Companions

The Best of Friends

       I am often asked if Toy Fox Terriers are good with children. Perhaps a better question to ask is whether children are good with Toy Fox Terriers. Toddlers can be especially disconcerting to adult Toy Fox Terriers, since the dogs do not know what to expect from them. Our own grandchildren have had a TFT from babyhood- their's and the puppy's. Although chaotic for a time, I am not so sure that this isn't the best way for dogs and kids to truly bond and become socialized to one another. I always made sure my own children from infancy, were supervised while playing with puppies.  They were not allowed to lift puppies off the floor or play with them on a bed or sofa. They were taught to absolutely never bother any dog while it is eating. After the “fragile”, puppy period, the “teenage” Toy Fox Terrier will run the kids ragged and become a loyal companion.
        I have placed many Toy Fox Terriers as companions to other dogs. These multi-dog families are generally successful and answer another frequent question: whether the Toy Fox Terrier can get along with other dogs. I believe most animals thrive in twos and recommend that you consider a pet for your pet.
         One would never suspect that these terrier terrors would ever get along with cats, but I have several pictures of Toy Fox Terriers and cats curled up on a sofa or in a bed . I think this works best when the terrier is acclimated to the cats as a puppy and grows into the relationship.
     The most complete work on the breed is The Toy Fox Terrier by Eliza Hopkins and Cathy Flamholtz. The book is available from Mrs. Hopkins (517-568-3486). Mrs. Hopkins, of Homer, Michigan, has bred and shown Toy Fox Terriers for 40 years. She has written of the Toy Fox Terrier. “…With his flashy colors and sleek good looks, he struts around like he’s ready to take on the world. His cocky, daring manner and deep loyalty are what make people so fond of the breed. He’s an animated bundle of love, with the spirit of a tiger, on four little legs. The Toy Fox Terrier is a big dog in a little package.”