Toy Fox Terrier Q & A
“Each TFT has their own set of unique personality quirks. I prefer a calmer thinking type that is quiet. I breed for these traits.I believe success in creating a well rounded TFT that fits any family.”
TERRIE CRAWFORD I live in Columbia,
How do I place my puppies? I am listed on our Parent Club site as well as another website for breeders. Many of my placements are through word of mouth. Is my parent Club giving me adequate support? I think so, I have been involved with the American Toy Fox Ter- rier Club for many years and have served in many different positions. While there is always a need for better communi- cation between the BOD and the club members, I feel that we really do try. Is the breed standing out good or bad? I think that it is a good thing! They are certainly a “what you see is what you get” breed which I love. What is the breed’s most endearing quality? They are the most loving, comical and playful companions one could ask for. At what age do I choose a show prospect? I evaluate at eight weeks, and usually decide closer to five or six months of age. My favorite dog show memory? There are so many, but one of my favorites is when a young TFT had been flown in to us the day before a Toy Specialty. My partner in dogs was showing him and they clicked so well that they took BISS the second day. The uproar from the local crowd should have scared him to death, but instead he took it as his due! He was—and still is—all that and a bag of chips! Whether you are looking for a show prospect, perfor- mance prospect or a companion—these guys really can do it all. LILA FAST I have been around dogs and cats all my life, but start- ed show dogs in 1978. My first show dog was an Afghan Hound my mentor was Karl Willis. I then got a Saluki and a Harrier. I was a federal employee at the Knoxville, Vir- ginia in the kitchen, when I lost my weekend off at work I placed all my dogs. That’s another story. Then we got a Silky Terrier for our son, David, to show in 4-H. When I was able to get weeks off again I got our first Toy Fox Ter- rier. I also co-own now a Rat Terrier that I show. I live in Knoxville, Iowa. Outside of dogs, I enjoy going to the county and State Fair, horse racing, horse shows, Sprint car racing, especially the Nationals, and talking to people from all over the world. My husband and I enjoy going to the Drake University games. We have season tick- ets to football, basketball men and women. I also show and Judge conformation in United Kennel Club. How does the breed’s terrier temperament affect his household behavior? Each TFT has their own set of unique personality quirks. I prefer a calmer thinking type that is quiet. I breed for these traits.I believe success in creating a well rounded TFT that fits any family.
Tennessee and I love to read and travel in our new motorhome. How does the breed’s terrier temper- ament affect house- hold behavior? Toy Fox Terriers make great house dogs, but they are known to bring you back “surprises” from the back yard—may be a
gopher, a rabbit or a snake! How do I place my puppies? I usually have a waiting list for puppies, TFTs are very popular as pets as well as show dogs. I have never had to advertise. My goal is to get each one of my puppies a loving home where they will stay for the rest of their life! Is my parent Club giving me adequate support? The parent club is trying to educate the public on this wonder- ful breed! Is the breed standing out a good or bad? It is great, the quality of our breed continues to improve and they have become competitive in one of the toughest groups. What is the breed’s most endearing quality? TFTs are very loyal to their owners, they are fun to be around! At what age do I choose a show prospect? I think it depends on the pedigree, but you should be able to look at a puppy at 12-16 weeks and see what (hopefully) the future holds! I got my current special at eight weeks, he was a standout at that young age. My favorite dog show memory? Winning the national specialty with a Veteran Min Pin in 1999 over a huge entry. Will never forget it! TFTs are easy to love. Very little grooming, very affec- tionate and playful. Excellent in agility, barn hunt, as well as conformation. Learns quickly and anxious to please! CINDY ENROUGHTY I live in Aztec, New Mexico and work full time as a Production Assistant in the San Juan Basin. How does the breed’s terrier temperament affect their household behavior? Honestly, I think that the terrier part is in perfect proportion to the toy influence. While the prey drive can be strong, the size is much easier to handle than larger terriers.
340 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , S EPTEMBER 2019
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