American Toy Fox Terrier: breed description, care, photo, nutrition

Dogs of the American Toy Terrier (Amertoy) breed are distinguished by their noble appearance and behavior. Despite their small size and fragile physique, these animals have the serious character of a large and strong dog: they are brave, energetic, and decisive. Properly raised pets behave good-naturedly, their devotion knows no bounds. In addition, in addition to true friendly affection, these dogs can delight you with excellent hunting skills, proving themselves to be reliable companions in this difficult task. Description of the American Toy Terrier breed, character traits, health and training - this article will tell you all about it.

History of the breed

The history of the breed is not that deep compared to other dogs. The American Toy Fox Terrier was bred in the United States back in the 1920s and 1930s.

This cute dog was created by crossing four completely different breeds:

greyhounds with chihuahua
Smooth Fox Terriers and Manchester Terriers

But, some dog handlers and experts claim that miniature pinschers also took part in the development of the American Toy breed. As a result of such experiments and crossings, the result was a cheerful, active and cheerful dog that can become a true friend for any person. The breed was originally bred for hunting.

The main prey of these small dogs were:

rats
badgers
other small animals

But, at this point in time, this breed is used more as decorative dogs than as hunting dogs.

Price and where to buy

The American Toy Fox Terrier is an active and cheerful dog. His characterization confirms this. If you choose this breed for a pet, it is important to remember that choosing a puppy is a responsible matter. If you buy it secondhand, you need to remember the description of the breed, since you can buy a baby of a completely different breed. It is better to choose a kennel that offers a healthy puppy. In Stavropol there is a nursery called Iz Empire Toi, and in Moscow there is Galako Happy Day. The price of puppies varies. You can buy from 3,000 to 35,000 rubles. At nurseries, prices range from $1,500 to $2,500. Sometimes a puppy is taken for breeding. It should be remembered that mating between smooth-haired and wire-haired breeds is not allowed.

Breed standard

Each dog breed has its own standard. American toy is no exception. These are small sized dogs with a balanced body. Their weight ranges from 1.5 to 3 kilograms. The height at the withers does not exceed 20 cm.

Distinctive features of the breed:

big ears like a bat's
short tail
long and very graceful paws

The tail is not docked under any circumstances. American Toys are born with this tail. This dog's paws are the most vulnerable place, so they need to be treated with special care.

A more detailed description of the American Toy is given below:

The head is not at all rough, but on the contrary, very elegant. Proportional to the body. Dry cheekbones.
Muzzle Elongated, begins to taper closer to the nose. Located on the same line with the forehead. The bite is standard – scissor.
The nose is very clearly defined, the nose is especially prominent.
The eyes are of medium size and slightly elongated. The most common color is dark brown. There are also brown eyes.
Ears Have a triangular shape and sharp ends. High rise.
Neck: Graceful and dry, blending smoothly into the shoulders. Placed very proudly.
The body is small, has prominent muscles. The forechest is well developed and the chest itself is very deep.
The tail is set high, short from birth, and cannot be docked.
Paws are directed forward, have an oval shape. The fingers are pressed very well together. The pads are very well developed in nature. The claws are black. “Fifth toes” are usually removed during puppyhood.

The coat is short, has a shiny tint, and is very soft. There is no undercoat. In the neck area the hair is slightly longer.

The American Toy breed has several color variations:

White with black spots
White with brown spots
White with red spots

All three colors are considered breed standards. With a white color with black spots, the head of the toy is black and the body is white. Small black or pale spots, or their complete absence, are allowed on the body.

With a white color with brown spots, the head is usually brown. Red tan marks are observed in the cheekbone area. Small red spots are quite rare on the body. When the color is white with brown spots, the head is brown with red tan markings on the cheekbones. The body is white, and sometimes there are brown spots. The American Toy breed is distinguished by the fact that all the spots on the body have clear outlines. They should be clear in color without any pigmentation.

Pros and cons of the breed

The advantages of the American Fox Terrier breed are:

attractive appearance;
“compact” sizes;
good-natured, cheerful character;
ease of dog care.

The disadvantages of American Fox Toy Terriers include:

genetic predisposition to certain diseases (skeletal fragility);
increased activity;
stubborn disposition.

Who is such a companion suitable for?

Previously, dogs of the Amerto Fox Terrier breed were used only as hunting dogs. Today, Toy Foxes are famous as excellent family pets. Such a companion is suitable for active people who will enjoy the animal’s excessive activity and inexhaustible energy. Dogs get along well with other pets.

