Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are two little dog types that have lots of similarities but also some differences. If you’re thinking about having a dog or getting one, it’s good to know about these two types to choose the right one for you and your family.
Both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are small dogs that were first bred to catch rodents. They are known for being lively, clever, and devoted to their owners. But there are a few ways these types are not the same, like how big they are, how they look, and how they act.
In this piece, I’ll compare and tell apart Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers in different areas. This includes their beginnings and history, how they look, their personality and how they act, how healthy they are and how long they live, how much they need training and exercise, and if they are good for families and kids. When you finish reading, you’ll know more about what’s similar and different between these two types. This will help you pick the one that fits you and your family the best.
Main Points:
- Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are small dogs that were first bred to catch rodents.
- Even though they’re alike in many ways, they’re different in size, appearance, and behavior.
- Knowing about each type’s traits can help you choose the right one for you and your family.
Origins and History
Rat Terriers
I’ve always been curious about the background of Rat Terriers. These dogs originally came about in the United States in the early 1900s. They were meant to deal with rat issues on farms and in cities. They’re a blend of a few different types, like the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier, and the Whippet. The American Kennel Club (AKC) gave them official recognition in 2013.
Farmers really liked Rat Terriers because they were skilled at hunting and could keep rats from bothering their crops. People also used them for hunting, especially for squirrels. In World War II, the US military even used Rat Terriers to find landmines.
Today, Rat Terriers are cherished pets for families, and they’re still really good at hunting and keeping an eye out. People know them for being full of energy and smart.
Toy Fox Terriers
Toy Fox Terriers have a similar past to Rat Terriers. They were also bred in the United States in the early 1900s, but the aim was to make them tiny versions of the Smooth Fox Terrier. They were first called the American Toy Terrier, but the name got changed to Toy Fox Terrier in 1936.
Circus performers liked Toy Fox Terriers because they were small and clever. They also worked as rat catchers and hunting dogs. The AKC accepted them as a breed in 2003.
Nowadays, Toy Fox Terriers are well-liked as family pets, and people think they’re really fun and loving. They also get used as therapy dogs and do really well in contests that test how well they listen and how agile they are.
To sum things up, both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers have interesting pasts and have had important jobs in American society.
Physical Characteristics
Rat Terriers
Rat Terriers are not too big, not too small. They usually weigh around 10 to 25 pounds and are up to 18 inches tall at the shoulder. They wear a short, smooth coat that can be different colors and patterns like white, black, tan, and more. Their ears tend to stand up and their tails are usually short.
One thing that stands out about Rat Terriers is their tough, strong body. They have a wide chest and a defined waist, making them look sleek and athletic. Their legs are strong too, helping them move fast and with ease.
Toy Fox Terriers
Toy Fox Terriers are even tinier than Rat Terriers. They usually weigh between 4 and 9 pounds and are just 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder. They also have a short, smooth coat that can be different colors like white, black, tan, and more. Their ears like to stand up, and their tails are usually short too.
Even though they’re small, Toy Fox Terriers are quite strong and athletic. They have a balanced body with a wide chest and a slim waist. Their legs are strong too, so they can move fast and with ease.
All in all, both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are small and muscular. They have short, smooth coats and unique looks. Even though there are some differences in size and color, both kinds have athletic builds and strong legs.
Personality and Temperament
Rat Terriers
Being an owner of a Rat Terrier, I can say they have a lively and cheerful character. These dogs are known for having lots of energy and loving to play. They’re really fond of their owners and are great for families. But they can be cautious around people they don’t know and other dogs, so it’s good to introduce them to others early on.
Rat Terriers are also known for being smart and easy to teach. They learn quickly and do well when they’re rewarded for good behavior. They’re also very attentive and make good at alerting you if something’s up.
Toy Fox Terriers
Toy Fox Terriers also have lively and friendly characters. They like being close to people and are really fond of being around them. They’re good with kids too and are great for families. They also have a lot of energy and enjoy playtime.
