Toy Fox Terrier Information

Comparing The Rat Terrier and the Toy Fox Terrier

Differences Between A TFT and A Rat Terrier

by Donna Sullivan, President Rat Terrier Club (UKC)

The differences may appear to be subtle to the untrained eye but size, color, body, movement as well as character make each breed unique.

The Rat Terrier is a small to medium sized well muscled hunting dog. In the Rat Terrier, there are two sizes (miniature up to 13" and standard over 13" but not exceeding 18"). They're both coated and hairless. We do not have a toy or giant size in the Rat Terrier.

In many breeds - as in the Rat Terrier - you will find similarities - but it is the differences that distinguishes one breed from another. (Some examples are: Samoyeds/American Eskimos; Norfolk/Norwich Terriers; Lhasa Apso/Tibetan Terrier.

Let's review some of the obvious differences between a Toy Fox Terrier and a Rat Terrier:

TFT Size: Classified by weight - by age of 6 months may not weigh over 7 pounds.

Rat Terrier: Miniature up to 13" - Standard over 13" and not over 18".
TFT body: Appears to be square with height approximate to length. The backline is strong, straight and firm.

Rat Terrier body: Slightly longer than height with 10:9 ratio preferred. The backline is strong and slightly sloping.

TFT Colors: Predominantly white with acceptable colors of white, & black with tan trim; white & black; white & tan with specific markings of black & tan.

Rat Terrier Colors: Hairless - any skin color is acceptable, freckles enlarge with age and skin darkens with exposure to the sun. Coated - White; tri colored (white with patches of black & tan); bi colors (any combination of black, tan, chocolate, red, orange, lemon, or blue with white); the white may be any size and located anywhere on the dog.

TFT Ears: must be erect when alert; are pointed and well up on the sides; set close together; not touching nor set too wide.

Rat Terrier Ears: the V-shaped ears are set on the outside of the skull and may be erect, tipped or button.

TFT Eyes: eye set is prominently forward but not bulging; color is always dark - with as dark as possible preferred.

Rat Terrier Eyes: eyes are obliquely set; round and small - somewhat prominent; rim color matches nose pigmentation; color ranges from dark brown to amber and matches coat color.

TFT Appearance: a small dog that has conformation, characteristics and personality of a Terrier.

Rat Terrier Appearance: a small to medium sized muscular hunting dog that is evaluated as a working Terrier.

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