Important! These dogs are not very good with small children. A child can hurt a dog without even realizing it. The animal will not tolerate such an attitude and will most likely bite.

They feel comfortable with older children and are willing to communicate with them. In addition, the playful nature of the pet contributes to even greater attachment between the dog and the baby.

Character

These are very energetic animals, inquisitive and attentive. They are smarter than other terriers. The character is playful and cheerful. They love to do various tricks, amuse others, and play. Some representatives of the breed are stubborn, others are more flexible and obedient. It is recommended to have Amertoevs in a large family with adult children and elderly people. They become loyal pets and suffer from separation from their family. They are friendly with other animals and love them (including cats). They require special attention (especially with small children).

The pet barks loudly, thereby notifying of danger or calling to the door. Therefore, it is ideal for people with hearing and vision problems. He always loves to follow his owner. Prefers long walks where you can run and jump. It is advisable to walk in special enclosures. If you don't walk enough with your pet, he will demolish all the houses. On the street, a hunter wakes up in amerta: he will chase insects and small rodents. You should not allow your pet to eat from the owner’s table or sleep in the same bed with members of the household. So the puppy will stop obeying. Despite its small size, the dog is hardy. It's hard to scare her and she's very brave. It will not be afraid even of larger breeds. In case of danger, takes a stance. Can protect the owner's things. She prefers to be a leader and strives to dominate, so it is important to show her who is boss from the first days in the house.

How to care for the breed

Toy Fox Terriers do not require any special care, and the main procedures for them will be caring for the coat, ears, teeth, eyes and claws. A puppy should be taught to perform these operations from a young age.

It will be useful for you to learn about the reasons why dogs lick their paws, why a dog barks, whether it is possible to keep dogs and cats together, how long dogs live, how to choose vitamins for your pet, and also how to properly care for it.

Every week you need to check your dog for wounds and rashes, redness of the skin, which may indicate the presence of infection. This will help avoid problems with diseases at a very early stage.

Wool

Caring for the dog's coat comes down to periodic combing with a stiff brush: since the dog's coat is short and smooth, the shedding process does not create problems for the owners. This procedure should be carried out more often in the summer, since dogs love to swing in the ground.

Ears, eyes, teeth, claws

Ears should be checked every 7 days for odor and redness. After this, with a cotton swab dipped in a solution for cleaning the ears, wipe their inner surface to disinfect.

Hygiene procedures must be performed daily:

wipe eyes with a damp cloth. They must be clear and clean;
Brush your teeth to avoid bad breath and gum disease. You can perform this procedure every other day.

The dog's claws need to be trimmed with special pliers once a month by a few millimeters. Trimming too long can cause bleeding as there are blood vessels at the base of the nails, and the dog will react poorly to the nippers the next time.

Important! During all procedures, be sure to praise and stroke your pet so that he feels your good intentions.

We recommend that you read about how to train a dog to go to the toilet outside, how to remove the terrible smell from a dog’s mouth, when it is necessary and how to trim your pet’s nails, how to choose a muzzle, collar and harness for a dog, as well as what trimming and grooming are .

Bathing

Amertois love to bathe, but veterinarians recommend giving preference to dry shampoos for cleaning their coat.

Exercises and walks

Possessors of a large amount of energy require its implementation, so daily active walking with physical activity is mandatory for this breed. If you want a healthy and obedient friend, then he must be tired from exercise. For walks in cold and rain, your dog needs to wear warm clothes.

American Toy Fox Terrier color

Spotted - dominant white color combined with a predominantly fully colored head.
Tricolor. Predominantly black head with distinct tan on cheekbones, jaws and above the eyes. The body is more than 50% white, with or without black spots.
White with brown spots and tan on the head. The head is predominantly brown with distinct tan on the cheekbones, jaws and above the eyes. The body is more than 50% white, with or without brown spots.
White with red spots. Predominantly red head. The body is more than 50% white, with or without red spots.
White with black spots. Predominantly black head. The body is more than 50% white, with or without black spots.

All colors are rich and pure as possible. A white blaze is acceptable, without touching the eyes or ears. Pure white is preferred, a small amount of speckling is acceptable.

Black-headed tricolor dogs have black spots on their bodies.
Tricolor dogs with brown heads have brown spots on their bodies.
In both tri-colors, a slight tan along the chest and under the tail spots is acceptable, as with normal two-color spotting.

