Toy Fo-Tzu

6-15 lbs
9-11"
Unknown
Shih Tzu
Toy Fox Terrier

The Toy Fo-Tzu is a Shih Tzu breed, mixed with that of a Toy Fox Terrier.  Both dogs are almost identical in height and weight, but there are many different characteristics between the two breeds that a Toy Fo-Tzu can inherit. Although the original date and country of origin for the Toy Fo-Tzu remains unknown, its parent breeds are from opposite sides of the world.  The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed from China, whilst the Toy Fox Terrier was created in the United States in the 1800s, with the purpose of hunting rodents. It is difficult to speculate the appearance of a Toy Fo-Tzu as there are many different variations due to the differences across the two parent breeds. A Shih Tzu has a rounded muzzle, whilst the Toy Fox Terrier’s is pointed.  The Shih Tzu is a sturdy dog, whereas the Toy Fox Terrier is more well balanced, however, it tends to have strong leg muscles.  Whilst both dogs have a coat that is straight in texture, the Shih Tzu has a dense, long coat, and the Toy Fox Terrier has a short, thin coat.  Brown eyes is something that both breeds have in common.  Both parent breeds are said to have a stubborn streak and can be a challenge to train.  They should be socialized from a young age and it is recommended that play time with young children and small animals is supervised as any rough play at a young age can affect their temperament.  Both breeds enjoy moderate exercise as they have lots of energy and can make loyal companions. 

purpose Purpose
Companion, Lap Dog
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Toy Fox Terrier, Shih Tzu

Toy Fo-Tzu Health

Average Size
Male Toy Fo-Tzu size stats
Height: 9-11 inches Weight: 6-15 lbs
Female Toy Fo-Tzu size stats
Height: 9-11 inches Weight: 6-15 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Lens Luxation
  • Eye Problems
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Otitis Externa
  • Allergies
  • Eye Disease
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Cleft Lift or Palate
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Skeletal
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Allergy Tests
  • DNA for VWD
  • Blood and Urine Protein Screens

Toy Fo-Tzu Breed History

The Toy Fo-Tzu is not a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club, but it is recognized by both the International Designer Canine Registry and the Designer Breed Registry as a hybrid breed.  As the Toy Fo-Tzu is a new breed that has emerged in recent years, not a lot is known about this breed, however, there is a distinct amount of information available on its parent breeds, so a Toy Fo-Tzu can pick up a mix of characteristics from the two.  Sources suggest that the Shih Tzu breed is an ancient dog, originating from China.  It was created as a companion, originally for royals and was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1969.  Its exact date of origin is unknown as it dates back to ancient times, and the Toy Fox Terrier was only recognised by the American Kennel Club in 2003, but its date of origin is thought to be in the early 1800s.  The Toy Fox Terrier was originally used for rodent problems, and the purpose of its breed was to hunt rodents and small animals such as squirrels.  The ancestors of the Toy Fox Terrier are thought to be Manchester Terriers and Chihuahua breeds, and the Shih Tzu has ancestors like the Pekingese, and Lhasa Apso.  The Shih Tzu breed and the Toy Fox Terrier breed are both recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Toy Group breed, so it is a fair assumption to suggest that the Toy Fo-Tzu would fall under the same category. 

