
Why A Toy Fox?
Thank you for
you interest in Maldonfox Toy Fox Terriers. Buying
a puppy is no small undertaking and should never be done
impulsively. Puppies take so much time, care, attention,
training, and love. Do you have it to give? If you do, first and
foremost is getting the right breed. Is
the Toy Fox Terrier the right dog for my family? Remember, you
are heading into a 14 to 16 year commitment. You want a healthy
puppy who will grow into a healthy, enjoyable family companion.
Not only do you need to consider the cost of adoption but you
must also consider veterinarian cost, supplies and a host of
other expenses that come with dog ownership. Those of us that
are lucky enough to have spent our lives with the Toy Fox
Terrier know what it means to be greeted at the door after work,
to share in the frantic joy of that wagging tail and the
unconditional love that they possess.
Here is some
information that you may find helpful as you research the breed
and investigate breeders. If at all possible, you should visit
with breeders and meet their dogs. The temperament of the puppy
will be determined by the temperament of his parents and his
environment. If available, ask to meet both parents and
siblings. Be wary of breeders that have numerous litters and
pups available at all times of the year. These people could be
considered puppy farms and are mass-producing puppies regardless
of health issues or concerns for the dogs. Some hide behind the
facade of being "Show Breeders" when in fact, they are not.
Reputable breeders are members of National Breed Clubs and are
required to follow a code of ethics.
When you do purchase a puppy,
keep in mind that you are also purchasing the experience and
knowledge of the person who has bred that puppy. They should be
available to you now and in the future, should you have any
questions concerning the health and well being of your puppy.
You and your breeder will be establishing a relationship and you
should trust and like your breeder. I place all pet puppies
based on the personality of the puppy and the family that it
will become part of. I do take special requests into
consideration, but it is best for all concerned when the puppy
fits your lifestyle. Size and color should be secondary to
finding a happy, healthy pet that will fit your lifestyle.
Remember, adding a puppy to your family is a life long
commitment and a puppy should not be an impulse buy.
The Toy Fox Terrier is a
large dog in a small package. Toy Fox Terriers are an
affectionate breed and loves to be around people. Their most
favorite person is you, of course. Because they are small and so
endearing, it is very easy to spoil them. For people who have
never had a dog or who would like a smaller dog, the easy care
and wonderful disposition of the Toy Fox Terrier makes them a
perfect choice .Both genders are equally as well suited as
playmates for children but if you've never owned a male Toy Fox
Terrier, you're missing out. In this breed, some say the males
make the better pets. They are very sweet and loving. If you’ve
never owned one or met one, you don't know how playful and fun a
male can be. Once neutered, males make excellent companions.
.
I would not recommend a Toy Fox Terrier puppy for a household
with infants or toddlers. Households with young children should
consider a larger dog that can withstand the knocks of childhood
or an older Toy Fox puppy or young adult. Toy Fox Terrier pups
are very small (2 lb. @ 8 weeks old) and can easily be seriously
injured by rough treatment. Not only physically, but mentally
as well. Older, more considerate children make the best
playmates. I will not place a puppy in a home with young
children under the age of 13 without first meeting the children.
.
Toy Fox Terriers like to run and because they were bred as a
hunting dog will chase and tree squirrels. Because of this, and
for the safety of the dog, I recommend a fenced yard whenever
let off of a leash. Although Toy Fox Terriers do enjoy being
outdoors occasionally, they are not "OUTSIDE DOGS". TFTs are
HOUSE PETS ONLY and must live indoors with their human family. TFT's
are excellent watch dogs. I do not find them to be nuisance
barkers, but they will set off the alarm whenever they feel the
need to warn you of impending danger. (mailman, visitor, stray
cat or dog, etc.) They will bark when they have something that
they feel you need to be aware of.
.
The Toy Fox Terrier is a very entertaining breed. You can watch
them play for hours at a time and never grow tired of their
antics. They are also excellent travelers. They are always
ready to go and take up very little space. They are totally
content to be with their owners. Naturally clean and
practically odor free, they just require an occasional bath if
they get dirty and clipping of the nails when they are long.
They are a low maintenance pet. Toy Fox Terriers do shed twice
a year so if you are allergic to dog dander, then this is
probably NOT the pet for you.
TFT's are very willing to
please and learn very quickly. I also recommend a puppy
socialization class or beginner obedience. It's fun for both the
new owner and the dog. There are now books written on the
special needs of training the small dog.
Little Dogs: Training your Pint-Sized Companion
by Deborah Wood offers gentle,
positive and effective solutions to many of the most common
challenges facing small dogs and their owners. This is a must
for all small dog owners. Another good book on obedience
training is called, Competitive
Obedience Training for the Small Dog by Barbara Cecil & Gerianne Darnell.
This book focuses on training the small dog for competitive
obedience and is very different from training the large dog.
Other books I would then recommend are:
Art of Raising a Puppy by New Skete Monks
and Dog Training, the Gentle Modern
Method by David Weston.
Whether you are looking for a show prospect or a treasured
companion, we breed for quality and temperament. Our puppies
come with a written health guarantee and lifetime placement. We
test for the following: vWD, Thyroid,
Patellas, Cardio and CERF and our dogs are
show quality with Champion or Grand Champion titles. If you
decide that the Toy Fox Terrier is right for your family, we
guarantee that you will be satisfied with your puppy and proud
to say your family is owned by a Maldonfox Toy Fox Terrier.
