Tiny rivals with very different temperaments — the terrier athlete vs the bold companion. Energy, trainability, and family fit for small-space owners.
Loyal, playful, alert, intelligent
Compact, athletic, and deeply loyal, the Toy Fox Terrier packs genuine terrier tenacity and trainability into a tiny frame — an alert, lively companion that thrives on interaction and play.
Full Toy Fox Terrier profile →Alert, confident, devoted, spirited
World's smallest breed; fiercely loyal and bold in personality, ideal for city living but requires careful socialisation and cold-weather management.
Full Chihuahua profile →← Scroll to see all columns →
| Trait | Toy Fox Terrier | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | High | Medium |
| Grooming needs | Very Low | Low |
| Training difficulty | Low | Medium |
| Apartment suitability | Very High | Very High |
| Kid-friendliness | Medium | Low |
| Alone-time tolerance | Low | Low |
| Barking tendency | High | Very High |
| Heat sensitivity | Medium | Medium |
| Size class | toy | toy |
Trait levels reflect breed population averages — individual dogs vary. Lead cells indicate a contextual advantage for most owners; interpretations depend on your specific lifestyle.
$900 – $2,800 / year
Typical: $1,600/yr
First year: $1,900 – $5,500
Detailed cost estimate →$900 – $2,800 / year
Typical: $1,600/yr
First year: $1,900 – $5,500
Detailed cost estimate →US national averages. Does not include emergency vet costs, boarding, or training classes.
An energetic, low-maintenance toy breed with real trainability — suits active small-space owners but needs supervision around very young children.
A low-cost, long-lived city companion — best for adults or older children, and cold-weather care is essential.
Luxating patellas are among the most common orthopedic issues in toy breeds, including the Toy Fox Terrier. Severity ranges from occasional skipping to persistent lameness requiring surgical correction. Responsible breeders screen parent dogs through OFA. Consult your vet.
This condition involves degeneration of the femoral head and is more prevalent in toy and small breeds. It typically presents in young dogs (under 18 months) as progressive hind-limb lameness and is treated surgically in most cases. Consult your vet.
Generalised demodicosis, caused by an overgrowth of Demodex mites, can occur in genetically predisposed individuals. Localised cases often resolve without treatment, but widespread mange requires veterinary management. Consult your vet.
Tiny jaw makes dental crowding and periodontal disease very common. Regular brushing and professional cleanings are essential. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Skin and food allergies can occur. Watch for persistent scratching or digestive issues. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap) is very common in toy breeds. Regular vet checks help detect and monitor this condition. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Very small Chihuahuas, especially puppies, are at risk of low blood sugar. Regular small meals are important, particularly in young dogs. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Small jaws lead to crowded teeth and high rates of periodontal disease. Daily dental care or regular professional dental cleaning is recommended. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Common in toy breeds. Use a harness instead of a collar and watch for honking cough. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Mitral valve disease can develop with age. Annual cardiac screening is recommended for older Chihuahuas. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Health information is educational only. Always consult your veterinarian.
See something outdated, unclear, or incorrect? We welcome corrections — just send us the page URL, the issue, and a supporting source if available.
Submit a correction →Help improve PupWiki with one quick anonymous answer.
Find my breed match →