Appearance and standards

The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, well-built dog with an athletic build and strong bones. With her entire appearance she demonstrates grace and agility, tirelessness and strength. The physique is flexible, muscular with smooth outlines. During movement, lightness and endless endurance are noticeable. Overall balance is important. Preferred height is 23-28 cm; weight – 1.5-3 kg.

The head is well balanced, the skull is rounded, the muzzle is wedge-shaped. The stop is well expressed. The distance from the nose to the stop is equal to the distance from the stop to the back of the head. The muzzle is strong, slightly dry, and generally proportional to the head. The nose is black; brown dogs have brown nose. The lips are thin and fit tightly. The teeth are complete, white, with the correct bite. The eyes are round, slightly protruding, with an intelligent, pleasant expression, set to the sides. The eyelids fit tightly. The ears are pointed, erect, and set high.

The neck is set proudly, dry, without dewlap. The body is well balanced, square in format, that is, the length of the body is approximately equal to the height. Bitches may be a little more elongated. The topline is straight and horizontal. The croup is well rounded. The hemline is tightened. The chest is deep with well sprung ribs. The tail is set high. Limbs straight, parallel. Dewclaws are removed. The paws are small, oval, the toes are strong and well assembled.

The tail can be docked at the level of 3-4 vertebrae.

The coat is not thick, short, shiny, of good structure, soft to the touch. Slightly longer around the neck than along the body. There are four colors. They differ from each other in the color of the head and spots on the body, if any. In all four variants, the white body color is dominant. Pure white is preferred, but a small amount of speckling is acceptable. The head can be brown and tan, red, black and black and tan. The color of the markings on the body and head is the same. The spots on the body should not extend below the elbow or hock. Tan marks are clearly visible on the jaws, cheekbones, and above the eyes. The body is at least 50% white. Colors should be pure and rich. A white blaze is allowed and should not touch the ears or eyes.

American Toy Fox Terrier care

Caring for an American Toy Fox Terrier is not difficult, but it is required. The breed is short-haired, the coat sheds, the shedding season is spring - autumn.

Brush: The Toy Fox Terrier's coat needs to be combed 2-3 times a week with a rubber glove or a natural bristle brush. Brushing improves blood circulation, removes dust and dead hair. During shedding, the fur is brushed every day. When bathing during the shedding period, comb the Toy Fox Terrier's coat with a rubber glove, the shedding will go faster.
Bath: once a month or as needed with shampoo for short-haired breeds. During the cold season, bathing can be replaced with dry shampoo (but do an allergy test first). The powder is rubbed into the fur, then thoroughly combed out with a brush or comb. Afterwards, the wool can be wiped with a piece of suede to add shine.
Examine your eyes regularly. A healthy American Toy Fox Terrier has clear, shiny eyes without redness or tear tracks. Gray lumps in the corners of the eyes in the morning are acceptable, since the dog is active and runs around a lot. They can be easily cleaned with a soft, lint-free cloth. To prevent souring, you can wipe your pet’s eyes with chamomile decoction once a week. Wipe each eye with a separate lint-free cloth (it is better not to use cotton wool).
Ears: examine once a week. Wipe off minor dirt and dust with a cotton pad soaked in warm water. Healthy ears are a pleasant pink color without redness, excess wax or unpleasant odor. If you notice that the American Toy Fox Terrier often shakes its head, rubs its ears on the floor, the pinna of the ear turns red, there is excess wax or discharge with an unpleasant odor, immediately contact a veterinarian. There are many reasons for concern: food allergies, otitis media, otodectosis, etc. Therefore, do not make a diagnosis yourself, but be sure to consult a veterinarian.
Otodectosis (ear mite) is a parasite that lives in the dog's ear canal. These microscopic insects appear in dogs of any age, but more often young individuals are affected by the disease, since their immunity has not yet been formed. To avoid infecting your dog with ear mites, do not allow your dog to play with mongrels; after bathing, dry your pet's ears thoroughly and check the condition of the ears regularly.

