How Much Do Toy Fox Terriers Shed?

Toy Fox Terriers are described as intelligent, alert and friendly, and as having the tenacity of a terrier but the lovability of a toy breed. They were originally bred as barnyard ratters and small game hunters, but have also proven their skill in the circus and excel at agility competitions.

Do they shed much?

Toy Fox Terriers take after the Smooth Fox Terrier in that they do shed, but given how small they are, there’s only so much hair they can shed. So, overall, they’re moderate shedders.

Read on to learn more about how much these spirited little Foxies shed, what they’re like to groom and how to manage the molting.

Toy Fox Terrier Shedding

Toy Fox Terriers (TFTs) are a moderate shedding breed.

According to the American Kennel Club, they are derived from mixing the Smooth Fox Terrier with breeds like the Chihuahua, Miniature Pinscher and Italian Greyhound, among others.

We own a Smooth Foxy and can safely say he sheds. However, Chihuahuas, Min Pins and Italian Greyhounds are all smaller breeds that shed less than a Smooth Fox, so this is probably one of the reasons why the TFT doesn’t shed as much.

Another reason he doesn’t molt very much is simply due to his size.

Now it is true that small dogs shed too, just look at the Pug. However, logically, if you compare two dogs that shed at about the same rate, and one is much smaller, the smaller dog will drop less hair overall since they have less fur to lose.

Related: Dog Shedding FAQ (Why Do Dogs Shed?)

Another common misconception is that dogs with short coats (as TFTs have) don’t shed. They do. It just tends to be less noticeable because the length of the hair is so short.

In any case, TFTs shed a moderate amount of fur throughout the year. And like most dogs, you will probably notice more fur on the floors and furniture around spring and fall due to seasonal shedding. But nothing like a large, double-coated, heavy shedder such as a Siberian Husky. Overall, the amount they shed is more even throughout the year.

And to help put into perspective just how much “moderate” shedding is, it basically means you will notice some fur around the home, but with proper grooming it’s not difficult to get under control.

Sometimes shedding can be caused by things like allergies or an underlying health issue though. So if you are noticing excessive shedding and have any concerns, contact a veterinarian.

Grooming Your Toy Fox Terrier

Grooming a Toy Fox Terrier is simple.

In fact, TFTs are among the easiest dogs to groom in dogdom and the reason for this is because they have such short, shiny, smooth coats.

This type of coat is very easy to maintain. A quick brush once a week with a bristle brush or rubber hand mitt is generally enough to maintain their beautiful looking coat. Which is mostly white with either black, tan or chocolate markings, and satiny and fine in texture.

So, given the type of coat they have, they’re very low maintenance. However, you may want to brush a few times per week to control the shedding if you’re using a gentle bristle brush. Or if you decide to use a deshedding tool, which can save you some time, once a week is enough.

Either way, brushing is key as this is what removes the loose fur from his coat before it drops off and onto your floors. And believe me, the less fur that lands on your carpet, the better. One of the things about the TFTs coat is that, like the Smooth Fox Terrier, the hairs are short and tend to needle their way into carpet. Which can make vacuuming quite time consuming.

So keeping up with a proper brushing routine can save you a lot of time. Brushing is also helpful because it massages his skin and helps spread his skin oils, which in turn can lead to a healthier, stronger coat that overall sheds less. And this is where the rubber hand mitt can be very effective.

What about bathing?

TFTs only need occasional baths. You can bath monthly and follow it up with a good brushing session to remove a bunch of the old, dead fur. But it’s important to keep in mind that over bathing can cause dry skin. And for the same reason, stick with using good quality dog shampoos. Otherwise you may find that you are making the shedding worse, since dry or irritated skin can actually make him molt even more.

Are They Hypoallergenic?

Toy Fox Terriers are not a hypoallergenic dog breed. Which means they’re not the most ideal choice for allergy sufferers.

The truth is there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog though. It’s really just a term used in dogdom to describe dogs that are generally considered more suitable for people with dog related allergies. And the reason no dog is completely hypoallergenic is because the things that cause the allergies are dander (dead skin), saliva, sweat and urine. Not the hair itself. And all dogs produce these.

However, the amount a dog sheds does play a part in that lower shedding dogs tend to spread less dander around the home. Because dander attaches itself to the hair, so the less hair you have floating around the better.

Either way, TFTs are not hypoallergenic. So if you’re looking for a dog that won’t upset your allergies, there are better options. Such as the Italian Greyhound or Basenji for example.

Bottom Line

TFTs are basically a small version of the Smooth Fox Terrier, but they also inherit that “toy dog personality” which makes them extra cuddly and ideal lapdogs.

And yes, they do shed, but thankfully managing this isn’t difficult because it mostly comes down to brushing. Which is easy since they have such short, smooth coats and are small in size.

You can’t completely stop shedding, this is normal and something most dogs do. But there are some very effective ways to reduce the amount of fur you need to clean up, such as brushing.

Another way to manage the shedding is through proper diet. Speak with your vet about selecting a high quality dog food, as this can have a big impact on his overall health and wellbeing, as well as how healthy his coat is. Which matters because healthier skin and hair often result in less molting.