Introducing the Fox Terrier
Find out everything you need to know about the Fox Terrier: its characteristics, its behavior, its education, its price.
The Fox Terrier
The Fox Terrier, spirited and fearless
Originating in 18th-century England for hunting, the Fox Terrier is now beloved for its lively energy, intelligence, and loyalty. Known for its bravery, this versatile breed excels in hunting, sports, and as a devoted family pet.
Energetic and sociable, Fox Terriers bond deeply with their owners and are affectionate with children and other pets. With proper training, they become obedient, loyal companions.
Sturdy with a distinctive coat, the Fox Terrier is an ideal choice for active families seeking a spirited and adventurous dog.
FOX TERRIER FACT FILE
This section outlines the unique features of the Fox Terrier breed.
Group
The Fox Terrier belongs to the Terrier group, known for its tenacity, courage, and high energy, originally bred for hunting and pest control.
Size
Fox Terriers are small, sturdy dogs, standing 14-16 inches tall and weighing 15-18 pounds
Coat length
Fox Terriers have a short to medium-length coat, with the Smooth variety featuring a flat coat and the Wire variety a dense, wiry coat.
Coat color
Typically, Fox Terriers have a white coat with black, tan, or brown markings
Living environment
Fox Terriers adapt well to both urban and rural settings, thriving in homes with a secure yard.
Sociability
Fox Terriers are friendly and sociable, good with children and other pets, though supervision is needed around smaller animals.
Health
Generally healthy, Fox Terriers can be prone to allergies and joint issues common in small breeds.
Training
Intelligent and eager to learn, Fox Terriers are easy to train with a patient and consistent approach.
Too difficult to choose the right dog breed?
We can help!
Each dog has its own character and specific needs. Making the right choice will allow you to ensure their well-being and yours.
Thanks to our quiz, you will know the breed that suits you based on your personality, your style and place of life and many other criteria.
Don't wait any longer and take the quiz to find out the answer!
Physical characterstics
The Fox Terrier, a lively and agile companion
Fox Terriers are small, well-balanced dogs with a lively appearance. Their coat is usually white with black or tan markings, and they have a sharp, expressive face with alert eyes.
Size and weight of the Fox Terrier
Fox Terriers typically stand between 13 and 16 inches tall and weigh 15 to 18 pounds. They grow quickly, reaching their full size by around one year old, with males being slightly larger than females. Despite their small stature, they are sturdy and muscular, reflecting their active and energetic nature.
The coat of the Fox Terrier
Coat length
Fox Terriers come in two varieties: Smooth and Wire. Smooth Fox Terriers have a short, flat coat that lies close to the body, offering a sleek and tidy appearance. In contrast, Wire Fox Terriers have a dense, wiry coat with a slightly rough texture, giving them a more rugged look.
Coat color
The coat of a Fox Terrier is predominantly white with black or tan markings. These bold markings create a distinctive and striking appearance, which is a hallmark of the breed.
Coat care
Smooth Fox Terriers require weekly brushing to keep their short coat in good condition, while Wire Fox Terriers need more frequent grooming, including hand-stripping to maintain the texture and health of their wiry coat. Both varieties shed moderately year-round, so regular brushing is essential to keep their coat looking healthy and to minimize shedding. Proper grooming helps prevent matting and maintains the breed’s signature look.
Other characteristics of the Fox Terrier
Physical features
The Fox Terrier is a balanced, agile dog with a compact, muscular build that highlights its athleticism. Its flat, narrow head is paired with dark, alert eyes and V-shaped ears that fold forward. The deep chest and strong legs reflect the breed’s endurance and agility, making it both a capable working dog and a lively companion.
Temperament & behavior
What is the temperament of the Fox Terrier?
Fox Terriers are loyal, courageous, and affectionate, making them lively and alert companions.
Fox Terrier category
The Fox Terrier belongs to the Terrier group, one of 10 groups among around 400 dog breeds. Known for their tenacity, intelligence, and strong hunting instincts, Terriers excel at pest control and hunting small game. Beyond their working abilities, Fox Terriers are also loyal and affectionate, making them devoted family pets.
