The Toy Foxy Russell is a hybrid dog, and, while he is not a rare hybrid, there is little information on the history of the mixed breed. In order to learn more about the origins of the Foxy Russell, we can study the history of the parent breeds. Terriers as a breed have been in existence since the 1500s. They were prized for their hunting skills. The Smooth Fox Terrier was bred to flush prey - particularly foxes - from their dens on to the hunting grounds. At the time, Smooth Fox Terriers varied greatly in size. The smaller runts were valued as they seemed spunkier, more attuned to the hunt and would stop at nothing to apprehend their prey. They were also great watchdogs who had no problem defending their territory. It is thought that the smaller Smooth Fox Terriers were bred with the Toy Manchester and possibly the Chihuahua in order to develop a small dog with gritty character. In 2003, the Toy Fox Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Jack Russell Terrier was also bred to bolt foxes from their hiding places; he was used in conjunction with hounds, and hunters on horseback particularly valued his ability to flush out his prey. The Jack Russell Terrier is thought to have been developed in southern England by a Parson John Russell sometime in the 1800s. The Jack Russell had made his way to the United States by the 1930s, where several local clubs celebrating the Jack Russell were chartered. Over time, these clubs would merge to become the Jack Russell Club of America. The Jack Russell was registered by the American Kennel Club in the year 2000.