Paws: wipe with a damp cloth or rinse in the shower every time after walking. Carefully inspect the paw pads for damage and cracks. The American Toy Fox Terrier is a very active and gambling breed; it is easily injured while running or playing, without even noticing it, since it strongly succumbs to hunting instincts. To avoid cracks on your dog's paw pads, rub vegetable oil into them and be sure to include this product in your diet (1 teaspoon per day).
Brush your teeth 4-5 times a week with a special toothpaste for dogs using a toothbrush or a special finger attachment. To prevent the formation of tartar, include solid foods in your diet.
Trim the toy fox terrier's claws once a month with a nail clipper for small breeds, smooth the sharp ends with a nail file to avoid the appearance of burrs. To make the procedure easier, wet the paws in warm water, the claws will become softer and it will be easier to cut. It is necessary to accustom your pet to hygiene procedures from an early age so that he is not afraid and calmly withstands them. After any procedures, be sure to praise your dog and treat him with his favorite treat. Never shout or hit a dog for disobedience, it is simply afraid.
Walks: The American Toy Fox Terrier dog is energetic and active, so it needs active walks with elements of training. You need to walk 2 times a day for at least (morning and evening) 1-2 hours. When walking in the city, keep your pet on a leash, as he is a natural hunter, easily distracted and reacts to all small moving objects.
Clothing: This breed has a thin layer of subcutaneous fat, so they freeze in the cold season. They will need overalls with a warm fleece lining in severe frost, a raincoat or a blanket. You can knit a sleeveless vest or make an old sweater yourself.
Toys: Amertoi loves small squeaky toys and balls. Choose toys for your dog without small parts (to avoid suffocation), made of thick latex; if swallowed, the bitten pieces will not damage the intestinal walls and will come out naturally.

Care and maintenance

Caring for amert is simple. He is kept both in an apartment and in a private house. To keep your puppy's coat shiny, he needs to be fed and bathed properly. For combing, you should buy a stiff brush with natural bristles or a rubber glove. Brush the puppy once every three weeks, and during shedding - once a week. The advantage of this breed is the fact that it sheds extremely rarely. For shine, you can wipe the puppy's fur with a suede cloth in the direction of hair growth.

Periodically you need to check your puppy's ears and remove dirt. A special lotion is used for this. It is instilled into the ear, while massaging the base (so that the product penetrates better inside). The dog can then be released. With every movement of the head, everything unnecessary will be automatically removed from the ears. It is necessary to regularly wipe the animal's eyes. To do this, take a cotton pad soaked in tea leaves or herbal infusion and wipe it from the outer corner of the eye to the inner one.

Nails should be trimmed when they grow. Usually, city dogs wear them down on the asphalt themselves; there is no need to trim them. Since American Toy Fox Terriers love to run and jump, they often have cuts and splinters on their paws. It is necessary to constantly inspect the llama's pads and lubricate them with oil after each walk.

From time to time you need to brush and examine your teeth. In this case, special toothbrushes for dogs and edible toothpastes are used. Everything you need can be bought at a pet store. To avoid plaque and tartar, your pet needs to purchase bones and toys.

The dog is rarely bathed. Use dry or regular dog shampoo. After bathing, you need to dry it thoroughly. The pet should be kept at home in a draft-free room until it is completely dry. The fact is that this breed is characterized by colds and pulmonary diseases.

Walk the puppy on a leash twice a day for 15-20 minutes. For winter, warm clothing for dogs in the form of overalls is used, since this decorative breed does not tolerate cold weather well. Long walks in cold weather are strictly prohibited. In severe frosts, the puppy should be kept warm at home.

Nutrition

Amerta is not picky when it comes to food. Each puppy has its own preferences. For example, he may not like porridge, but enjoy eating fruit. A baby who has recently been weaned from his mother needs to be fed liquid food. Gradually, food should become more dense, including dry food. An active terrier needs protein. He needs to be given cottage cheese, liver, eggs. Special vitamins and minerals should also be included in the diet. They are selected by a veterinarian, taking into account the individual characteristics of the dog. The main diet is lean meat (beef, chicken) and offal.

Under no circumstances should you give Amertoya bones. They can clog or cut the intestines, which can be fatal.

The portion of dry food depends on the weight of the puppy. It should not be too big, as terriers are prone to obesity. When buying a puppy, you should check with the previous owner what he fed the baby. At first, they continue to feed him the usual food, gradually changing his diet.

Education and training

Toy fox terriers are very smart and quickly understand what is wanted from them, but their character has terrier stubbornness, so training should begin as early as possible. Particular attention is paid to socialization. As soon as the dog can go outside, they begin to introduce it to new places, smells, other animals, and people. This will help the puppy grow up obedient, confident and balanced.

In the USA, mini foxes were very popular among clowns. Small dogs could be seen in many circuses. This once again confirms their extraordinary intelligence and penchant for training. The difficulty in learning is that you need to find the right approach. Dogs very quickly get bored with the monotonous repetition of commands, but if you manage to combine training with play, the results will certainly please you.