Toy Fox Terriers are also clever and simple to teach. They respond well when they’re rewarded and are happy to do what makes their owners happy. They’re also really attentive and can alert you if something seems off.
When it comes to character, both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are alike in their lively and friendly ways. They’re both great for families and good with kids. However, Rat Terriers might be more careful around people and other dogs, while Toy Fox Terriers might be more outgoing and social.
Health and Lifespan
When thinking about the well-being and how long Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers live, there are some points to think about. Both kinds are usually in good health and can live around 15 years. Still, there are some ways they’re not the same.
Rat Terriers
Rat Terriers are usually pretty healthy, but like all types, they can have some health matters. A few things Rat Terriers might deal with are:
Kneecap Dislocation: This is when the kneecap moves from its normal place.
Hip Problems: Their hip joint might not develop well, which can lead to pain and arthritis.
Allergies: Rat Terriers could get allergies, causing skin issues and itching.
To keep your Rat Terrier well, make sure they get exercise, eat good food, and visit the vet as needed.
Toy Fox Terriers
Like Rat Terriers, Toy Fox Terriers are usually healthy and can live around 15 years. But they might have these health matters:
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Their hip joint might not develop well, leading to limping and pain.
Kneecap Dislocation: Just like Rat Terriers, Toy Fox Terriers might deal with kneecap issues.
Teeth Problems: Toy Fox Terriers might be prone to gum disease and tooth decay.
To keep your Toy Fox Terrier well, make sure they get exercise, eat well, and see the vet regularly. Brushing their teeth often can help stop teeth issues.
In the big picture, both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are usually healthy, with a few small health things to think about. Giving them good care can help them have long, healthy lives.
Training and Exercise Needs
When it comes to teaching and staying active, both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are very lively and smart types that need daily activity and brain workouts to be well and joyful. But there are some small differences in what they need.
Rat Terriers
Rat Terriers are known for having lots of energy and loving to move around. They learn well and do great in activities like agility, listening, and hunting. Because of this, they need a good amount of daily activity to be healthy and not do anything damaging.
For teaching, Rat Terriers do well with methods like positive rewards and clicking sounds. They’re really clever and like to make you happy, so they learn easily if you guide them with patience.
Toy Fox Terriers
Toy Fox Terriers are also smart and active, but they need a bit less exercise than Rat Terriers. They still need walks and playtime every day, but they can do okay in apartments and be fine with a less active routine.
For teaching, Toy Fox Terriers might be a bit more challenging because they like doing things on their own. You need to teach them firmly and keep at it from when they’re little. This helps them be well-behaved and listen.
In both cases, it’s important to teach and train them early and help them get used to being around others. Owners should also give them things to think about, like puzzle toys, and teach them things like finding stuff by smell and listening. This helps stop them from being bored and doing bad things.
All in all, both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers can learn well and be active. But owners should know what each type needs and make their teaching and activity plans based on that.
Grooming Needs
When thinking about looking after them, both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are easy to care for. Still, there are some small differences in how you should care for their looks.
Rat Terriers
Rat Terriers have a short, smooth coat that doesn’t shed too much. You only need to brush them once a week to keep their coat looking nice. They only need a bath if they get dirty or smell, as washing them too often can remove their coat’s natural oils. You should also check their ears often and clean them when needed to stop infections.
Toy Fox Terriers
Toy Fox Terriers also have a short, smooth coat that doesn’t shed too much. But they might need to be brushed more often than Rat Terriers to prevent their fur from getting tangled. They might also need more baths than Rat Terriers to keep their coat clean and looking good. Also, Toy Fox Terriers might have teeth issues, so you should brush their teeth often and give them things to chew to keep their mouth healthy.
To sum up, both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are simple to care for when it comes to looks. However, Toy Fox Terriers might need more brushing and baths than Rat Terriers. And you should pay extra attention to their teeth to keep them healthy.
