| Trainability: | 7/10 |
| Shedding: | 5/10 |
| Energy Level: | 8/10 |
| Guard Dog: | 10/10 |
| Good With Children: | 10/10 |
| Popularity: | 5/10 |
For older people prone to a keener sense of humor, the Toy Fox Valley Terrier is an invaluable companion. Full of energy, right from being a puppy to when they’re full grown, they are a joy to have around the house, full of spunk and curiosity. They are also most commonly found with people who have disabilities, seeing as their loyalty and understanding is a wonderful addition to each of the parties’ respective lives. Another bonus for someone with disabilities is that they can become specially trained for noises on electronic devicesinvaluable to people who may have trouble speaking and have to do so through other means. While they are able to adapt to apartment life, it is important to give them the opportunity to explore and run. The upside is that they are able to independently take care of their exercise needs if left outside to roam.
Behavior
Though not as active as their Jack Russell counterpart, the Toy Fox Valley Terrier is attentive, and willing to perform tricks not commonly found among larger dogs.
This particular breed is intelligent, responding to a variety of words that are not typically associated with dog/owner trainings and relationships. They are eager to please.
Along with unique tricks, they Toy Fox Valley Terrier is especially adept at agility training, complementing their body type. They love darting about and testing themselves to the fullest extent, which is why chasing and fetching fast-paced toys may be the owners’ best bet at ensuring the joy that they will get out of the dog.
They are more orally-fixated than other breeds, which is why it is important to ensure that they always have chew-toys. This also helps with their natural predisposition towards having less-than-desirable dental health.
Unlike other toy breeds, the Toy Fox Valley Terrier is not a particularly yappy dog. Unless if their is a foreign sound that they perceive as danger, they are content with being quiet and lounging in their owners lap.
Appearance
They are small, going only up to eleven inches in height, and maybe up to seven pounds if well-fed. However, while they may be of the “toy” variety, this terrier is highly muscular, with a solid head and short, high-setting tail. In contrast to their body, their ears are enormous and V-shaped, giving them an almost permanently perturbed look.
Their fur is primarily white, though they can have black or brown markings, particularly of that in the face.
It should not be any surprise to an owner if their fur color degrades with age, especially in the face.
Grooming
Given at how short their hair is and they do not have an excessive coat, grooming is not as frequent or as necessary as it is with other breeds.
As mentioned, chew-toys are a must, as they prevent the build-up of tartar. Any owner must also must be prepared for brushing the dogs’ teeth and trips to the vet to ensure that their teeth are healthy.
History
Originally stemmed from the 1930’s, they are a mix of Fox Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Chihuahuas, and other breeds from the time. They were recognized as a terrier breed in 1936 by the United Kennel Club, and finally recognized as a specialized “toy” breed in the year 2000 by the American Kennel Club.
Like many other terriers, they were bred for ratting out small rodents on farms and hunting game, such as small squirrels.