Amertoys make excellent athletes. Most often they participate in active sports: agility, Frisbee, coursing and racing.

Purpose

Decorative lap dog. Cute little dogs are real companions for humans - they stick their noses into everything and always try to participate in all life processes.
Security functions. A dog can protect property and housing entrusted to it. Of course, she will not be able to defeat a large animal or person, but her loud and ringing bark will wake up everyone in the area.

Hunting instinct. Since the main ancestor of the Toy Fox Terrier was the smooth-haired English Fox Terrier, which was often used for hunting, the memory of this was preserved in the genes. You can only hunt small animals and land birds.

Clothes and accessories

Short fur without undercoat will not warm the dog in the cold season. Amerta needs comfortable clothes for the weather. It is better to accustom your dog to dressing from early childhood.

For walks, it is better to purchase a leash-roulette and a harness of the same size or a wide collar, as for Italian Greyhounds, which will not damage the trachea and choke the dog. You can let an Amertoya off the leash only if you are completely sure that he will not find any adventures on his tail, will not rush at other brothers, pick up things from the floor that cannot be eaten, or run away from the owner in search of something more interesting.

Most Toy Foxes prefer small squeaky toys and balls. Your dog's toys should not contain small parts that he can swallow. It is better to give preference to latex products; if swallowed, the bitten pieces do not damage the intestinal walls and come out naturally.

How to train correctly?

Since dogs are very attached to their owner, they enjoy just spending time next to him. They are easy to train. This is due to their unusually developed intelligence, intelligence and curiosity. They learn commands very quickly.

Even a novice owner can cope with this task. But, as in any other training, it is necessary to show firmness, seriousness and not allow empty pranks on the part of the pet. You will have to show all the leadership qualities so that the dog accepts you as the boss.

Amertoi who undergo special courses become excellent companions for visually impaired and hearing impaired people.

Nutrition and proper diet

A baby American Toy Terrier should receive a balanced and proper diet. The puppy and adult pet do not eat much. For natural nutrition and cooking, the following products are used:

Lean meat, raw, finely minced or chopped (chicken, beef, turkey, veal);
Sea fish is a must in the diet (cleaned, without bones, heads and entrails, boiled);
Dairy products are required: grain cottage cheese, natural unsweetened yogurt and kefir;
Eggs are given no more than 2 times a week, raw;
Vegetables: zucchini, pumpkin, cucumbers, sometimes tomatoes, carrots, cabbage of all kinds;
Fruits: pears, apples, bananas, quinces, peaches, apricots;
Porridge: buckwheat, rice, wheat and oatmeal;
Greens: lettuce, dill, parsley;
Cooked by-products: liver, lung, stomachs, kidneys, brain, heart;
Additionally: bone meal and vitamins.

Exclude from the diet:

I write heat-treated human food;
Smoked meats;
Sweets and chocolate;
Tubular and chicken bones;
River fish;
Legumes;
Plum and grapes;
Potato;
Pasta;
Any spices.

Dry food is selected according to breed characteristics, based on age, weight and physical activity. They do not require cooking, are easy to store and easy to serve. There is no need to select additional additives for them. The pet doesn’t eat much; a 3-4 kg bag is enough for 4-5 months. The best option for a fox terrier.

Differences from other toys (with examples in the photo)

The American toy differs from its counterparts in certain traits not only in character, but also in appearance :

There are no long-haired representatives among this breed;
they are larger in size than other toys, especially Russian ones;
The color is also different. In American cats, most of the body is white, and may have spots of black, black and tan, and red. For Russians, white is a disqualifying color; their characteristic colors are black and tan and brown and tan;
Amertoys have a short tail from birth, Russians have a long one;
The movement is also different - American ones move more confidently, not so proudly - they are more playful than Russians, who are distinguished by elegance and grace;
By nature, Amertoi are more sociable. They are better suited for a family than Russian Toy Terriers, which can grow up attached to only one person in the house.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

American toys differ in many ways from their Russian and English counterparts, this is obvious. Moreover, the difference is not only external - the “Americans” are more muscular, leaner, they have a completely different color - but also in character. Amertoi are more mobile. You cannot leave this dog at home even for a day, otherwise you risk your shoes and furniture. The breed needs to express its emotions, it needs to run, you won’t be able to keep it in place, plus it is more friendly and gets along with children better than its brothers.