Great for Families and Kids
When it’s about picking a dog type for families with kids, both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are wonderful options. They’re both small breeds that like people, including children. Still, there are some things to think about.
Rat Terriers Rat Terriers like playing and being full of pep, which is good for kids who like to play too. They’re also smart and simple to teach, which is great for families that are busy. Rat Terriers are loyal and look out for their families, which makes them good at noticing things.
But sometimes Rat Terriers can be a little stubborn, so it’s important to teach them the same things all the time. They also might want to chase after small stuff, even small kids, if they’re not used to being around them.
Toy Fox Terriers Toy Fox Terriers are also good for families, especially if the kids are older. They’re fond of people and loyal, and they like to play. Toy Fox Terriers are also smart and easy to teach, which is good for busy families.
But keep in mind that Toy Fox Terriers can get a little nervous, so they might not be the best for families with really little kids. They also like barking, which might not be great if you live close to others.
To sum it all up, both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are good for families with kids. Just remember to think about how each one acts and what they need before making your choice.
Wrapping Up
After digging into Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers, I’ve figured out some stuff about these two types. Both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are small dogs that have lots of energy and are good for families and people.
When it comes to character, both types are known for being kind, loving, and clever. They like their owners and like playing, so they’re good for kids and grown-ups too. But Rat Terriers can be a little more on their own and not want to change their minds, while Toy Fox Terriers really want to make their owners happy.
In terms of how they look, there are some things to see. Rat Terriers are a bit bigger and more muscular than Toy Fox Terriers. They look more athletic and have more coat colors and designs. On the other hand, Toy Fox Terriers are smaller and more delicate, and they look more polished.
Both kinds need exercise and things to think about to be happy and well. They might also have some health issues like allergies, teeth problems, and kneecap troubles. So, you should make sure they’re taken care of and see the vet regularly.
To sum it all up, both Rat Terriers and Toy Fox Terriers are good picks if you want a small, kind, and energetic dog. The choice between them comes down to what you like and how you live your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some questions you might have:
What’s the difference in size between a Toy Rat Terrier and a Fox Terrier?
Both the Toy Rat Terrier and the Toy Fox Terrier are small dogs, but the Toy Fox Terrier is just a bit tinier. The Toy Rat Terrier usually weighs between 4 and 6 pounds, while the Toy Fox Terrier weighs between 3.5 and 7 pounds. As for height, the Toy Rat Terrier stands about 8 to 10 inches tall, while the Toy Fox Terrier stands around 8 to 11 inches tall.
Are Rat Terriers thought of as toy dogs?
Yes, Rat Terriers are seen as toy dogs. They’re small and were first bred to hunt small animals like rats and mice. Toy Fox Terriers are also thought of as toy dogs.
What’s the personality of a Toy Fox Terrier like?
Toy Fox Terriers are known for being full of pep, playful, and loyal. They’re also smart and can learn, but sometimes they’re a bit stubborn. They’re good with kids and are good for families.
Can you mix a Fox Terrier with a Chihuahua?
Yes, you can mix a Fox Terrier with a Chihuahua. This mix is called a Taco Terrier. Just keep in mind that mixed dogs can be a surprise when it comes to their behavior and health. So, it’s smart to do research and meet the parents before getting a Taco Terrier.
How are standard and miniature Rat Terriers different?
The biggest difference between a standard and a miniature Rat Terrier is how big they are. Standard Rat Terriers usually weigh between 10 and 25 pounds and stand between 13 and 18 inches tall. Miniature Rat Terriers, though, usually weigh between 4 and 6 pounds and stand between 8 and 12 inches tall.
How small do Toy Rat Terriers get?
Toy Rat Terriers usually weigh about 4 to 6 pounds and stand around 8 to 10 inches tall. They’re small dogs that are great if you live in a small space like an apartment.
