When considering the breed of focus in this post,  we are tempted to borrow a line out of a Superman movie: It’s a Bird..it’s a Plane…it’s Superman! Only with this breed, the line would go more like, “It’s a Toy….it’s a Terrier…it’s a Toy Fox Terrier! It is all those things (not a bird or a plane, of course), but this small dog has a big dog ‘tude, the quintessential “big dog in a small package.”

Attitude, however, only goes so far in a show ring. When queried about which virtue they found most important in this breed, show judges responded that squareness in proportion was first on their list of priorities. Second on the list (for anyone wondering), was a tie between smooth, flowing movement with good reach and drive, and a level topline. A balanced square body provides the perfect frame for a picture of a dog with an elegant head (never apple shaped or domed) and a short tail set high.

Dog people wouldn’t be dog people if they were in lockstep about what is important in their breed. Other TFT owners feel that their breed is identified by its head – elegant, never coarse, balanced and expressive. Ask a third set and they’ll tell you that it’s all about the ears!  Big, perky and erect “V” shaped ears set this breed apart from other toy breeds, the tacit suggestion that this breed is always listening.

We always defer to breed experts – the owner and breeders. What say you all?

 Image: “Bedtime” by Vickie Sizemore is available as wall art, home decor and lifestyle accessories here.

*Big Dog in a Little Coat is a play on the quote, “Fat Guy in a Little Coat” from the movie, “Tommy Boy”