Toy Fo-Tzu Breed Appearance

The Toy Fo-Tzu is a small dog, but it can inherit a mix of characteristics as its parent breeds appear very differently from one another.  The Toy Fox Terrier has short hair, strong leg muscles, and a muzzle that is tapered and quite pointy, with a level bite. Their tails are short, and point upwards.  The Shih Tzu, on the other-hand, is sturdy with a broad and rounded skull, making its muzzle quite square, with an undershot bite.  The Shih Tzu has a long and dense coat so regular grooming is essential. Its tail also points upwards and curls over, as it is covered in long hair. This breed is also known to have large eyes, but what is similar between the two breeds is the color, as both are known to have brown eyes. Their nose colors are another thing that they have in common, often black or brown. The Shih Tzu is known to be playful and energetic, but not necessarily as agile and quick as the Toy Fox Terrier. The ears between the breeds differ significantly.  The Toy Fox Terrier has medium-sized pointy ears, whereas the Shih Tzu has floppy ears that hang to the side of their head. There are also many color variations, including red, black, brown, gray, silver, white, brindle. The Toy Fox Terrier tends to be white, with different colored markings.  Obviously, being a mixed breed, the Toy Fo-Tzu can inherit different features from each of the parent breeds, which means they can appear very differently from one another.  There is little or no difference in height between the male or female, in relation to this breed. The only thing for certain is that as a toy group breed, they will be small.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Toy Fo-Tzu eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Toy Fo-Tzu nose
Black
brown Toy Fo-Tzu nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Toy Fo-Tzu coat
Black
gray Toy Fo-Tzu coat
Gray
brown Toy Fo-Tzu coat
Brown
red Toy Fo-Tzu coat
Red
white Toy Fo-Tzu coat
White
brindle Toy Fo-Tzu coat
Brindle
silver Toy Fo-Tzu coat
Silver
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Toy Fo-Tzu straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Toy Fo-Tzu Breed Maintenance

The Toy Fo-Tzu can need grooming regularly, although shedding is light and seasonal.  He requires brushing daily and depending on the length of his coat, he can need bathing regularly too.  A slicker brush may be used if your dog has shorter, thinner hair, but if his coat is longer, it is recommended that a pin brush and comb are used if the coat is longer in length and thicker. Both parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and the Toy Fox Terrier are prone to dental problems, so it is important that the teeth of the Toy Fo-Tzu are brushed regularly also to avoid this. Toy Fox Terriers have many food intolerances and allergies, so it is important that high quality food is provided, if this is the case for your Toy Fo-Tzu.  Both parent breeds do well to live in apartments, however they are known to bark as they feel necessary as they will often act as a watch dog and bark when strangers enter the home.  Their nails should also be trimmed monthly. This dog does best in warmer climates, providing it is not too hot.   

Brushes for Toy Fo-Tzu
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Toy Fo-Tzu requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Toy Fo-Tzu Temperament

The Toy Fo-Tzu make excellent pets, but must be trained and socialized from an early stage.  Both parental breeds can be stubborn.  The Shih Tzu can challenge the house training process due to its stubbornness, and the Toy Fox Terrier breed is known to have a strong personality, often making him think he is the boss.  This means that training should be consistent. The Toy Fox Terrier is also said to be better with older children, rather than younger, and it is also recommended that a Shih Tzu is supervised with younger children at a young age, as rough play can affect its temperament and with both breeds being small, it can also help to ensure that injuries are less likely. This means that the Toy Fo-Tzu should certainly be supervised when with young children and other dogs, especially as a young dog. Socialization is also important as this intelligent breed can certainly become a loving and loyal family pet.  Both parent breeds are known to be energetic and playful so it’s important to exercise your dog regularly. 

Toy Fo-Tzu Activity Requirements

Both the Shih Tzu and the Toy Fox Terrier are energetic and require moderate exercise of at least 30 minutes each day. Your Toy Fo-Tzu will require two short walks per day rather than a larger walk.  Being a feisty and nimble hybrid, he may enjoy agility training and in addition, obedience classes are a great way for him to practise his listening and interaction skills on a regular basis. The Toy Fo-Tzu can live happily in all areas, with a warm climate.  Sometimes it can affect this breed if the climate is too hot, so it is important to ensure your dog is protected against excessive heat and well as the cold.   

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
6 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Toy Fo-Tzu Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
0.7 cups
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Toy Fo-Tzu Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Toy Fo-Tzu size stats at six months
Height: 5.0 inches Weight: 4.0 lbs
Female Toy Fo-Tzu size stats at six months
Height: 5.0 inches Weight: 4.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Toy Fo-Tzu size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 8.0 lbs
Female Toy Fo-Tzu size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 8.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Toy Fo-Tzu size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 8.5 lbs
Female Toy Fo-Tzu size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 8.5 lbs

Toy Fo-Tzu Owner Experiences

Rascal
16 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Temperamental, assertive
3 years, 6 months ago
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