household companions.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Their agility made them a favourite with circus clowns, and some performed tricks such as tightrope walking.3
- 2
The nickname Amertoy is a blend of the words American and toy.3
- 3
The UKC was registering these dogs as Fox Terriers in the 1920s, a decade before it gave them their own breed name in 1936.2
- 4
They are easy to train and have often been chosen as companion and assistance dogs for people with disabilities.1
Recognised by the official bits
- UKC
- Terrier Group; registered as Toy Fox Terrier from 24 Feb 1936 (earlier registered under the Fox Terrier name from the mid-1920s)2
- AKC
- Toy Group; recognised 20031
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Toy Fox Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Toy Fox Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for names, recognition, colours, lifespan, history, facts
- UKC Toy Fox Terrier breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Daily Paws: Toy Fox Terrier dailypaws.comused for size, lifespan, exercise, grooming, facts
- AKC: Toy Fox Terrier akc.orgused for coat, temperament, origins as ratter
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.