Fox Terrier

The Fox Terrier breed is known for its distinctive appearance and playful personality. They are a small breed that is highly energetic and loves to play.

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Fox Terrier Breed overview

Fox Terriers are high-energy, affectionate dogs known for their playful personality and strong prey drive. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. While they can be good with children and other dogs with proper socialization and training, they may do best in a single-dog household. They are alert watchdogs who can be vocal, and require regular grooming to keep their wiry coat healthy and shiny.

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What To Expect When Caring For a Fox Terrier

Training

Early training and socialization is important for Fox Terriers to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved family pets. They are intelligent dogs that are quick to learn, but can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement training techniques work best with this breed.

Nutrition

Fox Terriers require a well-balanced diet to maintain their health and energy levels. It is best to feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, weight, and activity level. They should also be given plenty of fresh water to drink.

Grooming

Both Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers require regular grooming to maintain their coat. Smooth Fox Terriers require minimal grooming and just need to be brushed occasionally to remove dead hair. Wire Fox Terriers require more attention, with regular trimming and stripping of their coat to maintain the wiry texture.

Health

Fox Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but can be susceptible to a few health issues, including allergies, deafness, and eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Regular veterinary checkups and a balanced diet can help keep them healthy.

Exercise

Fox Terriers are a high-energy breed and require lots of exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks and playtime are important for their health and well-being. They also enjoy playing games such as fetch and agility training.

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Fox Terrier Traits & Characteristics

