Physical Characteristics of the Toy Fox Terrier

(from the American Kennel Club’s breed standard)

Head: Elegant, balanced and expressive with no indication of coarseness.

Ears: Erect, pointed, inverted V-shaped, set high and close together.

Expression: Intelligent, alert, eager and full of interest.

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Eyes: Clear, bright and dark, including eye-rims, with the exception of chocolates whose eye-rims should be self-colored. The eyes are full, round and somewhat prominent…with a soft intelligent expression.

Neck: Carried proudly erect, well set on, slightly arched, gracefully curved, clean, muscular and free from throatiness. It is proportioned to the head and body and widens gradually blending smoothly into the shoulders.

Nose: Black only with the exception of self-colored in chocolate dogs.

Muzzle: Strong rather than fine, in proportion to the head as a whole and parallel to the top of the skull.

Forequarters: Well angulated. The shoulder is firmly set and has adequate muscle. The shoulders are sloping and well laid back, blending smoothly from neck to back. The forechest is well developed. The elbows are close and perpendicular to the body. The legs are parallel and straight to the pasterns which are strong and straight while remaining flexible.

Coat: Shiny, satiny, fine in texture and smooth to the touch.

Body: The topline is level when standing and gaiting. The body is balanced and tapers slightly from ribs to flank. The chest is deep and muscular with well sprung ribs. The back is straight, level, and muscular. Short and strong in loin with moderate tuck-up. The croup is level with topline and well-rounded.

Tail: Set high, held erect and in proportion to the size of the dog. Docked to the third or fourth joint.

Hindquarters: Well angulated, strong and muscular. The upper and lower thighs are strong, well muscled and of good length. The stifles are clearly defined and well angulated. Hock joints are well let down and firm. The rear pasterns are straight. The legs are parallel from the rear

Color: Tri-color: Predominately black head with sharply defined tan markings on cheeks, lips and eye dots. White, Chocolate and Tan: Predominately chocolate head with sharply defined tan markings on cheeks, lips and eye dots. White and Tan: Predominately tan head. White and Black: Predominately black head. (Note: In all colors, body is over 50% white, with or without body spots.)

Size: 8.5–11.5 inches, 9–11 preferred, 8.5–11.5 acceptable.

Feet: Small and oval, pointing forward. Toes are strong, well-arched and closely knit with deep pads.