Though generally a very healthy breed, there are several health issues that should be inquired upon when purchasing a Toy Fox Terrier. All reputable breeders should be candid about their breeding stock and will share what they know about the breed. Obviously, no one can guarantee against all unforeseen imperfections, but being knowledgeable will help you find the healthiest companion possible.

This condition is a skin disease caused by a microscopic parasitic mite. Demodectic mites are found in small numbers in the hair follicles of normal dogs. In dogs with nemodicosis, however, these mites proliferate, and large numbers inhabit the skin and hair follicles. Dogs may acquire mites from their mother 2-3 days after birth. Demodicosis may involve only 1 or 2 small areas of the skin (localized mange) or large areas of the body (generalized mange). Juvenile onset demodicosis occurs in dogs 3-13 months old, and the short hair breeds are commonly affected. Adult onset demodicosis generally occurs in dogs more than 5 years old, and is often associated with internal disease or cancer. Localized demodicosis is the mildest form. Usually only a few areas of hair loss on the head or front legs occur. Most dogs with the localized form recover completely. Treatment ranges from applying ointment to the infected areas to dipping the entire dog. Plan to visit your vet for the proper course of action.

Patellar luxation is a dislocation of the kneecap (patella). The kneecap may dislocate toward the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) of the leg, or may move in both directions. It may result from injury or congenital (present at birth) deformities. Both legs may be affected. The crippling effects of patellar luxation are related to the severity and duration of the luxation. The milder forms, especially in small breeds, show little or no signs, and only minimal treatment is required. Severe cases cause more intense pain, with limping. Treatment ranges from rest (decreasing your pet's activity for 1-2 weeks) to surgical reconstruction of the knee joint. All dogs should be screened for this prior to being bred.

This condition is generally a disease of small breeds and is often confused with congenital hip dysplasia but, although the final result is the same, a hip joint with arthritic and osteopoetic changes, the primary lesion is different. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is due to the aseptic death of the head of the femur. This causes wearing and promotes arthritic changes. Thus, after the condition has progressed for some time it is difficult to diagnose whether the resulting degenerated joint is a manifestation of hip dysplasia or Legg-Calve- Perthes. This condition is congenital and has no known cure. The accompanying pain and arthritic changes can be controlled with cortisone compounds. Restricted exercise while under treatment, or during an attack of pain, is helpful. An operation for the removal of the head of the femur, thus leaving a muscle joint in the area, has proved successful for prolonging the useful life of your pet.

Canine von Willebrand's disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disease. Affected animals suffer a condition which makes them more likely to bleed abnormally, similar in symptoms to Hemophilia. This can lead to life threatening consequences in situations such as accidental injuries, spaying, or neutering. Because it is an autosomal recessive disorder, "Carriers" of the disease show no signs of vWD, yet can pass the gene along and perpetuate the disease through breeding. Ultimately, the result is more affected animals.

Carrier status does NOT affect a spay/neutered pet. Only when breeding does Congenital hypothyroidism with goiter (CHG) become a potential problem. Carriers of this disease should be identified & bred carefully to Clear tested dogs to eliminate producing Affected (affected=puppies displaying the disfiguring effects of the disease). Breeding Carrier to Carrier dogs together can and does produce Affected offspring in approximately 25% of a litter ... and ... 50% of the litter will be Carriers ... 25% will be clear. Affected puppies of CHG do not move around as much as normal pups, and the head may appear large in comparison to the body. If nursing care is given and they survive as long as 3 weeks, the eyes do not open, the ear canals remain very small, and the hair coat is abnormally bristly. By the second week of age, a swelling on the underside of the neck can be felt and continues to enlarge with time. Delay in lengthening of bones in the legs, spine, and face causes dwarfism. Eventually, even with treatment, the goiter continues to enlarge and constrict the airway. Affected puppies usually die or are euthanized by the age of 3 weeks.

TFT Health Survey Results

For The Love Of The Toy Fox Terrier