Fox Terriers come in two varieties – the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. Both varieties have a similar build and temperament, with the main difference being their coat type. Smooth Fox Terriers have a short, smooth coat that is mostly white with black or tan markings, while Wire Fox Terriers have a wiry, dense coat that is predominantly white with black or tan markings. The breed standard specifies that both varieties should be well balanced, with a straight front and well-proportioned body. A level topline and strong hindquarters are also desirable.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Fox Terriers are known for being very affectionate dogs. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy spending time with them. They will often seek out attention and affection from their owners, and are very loyal companions.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Fox Terriers can be great with children as long as they are socialized properly. They have a lot of energy and love to play, which can make them great companions for kids. However, they can be a bit too energetic for very young children, and may need supervision to ensure that playtime doesn't get too rough.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Fox Terriers can be somewhat dog-aggressive, especially with other dogs of the same sex. They have a strong prey drive and may try to dominate other dogs, which can lead to conflicts. Socialization and training from a young age can help them to get along well with other dogs, but they may still be better suited to a single-dog household.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Fox Terriers can be reserved with strangers. They are known for being very loyal to their families and may be wary of unfamiliar people. Proper socialization from a young age can help them to be more accepting towards strangers, but they will always be protective of their family.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Fox Terriers are very playful and love to have fun. They have a lot of energy and enjoy all kinds of activities, from fetching and frisbee to agility and obedience training. They are great companions for active owners who can keep up with their high energy levels.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Fox Terriers are very alert dogs. They have keen senses and are always on the lookout for potential dangers or threats. This makes them great watchdogs, but they can also be prone to barking excessively at noises or people that they perceive as a threat.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Fox Terriers are generally adaptable dogs that can do well in a variety of environments. However, they do require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They may not be the best choice for owners who live in small apartments or who cannot provide enough exercise and activity.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Fox Terriers have a double coat that sheds moderately year-round. They require regular grooming to help control shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny. Daily brushing can help to reduce shedding, but they will still shed more than some other breeds.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Fox Terriers require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and clean. They have a wiry coat that needs to be hand-stripped or clipped regularly to keep it looking its best. They may also need regular ear cleaning and nail trimming to maintain good health.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Fox Terriers are not known for being heavy droolers. They have dry mouths and do not typically drool excessively, which can be a plus for some owners who prefer a clean, tidy dog.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Fox Terriers are a small to medium-sized breed that typically weigh between 13 and 20 pounds. They have a compact, muscular build and a short, wiry coat that comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, and tan.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Fox Terriers are very high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy running, playing, and exploring, and need plenty of opportunities to burn off extra energy. They are great companions for active owners who can provide them with lots of exercise and stimulation.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Fox Terriers require plenty of physical activity and exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy running, playing, and exploring, and need lots of opportunities to burn off extra energy. They are great companions for active owners who can provide them with plenty of exercise and stimulation.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Fox Terriers are a versatile breed that excel in many types of activities and jobs, including agility, obedience, and tracking. They have a lot of energy and enjoy learning new things, which can make them great working dogs. However, they can also be happy as companion animals if given enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Fox Terriers have a strong prey drive and are natural hunters. They were originally bred to hunt small game like foxes and rats, and still retain many of their hunting instincts today. They may be prone to chasing after small animals if not properly trained or managed.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Fox Terriers are very vigorous and high-energy dogs. They have a lot of stamina and enjoy all kinds of physical activities, from running and playing to hiking and swimming. They need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Fox Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but may be prone to certain health conditions, including deafness, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and skin allergies. Responsible breeders will screen their dogs for these and other potential health problems to ensure that their puppies are healthy and free from genetic defects.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Fox Terriers can be prone to obesity if they are not provided with enough exercise and healthy food. They require plenty of physical activity to burn off extra energy and maintain a healthy weight. Owners should also monitor their food intake to ensure that they are not overfed or given too many treats.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Fox Terriers can tolerate cold weather to some extent, but may need extra warmth and protection in extreme temperatures. They have a short, wiry coat that does not provide a lot of insulation, and may become chilled or uncomfortable in very cold weather.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Fox Terriers can tolerate hot weather fairly well, but may need extra cooling and protection in extreme temperatures. They have a short, wiry coat that provides some protection from the sun, but may still be prone to overheating if not properly managed.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Fox Terriers may not be the best choice for apartment living. They have a lot of energy and require plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They may also bark excessively if they are not provided with enough mental and physical stimulation.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Fox Terriers have a strong prey drive and may be prone to wandering or chasing after small animals. They need to be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced yard to prevent them from running off. However, with proper training and socialization, they can learn to stay close to their owners and be more dependable off-leash.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Fox Terriers can be sensitive dogs that may become anxious or stressed if exposed to too much criticism or negative reinforcement. They respond best to positive, reward-based training methods, and may become withdrawn or stubborn if they feel unfairly treated.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Fox Terriers are social dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners. They may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy, and may do best in households where someone is home most of the day.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Fox Terriers are known for being relatively vocal dogs. They have a strong prey drive and may bark or howl at small animals or other dogs. They may also bark excessively if they are not properly trained or socialized, or if they perceive a threat to their family or territory.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Fox Terriers are intelligent dogs that require a lot of mental stimulation and engagement to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy learning new things and can excel in many types of training and activities, including agility, obedience, and tracking.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Fox Terriers can be a good choice for novice owners as long as they are willing to put in the time and effort to train and socialize them properly. They are smart and eager to please, which can make them relatively easy to train. However, they do require a lot of exercise and can be prone to barking and other unwanted behaviors if not properly managed.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Fox Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, which can make them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques and enjoy learning new things. However, they can be headstrong at times and may need a firm, consistent hand when it comes to training.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Fox Terriers are known for being very affectionate dogs. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy spending time with them. They will often seek out attention and affection from their owners, and are very loyal companions.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Fox Terriers can be great with children as long as they are socialized properly. They have a lot of energy and love to play, which can make them great companions for kids. However, they can be a bit too energetic for very young children, and may need supervision to ensure that playtime doesn't get too rough.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Fox Terriers can be somewhat dog-aggressive, especially with other dogs of the same sex. They have a strong prey drive and may try to dominate other dogs, which can lead to conflicts. Socialization and training from a young age can help them to get along well with other dogs, but they may still be better suited to a single-dog household.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Fox Terriers can be reserved with strangers. They are known for being very loyal to their families and may be wary of unfamiliar people. Proper socialization from a young age can help them to be more accepting towards strangers, but they will always be protective of their family.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Fox Terriers are very playful and love to have fun. They have a lot of energy and enjoy all kinds of activities, from fetching and frisbee to agility and obedience training. They are great companions for active owners who can keep up with their high energy levels.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Fox Terriers are very alert dogs. They have keen senses and are always on the lookout for potential dangers or threats. This makes them great watchdogs, but they can also be prone to barking excessively at noises or people that they perceive as a threat.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Fox Terriers are generally adaptable dogs that can do well in a variety of environments. However, they do require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They may not be the best choice for owners who live in small apartments or who cannot provide enough exercise and activity.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Fox Terriers have a double coat that sheds moderately year-round. They require regular grooming to help control shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny. Daily brushing can help to reduce shedding, but they will still shed more than some other breeds.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Fox Terriers require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and clean. They have a wiry coat that needs to be hand-stripped or clipped regularly to keep it looking its best. They may also need regular ear cleaning and nail trimming to maintain good health.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Fox Terriers are not known for being heavy droolers. They have dry mouths and do not typically drool excessively, which can be a plus for some owners who prefer a clean, tidy dog.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Fox Terriers are a small to medium-sized breed that typically weigh between 13 and 20 pounds. They have a compact, muscular build and a short, wiry coat that comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, and tan.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Fox Terriers are very high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy running, playing, and exploring, and need plenty of opportunities to burn off extra energy. They are great companions for active owners who can provide them with lots of exercise and stimulation.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Fox Terriers require plenty of physical activity and exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy running, playing, and exploring, and need lots of opportunities to burn off extra energy. They are great companions for active owners who can provide them with plenty of exercise and stimulation.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Fox Terriers are a versatile breed that excel in many types of activities and jobs, including agility, obedience, and tracking. They have a lot of energy and enjoy learning new things, which can make them great working dogs. However, they can also be happy as companion animals if given enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Fox Terriers have a strong prey drive and are natural hunters. They were originally bred to hunt small game like foxes and rats, and still retain many of their hunting instincts today. They may be prone to chasing after small animals if not properly trained or managed.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Fox Terriers are very vigorous and high-energy dogs. They have a lot of stamina and enjoy all kinds of physical activities, from running and playing to hiking and swimming. They need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Fox Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but may be prone to certain health conditions, including deafness, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and skin allergies. Responsible breeders will screen their dogs for these and other potential health problems to ensure that their puppies are healthy and free from genetic defects.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Fox Terriers can be prone to obesity if they are not provided with enough exercise and healthy food. They require plenty of physical activity to burn off extra energy and maintain a healthy weight. Owners should also monitor their food intake to ensure that they are not overfed or given too many treats.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Fox Terriers can tolerate cold weather to some extent, but may need extra warmth and protection in extreme temperatures. They have a short, wiry coat that does not provide a lot of insulation, and may become chilled or uncomfortable in very cold weather.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Fox Terriers can tolerate hot weather fairly well, but may need extra cooling and protection in extreme temperatures. They have a short, wiry coat that provides some protection from the sun, but may still be prone to overheating if not properly managed.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Fox Terriers may not be the best choice for apartment living. They have a lot of energy and require plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They may also bark excessively if they are not provided with enough mental and physical stimulation.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Fox Terriers have a strong prey drive and may be prone to wandering or chasing after small animals. They need to be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced yard to prevent them from running off. However, with proper training and socialization, they can learn to stay close to their owners and be more dependable off-leash.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Fox Terriers can be sensitive dogs that may become anxious or stressed if exposed to too much criticism or negative reinforcement. They respond best to positive, reward-based training methods, and may become withdrawn or stubborn if they feel unfairly treated.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Fox Terriers are social dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners. They may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy, and may do best in households where someone is home most of the day.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Fox Terriers are known for being relatively vocal dogs. They have a strong prey drive and may bark or howl at small animals or other dogs. They may also bark excessively if they are not properly trained or socialized, or if they perceive a threat to their family or territory.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Fox Terriers are intelligent dogs that require a lot of mental stimulation and engagement to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy learning new things and can excel in many types of training and activities, including agility, obedience, and tracking.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Fox Terriers can be a good choice for novice owners as long as they are willing to put in the time and effort to train and socialize them properly. They are smart and eager to please, which can make them relatively easy to train. However, they do require a lot of exercise and can be prone to barking and other unwanted behaviors if not properly managed.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Fox Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, which can make them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques and enjoy learning new things. However, they can be headstrong at times and may need a firm, consistent hand when it comes to training.

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History of the Fox Terrier

The Fox Terrier was originally used as a hunting dog in England, where it was bred to chase foxes and other small game. In the early 1900s, the breed became popular as a show dog and has since become a beloved household pet around the world. The breed has also been used as a working dog, including serving as messenger dogs during World War I.

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Fox Terrier Puppies

Fox Terrier puppies are highly energetic and require lots of exercise and playtime. They are typically friendly and outgoing, but require early socialization to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted adults. It is also important to begin obedience training from an early age to avoid any behavioral issues. With proper training and socialization, Fox Terrier puppies can make excellent family pets.