Russian shorthaired and longhaired toy terriers:

English toy terrier
:

American Toy Terrier:

Diseases

Among decorative breeds, toy fox terriers are distinguished by good health. Their average life expectancy is 15 years. But this only applies to offspring obtained from healthy parents with good genetics. With indiscriminate breeding, very often puppies are born with different genetic abnormalities.

The slender limbs of the Amertoi can be called their most vulnerable point. Quite often these dogs are diagnosed with dislocated kneecaps. In advanced cases, this pathology can cause lameness or deformation changes in the skeletal structure. In addition, common pathologies are the following:

Perthes syndrome – necrotic changes in the femoral head;
dermatological diseases (scabies, dermatitis, demodicosis, etc.);
allergic manifestations;
von Willebrand syndrome (hereditary blood disease);
congenital form of hypothyroidism.

Dog health

The weak point of the Amertoys is their legs. Inherited fragility of the skeleton leads to frequent fractures and dislocations. Such injuries cause the development of lameness and bone deformation.

American Toy Foxes are also predisposed to:

demodicosis and other skin diseases;
food allergies;
Perthes syndrome (blood supply to the femur is stopped);
hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones);
von Willebrand disease (spontaneous bleeding).

Buying a puppy

If you decide to purchase an American Toy Fox Terrier puppy, you should not rush. It is important to choose an experienced breeder or nursery that specializes in breeding two or three breeds, but no more. Only with proper breeding is it possible to obtain puppies without genetic disorders.

Puppies of this breed are not cheap, you will have to pay a minimum of 15,000 rubles. On average, offspring that meet the standard and are accepted for mating cost about 40,000-50,000 rubles.

There are 2 nurseries in Moscow where you can buy Amertoya:

Alma da Steol, Moscow https://almadesteol.com/
Halacho Happy Day, Moscow https://galachohappyday.jimdo.com/

Amertoys are small fox terriers with self-esteem, courage and loyalty. They are not pampered, sensitive individuals, so such a pet should be treated like an ordinary dog, with respect and seriousness.

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Selection and cost of a puppy

The breed, popular in the States, is just beginning to gain popularity in the CIS countries, and kennels for breeding Toy Fox Terriers can only be found in large cities. Due to the low population, the desired puppy from the planned litter will have to wait.

When choosing a pet you must:

meet the breeder. He is obliged to provide documents on the breed, show at least one of the parents;
pay attention to the conditions of detention, because if the puppies are in unsanitary conditions, all infections acquired during this time will affect them in the future;
look at the baby's appearance. He must be active, well-fed, eat well, inquisitive, and not be afraid of strangers;
ask about the character and temperament of each puppy. The owner of the cattery must provide information about the pets, since he has been watching them since birth. There is always a more active dog in the litter with leadership qualities;
become familiar with your diet;
When choosing puppies for participation in competitions and exhibitions in the nursery, you need to contact a specialist in the breed.

Dog buyers need to be aware that the cost will be considerable. Delivery of a puppy directly from an American nursery will cost the customer between $1,500 and $2,000.

For puppies born in the former CIS, the price will range from 250 to 600 dollars. The cost of animals is influenced by the titles of the parents and the absence of visible defects.

Important! If the advertisement for sale indicates a price from 50 to 120 US dollars, this may indicate that the seller does not have documents confirming the pedigree of the puppies.

What do owners say about their pets?

It is unlikely that you will hear bad reviews about this breed anywhere, because everyone who meets it becomes a fan from the very first second.

The main thing that pet owners say is:

ease of keeping a terrier;
light and mischievous character;
cleanliness and accuracy;
easy to learn and execute commands instantly;
boundless love for the owner;

If you are looking for just such a creature, then choose this baby.

Application

The historical purpose of the fox terrier is burrow hunting, but they also know how to pick up a scent and are able to track down an animal. The small size of an adult dog and a short and smooth coat help this breed follow a fox into a hole and fight right in its den.

The smooth-haired fox often displays good guarding qualities, and the hunting spirit, combined with courage, makes the dogs faithful protectors. A good sense of smell and attentiveness allows you to quickly notice an approaching stranger or aggressive animal.

The modern Smooth Fox Terrier serves more as a companion for an active person. Such a dog can be brought into a family with growing children for joint games as a cheerful, loving pet. Active, intelligent dogs perform well in sports when patience and discipline can be developed in them.

Reproduction and lifespan

Receiving offspring from your pets must be approached responsibly and carefully. Mating, pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for puppies require not only moral and physical strength from the owner, but also material costs.