Behavior of the Fox Terrier
Loyal and energetic
Fox Terriers are lively, affectionate dogs that form deep bonds with their owners. Known for their loyalty, they thrive in environments where they receive ample attention and interaction. With their energetic personalities, they do best with owners who are actively involved in their daily lives, providing them with both mental and physical stimulation.
Sociable and friendly
Fox Terriers are sociable dogs that get along well with people and other animals. Their playful nature makes them great with children, and they integrate easily into family life. Early socialization is crucial to help them develop well-rounded behavior, ensuring they adapt confidently to different environments.
Which dog breed is right for you?
Take the test and find out the dog breed that matches your personality and lifestyle.
The Fox Terrier's living environment
Adaptable and active
Fox Terriers are highly adaptable dogs that can thrive in both apartments and houses, as long as their exercise needs are met. They require regular attention from their owners and benefit from at least two 30-minute walks daily to stay happy and healthy. Despite their small size, they are energetic and need mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.
Best with space
While they can adjust to smaller living spaces, Fox Terriers truly thrive in homes with secure outdoor areas where they can explore and burn off their abundant energy. Access to a yard or outdoor space allows them to satisfy their curiosity and engage in the active play they love, making them happier and more well-balanced pets.
Training the Fox Terrier
Quick learners, but independent
Fox Terriers are intelligent dogs that quickly grasp commands, making them relatively easy to train. However, their independent nature means they require consistent, firm guidance to stay on track. Positive reinforcement techniques—like treats, praise, and interactive play—are the most effective methods to motivate them. Given their curious and adventurous nature, Fox Terriers can be prone to wandering off, especially when something catches their attention. A GPS collar is recommended to help ensure they stay safe and don't get lost during outdoor activities.
Good listeners with a stubborn streak
Fox Terriers are good listeners and often eager to please, but their stubborn streak can surface if they aren't interested in the task at hand. They tend to follow their instincts, which can sometimes override obedience, especially if they're not properly stimulated. Early and consistent training is essential to managing their independent spirit. Patience and persistence are key, as is finding ways to keep training sessions engaging and fun, helping them stay focused and responsive.
Health & nutrition
How to take care of the Fox Terrier
Fox Terriers are generally healthy dogs but require regular daily care to maintain their well-being and prevent diseases and infections. Consistent attention to their diet, exercise, and grooming is key to keeping them in top condition and ensuring a long, healthy life.
The health of the Fox Terrier
Illnesses
Fox Terriers are usually robust and have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, they can be prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and skin allergies. These issues can cause joint discomfort and skin irritation, but with proper care and regular vet visits, they can be managed to ensure a healthy life.
Routine care
Routine care is essential for a Fox Terrier's well-being. Regular vet check-ups help catch potential issues early, while vaccinations, deworming, and parasite treatments should be kept up to date. Daily care includes brushing their coat, particularly for Wire Fox Terriers, as well as ear cleaning, dental care, and nail trimming. Though not hypoallergenic, Fox Terriers thrive with consistent grooming and health maintenance, allowing them to enjoy long, active lives.
Feeding the Fox Terrier
Daily requirements
Fox Terriers need a balanced diet rich in proteins and vitamins to stay healthy. Premium kibble is ideal, with the option to supplement with lean meat for extra protein. Be sure to limit fats to maintain their health.
Breeding or adoption & cost
What does a Fox Terrier cost?
The Fox Terrier is a popular breed known for its energetic personality. While there are many reputable breeders, it's essential to consider several factors before adopting.
How to choose your Fox Terrier
Finding the right breeder
When adopting a Fox Terrier, it's important to choose a reputable breeder. Visit their premises to assess the living conditions and ensure the puppy and its parents are healthy. Breeders should be transparent about any health issues in the lineage. In Great Britain, dogs must be microchipped by 8 weeks old and registered with Petlog or Animal Tracker. Failure to comply can result in a
fine, but vets or Blue Cross centers can microchip your dog for a small fee or for free, respectively.
The price of a Fox Terrier
The cost of a Fox Terrier puppy typically ranges between
and
, depending on factors like lineage and breeder reputation. Additionally, annual care costs, including vet fees, food, and grooming, range from
to
Which dog breed is right for you?
Which dog breed is right for you?
Take the test to find out!
Choosing a dog that matches your personality and lifestyle will ensure your well-being and his!
