Fox Terrier Background and History Information

Originating back in England during the18th century, the Fox Terrier was notoriously famous for both hunting skills and loyal companionship. They were also appreciated by their owners for agile hunting skills as well. This breed was known to crawl into fox dens and chase them out of their hiding, making the foxes exposed to the greyhounds and hunters.

There are two main types of Fox terriers, either the smooth or wire coat variety. Aside from their coat type, these two strains are fairly similar when it comes to their overall personality and behavior.

While they were originally used for hunting, this breeds main role eventually evolved throughout the years to provide companionship to kings and queens, while also gaining the reputation for being one of the best show dogs in the business.

In 1876, the England’s Fox Terrier Club was finally established. This group outlined the main characteristics of this breed, which has changed very little to this day. Within the next following years, the Fox Terrier had made its way to America. By 1885, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Fox Terrier Temperament & Personality

Charming yet mischievous, the Fox Terrier is an intelligent dog that loves to please. They have the spunky personality that you would normally find with a terrier, which makes them popular with children or any other family dynamic.

If you are looking for an adventurous pup that is curious about the world and ready to go exploring than the Fox Terrier can be your rightful companion. Keep in mind that the Fox Terrier’s personality can also turn restless if they are not properly challenged. Since they are such an intelligent breed, they need daily attention, games, and physical activity to keep them busy. If not, expect these terriers to create their own fun by chewing up household furniture or making a mess in your garden.

Fox Terrier Training

With consistent practice, the Fox Terrier can be an easy breed to train. Their high intelligence makes them a great candidate for learning simple tricks and commands. For a greater challenge, agility and obedience training are great activities to do with your dog. Not only will this stimulate and challenge your dog both mentally and physically, but it is also a great way to bond with your Fox Terrier.

Fox Terrier Exercise

If you want a low maintenance dog that does not require a lot of exercise, than the Fox Terrier is not the right one for you. This breed needs to be thoroughly worked out on a daily basis. Their hunting instincts require them to be stimulated in one way or another, and if they don’t get this through a daily walk, then they are almost guaranteed to become restless and destructive.

Fox Terrier Lifespan

The Average Lifespan of a Fox Terrier is between 12 to 15 years.

Fox Terrier Breed Popularity

While the terrier category is quite popular in America, the Fox Terrier itself still struggles to become a family favorite. As of right now, the Wire Fox Terrier dog ranks 101st and the Smooth Fox Terrier ranks 124th on the list of most popular dog breeds by the American Kennel Club.

Fox Terrier Feeding Requirements

For optimal health, feed your Fox Terrier between 1 ½ to 2 cups of high quality dog food a day, split into two equal meals. Always remember to keep a bowl of fresh water easily accessible at all times.

Fox Terrier Grooming

The soft coat and wire coat require different grooming needs, however, they both require regular brushing to keep their coat at its best. Both varieties need minimal bathing, and should only be done if they have gotten into something dirty. Aside from regular grooming practices, make sure to trim your pups nails frequently and check both his ears and eyes for any type of infection.

Are Fox Terriers Good With Kids?

Due to this breeds fun and energetic personalities, the Fox Terrier is an excellent companion for children. Just like with any new pet, make sure you socialize your Fox Terrier with different people and experiences as early on as possible. This will teach him how to have a proper behavior when interacting with young children or new people.

Fox Terrier Health Problems

The Fox Terrier is a healthy breed, however they are still prone to several health issues. Possible Fox Terrier health problems include:

Cataracts: Eye issues are common not only in fox terriers, but also in other breeds as well. Cataracts in dogs occur when the lens of the eye turns cloudy, restricting the light to enter, which causes impaired vision. Most cataract cases are brought on by old age, but can be surgically removed in severe cases.

Hip Dysplasia: Canine Hip Dysplasia occurs when the hip socket and thigh bone do not properly fit together. This hereditary complication can cause a number of different issues including pain, lameness, and even arthritis.

Legg-Perthes Disease: Legg-Perthes disease causes a deformity in the hip socket. Just like with hip dysplasia, this wears down the bone, leading to arthritis and immobility.

Deafness: This hereditary problem is seen to affect the Fox Terrier breed more than others. While deafness in dogs is a significant issue, all a dog needs is extra support and care to significantly improve the overall quality of their life.

Other Resources

National Breed website: American Fox Terrier Club

Rescues: American Fox Terrier Rescue