Fox terriers are ready for mating at eight months. But this does not mean that a fertilized bitch will bear and give birth to full-fledged puppies without causing damage to her health. Final development in animals is completed by one and a half to two years. The third heat is considered the right time for mating.

To find a pair, contact the nursery. Here they will select a suitable dog and give valuable recommendations on proper breeding and care of offspring.

Before mating, the dogs are taken to a veterinary clinic, where they will be treated for fleas and ticks, and a medicine for helminths will be recommended. They are also examined for viral infections. At the next visit, they will receive the necessary vaccinations so that the future parents are healthy at the time of mating.

When they meet on the territory of a male dog, the dogs get to know each other and play together. Optimal conditions are created for the couple. Animals are more active in the morning before the first feeding, when there are no strangers in the room.

Pregnancy lasts 50–60 days. The bitch becomes not as active and energetic as before. She needs peace, long sleep. For the full development of embryos, special vitamins are purchased, a complete balanced diet is organized, and children are protected from excessive attention. The number and duration of walks remains the same as before pregnancy.

How to feed?

Amertoes have a very good appetite, they are ready to eat everything they see on their way, but this is not always healthy.

This breed is prone to food allergies, so you should be careful when choosing food or products. It is advisable to completely exclude beets and millet from their menu.

Food should be given in small portions and only after walks and games - this is necessary so that the food is absorbed and intestinal volvulus does not occur. In any case, lazy dogs need to be given less food than active dogs.

Most owners are inclined towards industrial feeds - they already contain all the necessary vitamins. Adult dogs should be given food two to three times a day, but not more often.

NOTE!

You first need to feed your pet what the breeder gave him. If you want to switch him to another food, then you should do this gradually.

Key points in training

Fox Terriers have an excellent mind, they are inquisitive and active. Combined with the desire to please the owner, this creates an excellent background for education and training. But you need to take into account that such dogs are stubborn and willful, they can try to ignore commands and do only what interests them.

With the right approach, you can raise a well-mannered and trained animal. To do this, you need to start classes from the moment the baby Fox appears in the house.
Short-term exercises, with frequent repetitions, taking place in a playful way are the ideal way to interact with the dog.
In this case, it is necessary to ensure the execution of the command given by the owner.
Reinforcement is best done with praise and treats, because... Representatives of the breed love to eat delicious food. Cruelty and brute force will not help create a suitable atmosphere for training, but will only turn your pet against training.

Properly organized education will allow you to master not only the basic set of commands, but also to participate in obedience competitions. Wire Fox Terriers can be involved in hunting training or coursing.

Wire Fox Terrier

Wire-haired foxes were bred to hunt foxes and badgers and have now become excellent pets. You can have fun with them, train and learn.

Breed standard

Like all Foxes, the Wirehaired Fox has a strong, well-proportioned build and has the typical square format of terriers.

Animal characteristics:

Height is within 35-40 cm, which corresponds to the length of the body. Males are a couple of centimeters longer than females.
The head is long, the muzzle is elongated. The skull is flat, narrowing in the eye area.
The eyes are round, as are the eyelids of a dark color.
The ears are heavy, triangular in shape, set close, and descend to sharp cheekbones.
The nose is black, regardless of body color.
The jaws are powerful, the teeth are large, and the bite is scissor-shaped.
The neck is long and dry.
The chest is deep, the back is small but strong.
The limbs are strong, straight, the thighs have well-developed muscles.
The cover is thick, the hair is like a wire, 2-2.5 cm long. Each hair has a crease, due to which a layer protective from wind and moisture is formed.
The color consists of white, brown and black. White predominates, the rest are in the form of spots or absent.
The tail is straight and raised up.

A typical representative of the Wire Fox Terrier is shown in the photograph.

Character

Foxes are energetic dogs with curiosity and ingenuity. Can make decisions independently, without waiting for the owner’s command

These are very smart animals, it is important to develop not only physical abilities, but also conduct intellectual activities

The Fox Terrier dog is easily excited, which is why it is able to abruptly switch from a resting state to an active phase, and react with lightning speed to emerging situations. Dogs are not averse to being pampered, tearing up the house and digging up the garden, so they need to be trained from puppyhood

It is important to define the boundaries of what is permitted, to show who is the leader in the house. Animals perceive only calm speech; they react with aggression to screams or the use of force.

