MyDogBreeds
Toy Fox Terrier is originated from United States but Briard is originated from France. Toy Fox Terrier may grow 40 cm / 15 inches shorter than Briard. Toy Fox Terrier may weigh 36 kg / 79 pounds lesser than Briard. Both Toy Fox Terrier and Briard has almost same life span. Toy Fox Terrier may have less litter size than Briard. Toy Fox Terrier requires Low maintenance. But Briard requires High maintenance
The small Toy Fox Terrier was developed in the United States of America and is a smaller look-alike of the larger Smooth Fox Terrier.
Several toy breeds as well as the Smooth Fox Terrier were used to bring about the small Terrier dog.
Small though they are, they have had a role to play, particularly on farms where they've been used as ratters. They’ve also been used in circuses to perform tricks. These days they excel as being devoted companions of their human masters. These dogs are recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC).
Through myth and legend, the Briard is thought to be a very ancient dog. A French herding breed, a Briard type of dog appears in writings as early as the end of the 14th century. According to legends the Briard was owned by Napoleon, Charlemagne, Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. As a cross between the Barbet and the Beauceron, the Briard came into popularity following its appearance in a Paris dog show in 1863. Bred originally to guard and herd sheep, these intelligent, independent dogs were often left on their own. Because they both guarded and herded, their size and structure as well as their personalities were different from other dogs that worked sheep. Those that herded only were fast, agile and smaller. Those that only guarded were heavier, bigger and stronger. The Briard was in-between these two types of breeds. He was well suited to any kind of farm work and guarded the crops from the sheep’s desire to eat them. They moved the sheep from one grazing area to another and then to their holding area at night. No humans had to assist the Briard in this work once they were trained.
During World War 1, the Briards were drafted into service as messengers, sentries and search dogs for lost or injured soldiers. In that time frame the breed served almost to the point of extinction. Breeding programs following the war brought them back. Today the Briard is a home companion, a police dog, as well as both military and civilian search and rescue dogs.
The Toy Fox Terrier stands at between 22 – 29cm in height and weighs between 1.5 and 4kg. He is squarely built, with alert, dark eyes, and large, erect ears.
The high set tail is nearly always docked. The coat of this dog is short and smooth and it sheds moderately. Color is mostly white with tan or black markings. The face is nearly always black and tan.
His body is lean, lithe and muscular and gives the impression of being well-groomed. The females give birth to between 2 and 6 puppies with the gestation period being 60-64 days. Have your dog spayed to avoid unwanted puppies.
Toy Fox Terriers are loyal, protective dogs and they make excellent watchdogs in terms of barking a lot when needed.
He is such a sport and wants to be part of all the activities that his human family are busy with. They make great playmates for older children, but care should be taken with toy breeds and small, undisciplined children who could hurt them.
These dogs also get on well with other pets in the home and they can adapt easily to life in the city or the countryside. He isn’t the brightest dog, but intelligent enough to learn some basic commands.
His deep loyalty to his human family makes him a little bit aloof with strangers. While he is eager to please, he also has a mind of his own and this is when training and socialization turn him into an obedient little dog.
He has loads of energy too and will rely on his human owners to take him on walks and play ball games with him.
The Briard is a powerful, intelligent and independent working dog. They have a straight topline and their height is almost the same as their length. They have long, large, rectangular heads with wide muzzles. Their noses are also square and jet black while their side set, large eyes can be black-brown or black. Their ears have traditionally been cropped but with more countries outlawing it, they can now have natural ears set high on the head. They have a tail that is feathered and low-cut. The feet of a Briard are round, compact and large.
The Briard is a double coated breed with a long beard and mustache. Their hair completely covers the head and the eyes so that they are not seen. They have prominent eyebrows as well.
Small and spunky, the Toy Fox Terrier is such an entertaining little pet, full of beans and curiosity.
He has sharp eyes and his hearing is good and this makes him a good watchdog. He is independent and intelligent, playful and jaunty.
When you allow one of these little dogs into your home, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without one, as he promises to be loving and loyal throughout your friendship with him.
As mentioned previously the Briard is intelligent and independent. They are also loyal, rugged, protective and bond intensely with their humans. They are often aloof when it comes to strangers or even when new furniture is introduced into the household. They have to learn that anything new into the family environment is friendly and good. They are great with children and susceptible to separation anxiety because of their deep affection for their people. Socialization for puppies is a must. This will let them know that people and children, other dogs in general are not harmful to their families. They have great memories and once they learn something – right or wrong – it is almost impossible to change it. They were bred to be independent thinkers who acted on their own conclusions. This is still true of the breed today, making them appear to be stubborn.
They are great watchdogs, fearless and brave; willing to learn, eager to make you happy. They are basically gentle but that always runs up against their protective nature. A strong alpha leader is needed to handle this hard-working dog.
Toy Fox Terriers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.
It is highly unlikely he’ll get any of the common dog illnesses there are if he is looked after well, but he could.
This is a common dog disease of small breeds, and it is very similar to hip dysplasia. Problems with the femur causes wear and tear with arthritis coming about as well.
Being a large breed, the Briard shares many of the same health concerns as other large breeds. They have a few of their own as well. Typical issues for a Briard might include:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration –degeneration of the photoreceptors and retina.
This little dog is essentially a companion. Just like people get these little dogs to be a companion, the dog also needs to receive proper care too.
Make sure your pet gets the right amount of food and also the right type of food. He’ll need food rich in vitamins and minerals. He’ll also benefit from wholesome home-made food – boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potato, spinach and carrots – simple, harmless foods like that.
Don’t be tempted to pop peanuts, chocolates, grapes, onions and other human foods into his mouth as it can give your pet a stomach ache and diarrhea.
Get your pet to the vet if he’s sick. He’ll need vaccines too to prevent some of the deadly canine diseases there are.
Provide your pet with adequate games and other forms of exercise. Exercise is essential for good health.
Spay or neuter your dog to avoid an unwanted litter of puppies. There are health benefits to having this done too.
Groom your small dog regularly and get rid of those loose hairs. With his short hair, the Toy Fox Terrier is considered to be a low maintenance dog.
It is best to feed the Briard smaller meals 2-3 times a day to prevent bloat. Feed 3-4 cups total for the day of a dry dog food that is high quality and made for large breeds.
Stationary Night Blindness – Congenital limited vision in the dark can vary from slight difficulty moving to complete inability to see in the dark.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration – Can lead to night blindness, limited or total blindness. Puppies with the disease can be blind before their first birthday.
Bloat (Gastric Torsion) – Stomach is distended and twists. Fatal if not treated quickly. Caused by eating a large meal quickly and either exercise immediately or drink a large amount of water right after eating.
Von Willebrand’s Disease – Blood clotting disorder leads to excessive bleeding. There is no cure, but it is manageable.
The Briard is a working dog and as such needs a job. They excel at agility, flyball, herding, obedience, confirmation and tracking. They need exercise and make excellent service dogs for people with disabilities and therapy dogs for those in emotional need.