Irish Terrier vs Toy Fox Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Irish Terrier
Terrier Group
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Irish Terrier Overview
Irish Terriers embody a striking combination of grace and power, featuring a distinctive red coat and well-proportioned frame. Their alert expression and muscular build reflect their heritage as versatile farm dogs. Standing proudly at 18 inches, these dashing terriers possess a wiry double coat, long legs, and a characteristic rectangular head with a beard and whiskers that give them their classic terrier expression.
Toy Fox Terrier Overview
Toy Fox Terriers embody elegance and agility in a compact frame, featuring a distinctive V-shaped head, erect ears, and a sleek, muscular body. Their short, smooth coat comes primarily in tricolor or white with black and tan markings. Alert and spirited, these diminutive terriers combine the refined grace of a toy breed with the bold, fearless nature of their terrier heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Irish Terriers are less energetic than Toy Fox Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Irish Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Toy Fox Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Irish Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Toy Fox Terriers.
- Trainability: Irish Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Toy Fox Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Irish Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Irish Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Irish Terrier | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Irish Terrier | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-18 inches 46-46 cm | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm |
| Weight | 25-27 lbs 11-12 kg | 3-7 lbs 2-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Unknown | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Irish Terrier | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Bold, Dashing, Tenderhearted | Friendly, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Irish Terrier | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Irish Terrier Temperament
The Irish Terrier is known for being bold, dashing, tenderhearted, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Toy Fox Terrier Temperament
The Toy Fox Terrier is characterized by being friendly, alert, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Irish Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Irish Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Irish Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Irish Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Irish Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Irish Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Irish Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Irish Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Toy Fox Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Toy Fox Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Toy Fox Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Irish Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataract
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand's
- Hyperkeratosis
Toy Fox Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Heart Murmurs
- Lens Luxation
Pros & Cons
Irish Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Good watchdog
- Low grooming needs
- Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be aggressive with other dogs
- Requires firm training
Toy Fox Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good for apartment living
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May be yappy
- Prone to dental issues
- Not ideal with very young children
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Irish Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.