The Fox Terrier breed is capable of making friends with all family members, including existing pets. However, it is not worth getting new pets, since the instinct of hunting dogs is overdeveloped.

In addition to their desire to catch game, fox terriers are considered excellent guards. Fearlessness is in their blood. If there is a threat to the owner or close people, they will immediately rush to the offender.

Fox gets along with children, especially older ones. Loves communication and takes part in games. However, the fox terrier will not allow itself to be tormented or squeezed, so it is better to avoid contact with children.

Features of care

Caring for a Wirehaired Terrier is not difficult. The main thing for a dog is walks. In warm weather, Foxes are ready to spend all their time outside, so it’s worth being there at least three times a day. One of the exits should be long-term, accompanied by physical activity and active games.

If you do not allow the dog to splash out its energy, it will become nervous, stop obeying, and attempt to escape.

Fox Terrier puppies are trained from the age of four months. Classes are held three times a week.

It is better to entrust the processing to a master specializing in a specific breed.

Nutrition

The diet of wire-haired foxes is no different from the diet of their smooth-haired counterparts. Feeding is carried out with industrial feed or natural food. Priority is given to raw meat, boneless fish, and cereals. Supplement the diet with vegetables, fruits and fermented milk. You should not give sweets, fatty meats, or processed foods.

Industrial feeds are purchased from holistic or super-premium grades. They do not cause allergic reactions, are well absorbed, and cover the breed’s needs for vitamins and microelements. Veterinarians recommend dry granules Akana, Hills, Orijen.

Health

Wire Fox Terriers are strong dogs, however, genetic diseases are present. Possible visual and hearing impairments, diabetes mellitus, myasthenia gravis, Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome and even signs of epilepsy.

When choosing a Fox Terrier dog, the puppy must be healthy, like its parents.

Price

The Wire Fox Terrier is often found in kennels and private breeders. The cost depends on the pedigree of the animal. It is better to buy a dog from a trusted place. The puppy must have the appropriate documents and a veterinary passport.

The price for a pet varies from 8,000 to 45,000 rubles.

Smooth Fox Terrier Pregnancy and Childbirth

Normal pregnancy in dogs lasts 60-62 days. However, viable puppies can be born earlier - from 58 days, or later than this - up to 72 days. This may be due to the individual characteristics of the bitch’s body.

The cause of premature birth before the 58th day may be injury, hidden disease, poor readiness of the bitch for pregnancy: exhaustion, excessive obesity, too young or too old body.

If the bitch has not given birth on her own before the 72nd day, she will need surgical assistance (caesarean section).

Dog pregnancy by day: signs and symptoms

Signs of pregnancy depend on the stage of pregnancy. So until the third week, practically no changes are noticeable, except perhaps drowsiness and apathy. By day 25-30, the skin in the area of the mammary glands swells and the glands themselves become clearly visible or pink in dogs with fair skin. An enlarged abdomen may be noticeable in the area behind the ribs. Using ultrasound, pregnancy is diagnosed from 21-24 days. You can already see amniotic sacs with embryos on the ultrasound machine screen. Signs of pregnancy become obvious after the 29th day. The mammary glands greatly enlarge, and 7-10 days before birth, experienced mothers begin to produce milk. Only a dog with her first pregnancy can produce milk during labor or a few hours before. From the 33rd day, the weight of the expectant mother begins to increase sharply. At the 6-7th week of pregnancy (between 38-45 days), individual fetuses are felt in the uterus, the ribs and skull bones of the embryos are distinguished. During this period, X-rays can be used to accurately determine the number of puppies

This is especially important with large litters.

First pregnancy

This is a particularly difficult ordeal for a young dog. The first pregnancy may last longer than subsequent ones and be more difficult.

The owner of a young bitch should not rely on “nature”, since domesticated animals are no longer at all the same as in natural conditions. And not everyone survives in the forest, but only the healthiest and strongest.

Therefore, you need to plan your first pregnancy for three to four months.

During this time, the animal must have well-developed muscles, excess fat removed, a carefully selected diet, all vaccinations done, and fleas and worms destroyed in a timely manner.

After the first birth, the dog may behave too restlessly: jumping up, running around the room or enclosure, as if “not knowing” what to do with the puppies. The owner should not worry, this will pass in 7-10 days. You need to place the dog with the puppies and make sure that it does not accidentally injure the babies.

The anxiety of a dog that has given birth for the first time is often due to the fact that she has a lot of milk, and the puppies are still too small and are not able to suck it all out. When they get stronger, the dog will calm down.