THE TOY FOX TERRIER
when judging the Toy Fox Terrier. It is preferred that the portion of the coat that is white be “clear white.” However, a small amount of ticking is not to be penalized. Hopefully, this explanation of color has cleared up any linger- ing questions on the subject. My advice to new exhibitors and new breeders would be to bring a sense of passion to your love of the Toy Fox Terrier. Never stop learning and know that this smart, comical, and entertaining little breed will, at times, keep you humble in the show ring! For as much they can be loving, loyal, and faithful companions, I would urge new breeders to also maintain their terrier gameness, along with their spirited and self-possessed attitude, and their sense of determination and courage, by keeping those traits strongly root- ed in their breeding programs so as to not breed out that which embodies the total Toy Fox Terrier.
for everyone! The diverse height standard of 8 ½ to 11 ½ inches at the withers allows breeders a choice as to how they would like their breeding program to develop, regarding size. It is also important for judges to understand that neither “short” nor “tall” is either right or wrong; it’s which exhibit best exemplifies the written AKC Breed Standard in all aspects of that standard—regardless of size. Then we come to color! There are nine disqualifications list- ed in the Toy Fox Terrier Breed Standard and six of them per- tain to color. One might think we are just a little color-obsessed, so here are some points to keep in mind regarding color and color combinations: • Body spots on black-headed tri-colors must be black • Body spots on chocolate-headed tri-colors must be chocolate
• Body spots on white and blacks must be black • Body spots on white and tans must be tan
(Those first four points can be summed up with one simple sentence: The color of body spots must be the same color as the predominant head color!) • A blaze must not extend into the eyes or ears • Head must be more than 50% colored • Body must be more than 50% white • Nose color must be black with the exception of chocolates, which are self-colored Toy Fox Terriers may or may not have body spots, but either white-bodied or spotted-bodied is well within the standard, and each should be given equal consideration. And, as if there has not already been enough written about color, there are a few more points that are well worth mentioning. While body spots on black-headed tri-colored TFTs are black, and body spots on chocolate-headed tri-colored TFTs are choco- late, a slight tinge (or fringe) of tan alongside any body spots near the chest and under the tail is considered normal bi-color pattern- ing and, therefore, should not be faulted. It is also important to note that it is not a fault or a disqualifica- tion for a Toy Fox Terrier to sport grey hairs. There is a gene that occurs with some regularity in this breed, and many fine examples of TFTs tend to grey early. This should be regarded as insignificant
REFERENCES The Toy Fox Terrier Official Breed Standard, The Toy Fox Terrier Illustrated Breed Standard, The Toy Fox Terrier Judges Guide
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sheryl Irwin has been loving and raising Toy Fox Terriers since early 2001. She is a Breeder/Owner-Handler and breeds under the registered kennel name of StarFox Toy Fox Terriers. Having produced many champions and multiple Group-
placing TFTs, she continues to strive for excellence in her breeding program. Sheryl is a member in good standing of the American Toy Fox Terrier Club and has served on several committees. She served on the ATFTC Board of Directors for a number of years, previously was the Judges’ Education Chair and is an ATFTC approved mentor and presenter.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2021 | 285
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