TERRIER OR TOY: DOES SIZE MATTER?
by ANNE KIEFFER
I n the United Kennel Club (UKC), our beloved Toy Fox Terrier is in the Terrier Group. However, when the TFT was accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC), the breed was placed into the Toy Group. I have often pondered this and the slightly varying standards between the two registries. Lately, the question I most feel needs some attention is: “Does Size Matter?” You see, over the years, I have come to realize that depending on the club, peo- ple tend to view them as either a Toy or a Terrier. The problem with either viewpoint is that the TFT is both! They are unique in that they are both a Ter- rier and a Toy breed. To separate them into one or the other category is a mis- take and can lead to serious changes in approaches to breeding and exhibiting
them. I realize that in order to show a TFT in UKC or AKC shows, they must be put into one group as no breed can be included in more than one group. One of the historical beauties of our breed is the ability to be easily han- dled and managed by all. I have been dragged around the show ring by a Rat Terrier puppy. I love Rat Terriers, but would not be comfortable recommend- ing them to the elderly. Some feel our breed is not suitable for very young chil- dren. Of course, I disagree. With prop- er supervision and coaching, I have had many a happy family with very young children successfully enjoy a TFT puppy. In fact, I believe this breed to be so adaptable, I often state they are for ages 3 to 93 and for virtually any living situation!
So what does size have to do with this discussion? Well, if the TFT is to stay true to its heritage as a Toy Terri- er, special effort must be made to keep them as a Toy. Most Terriers are simply too much dog for many people. The beauty of the Toy Fox Terrier is that it is manageable by all! Does size really matter? You bet! Once a Toy Fox Terrier begins to surpass 8 lbs. in weight, your 80-year-old grandmother who just had a hip replacement would be hard pressed to manage one. Most terriers are
“THEY ARE UNIQUE IN THAT THEY ARE BOTH A TERRIER AND A TOY BREED.”
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