as with most small breeds, tartar build-up that can lead to periodontal disease. As well, daily brushing has been shown to be very beneficial as well as regular dental cleanings from the vet. Health Toy Fox Terriers are generally a healthy breed and require little maintenance. They are active indoors and will do without a yard, as they can usually take care of their own exercise needs. They often have trouble tolerating cold weather without careful acclimation. Their life expectancy is about fifteen years. Toy Fox Terriers are significantly resilient, however, as with many toy breeds, some are prone to patellar luxation (slipped stifle). Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome and von Willebrand disease are uncommon. History Some Toy Fox Terrier breeders can trace their dogs' lineage back to a Smooth Fox Terrier called "Foiler", the first fox terrier registered by the Kennel Club in Britain, circa 1875–76. It is believed that careful breeding from smaller Smooth Fox Terriers without crosses to other toy breeds such as Manchester Terrier and Chihuahua resulted in the Toy Fox Terrier of today. Toy Fox Terriers were recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1936 and placed in the Terrier Group, and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2003 (Toy Group). See also Dogs portal List of dog breeds Fox Terrier, for additional details on history, genetics, coat color, etc. Rare breeds References Bibliography Davidson, John F., The Toy Fox Terrier - Wired for Action (a 2006 revision of The Toy Fox Terrier) Hopkins, Eliza and Flamholtz, Cathy The Toy Fox Terrier Bielsky-Braham, Tanya, Send in the Clowns. AKC Gazette, December, 2002 Sherry Baker Krueger, Toy Fox Terrier, T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, 1993 External links Rare dog breeds Terriers Companion dogs Dog breeds originating in the United States