Toy Fo-Chon

The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy dog that projects an appearance of delicate elegance while possessing a remarkably solid structure beneath its cloud-like coat. Standing between 9.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 12 and 18 pounds, this compact breed presents a well-balanced, harmonious silhouette. The body is slightly longer than tall, with the length from the forward point of the chest to the point of rump measuring approximately one-quarter longer than the height at the withers. Medium bone structure throughout provides substance without appearing coarse, creating a dog that is resilient and hardy despite its powder puff appearance. The Bichon Frise's distinctive coat is the breed's most recognizable feature, consisting of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curlier outer coat that combine to create a plush texture similar to velvet. When properly groomed, the coat springs back when patted and stands away from the body, creating the characteristic powder puff appearance that defines the breed. The coat color is white, though shadings of buff, cream, or apricot may appear around the ears or on the body and are acceptable up to ten percent of the coat in adult dogs. Hair is trimmed to reveal the natural outline of the body while maintaining the rounded, never sculpted appearance that distinguishes the breed from similarly groomed breeds like the Poodle. The head is rounded with a slightly domed skull and a moderate stop. Dark, round eyes are set forward in the skull and are surrounded by halos of dark pigmentation that accentuate their alert, inquisitive expression. The eye rims themselves must be black, contributing to the breed's expressive face. Drop ears are covered with long, flowing hair and frame the face when the head hair is trimmed to create an overall rounded impression. The nose is large, round, black, and prominent. The plumed tail is set level with the topline and curves gracefully over the back, carried so that the tail hair rests on the back. Movement is free, precise, and effortless, with the head and tail carried proudly.

The Toy Fox Terrier is an elegant, athletic small dog that successfully combines the spirited nature of a terrier with the companionable qualities of a toy breed. Standing between 8.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder, with 9 to 11 inches being preferred, and weighing between 3.5 and 7 pounds, this breed presents a well-proportioned, muscular silhouette despite its diminutive size. The body is square to slightly taller than long, with a level topline and a chest that extends to the elbow. Strong, straight legs support the well-balanced frame, while the fine-boned structure maintains the elegance expected in a toy breed without appearing fragile or overly delicate. The Toy Fox Terrier's coat is one of its most striking features, being short, satiny, and fine in texture with a characteristic shine that reflects the breed's excellent health and condition. The predominantly white body provides a crisp backdrop for colored markings concentrated on the head. Accepted color patterns include tricolor with a black head showing clear tan markings on the cheeks and dots above the eyes, white and tan with a predominantly tan head, white and black with a predominantly black head, and white chocolate and tan. Body spots matching the head color may occur but the body should remain more than fifty percent white. The head coloring should not exceed fifty percent white, and blazes should not touch the eyes or ears. The head is elegant yet strong, with a slightly rounded skull and a moderate stop. The muzzle is strong and tapers slightly toward the nose, which is black except in chocolate dogs where it may be self-colored. Dark, round eyes are set well apart and convey an intelligent, alert expression that captures the breed's lively personality. Large, erect ears are V-shaped, set high, and pointed, standing firmly erect by six months of age. The tail is set high and carried erect, traditionally docked to three-fifths of the original length in countries where docking is permitted, though natural tails are increasingly common. Movement is smooth and flowing with good reach and strong drive, demonstrating the athletic capability that underlies this breed's toy classification.