| Name: | Fox Terrier. |
| Origin: | England. |
| Life expectancy: | 12-15 years. |
| Color: | Predominantly white with black, brown or tan markings. |
| Fur: | It can be smooth, hard or wire-like. |
| Size: | Little. |
| Height: | 30-40 cm. |
| Weight: | 8-10 kg. |
| Temper: | Active, intelligent, outgoing and friendly. |
| Needs: | High need for physical and mental exercise, balanced diet and frequent brushing. |
| Skills: | Excellent for hunting, guarding, surveillance and as a pet. |
| Perfect for: | Active families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for an energetic and affectionate companion. |
General characteristics of the fox terrier
The fox terrier is a charming and energetic breed. Despite its small size, with a height of between 30 and 40 centimeters and a weight that can reach up to 10 kilograms in males and 8 in females, this dog is a whirlwind of activity. Its vitality makes it an excellent companion for long walks, games, and any other physical activity.
Visually, the fox terrier is characterized by its slightly wavy coat and distinctive elongated face with ears that fold forward. The predominant color of its coat is white, although it can have black and brown markings. In addition, it is considered a hypoallergenic breed, making it a considerable choice for people with dog allergies.
This breed is not only known for its appearance and vitality but also for its watchdog ability, always being alert and ready to protect its home.
The combination of intelligence, loyalty and energy makes the fox terrier an ideal companion for active and family life.
Discover its history and origin
The fox terrier has its roots in England, where it was developed through an ingenious cross between the white English terrier and other breeds such as the bull terrier or the beagle. This meticulous crossbreeding aimed to create a dog that combined agility, courage and a size suitable for digging and chasing foxes down to their underground burrows, a common practice in traditional English hunting since the 19th century.
The fox terrier’s ability to enter burrows and confront its prey earned it a key role in fox hunting, from which its name, ‘terrier’, is derived, which means “earth” in Latin.
Types of fox terrier
This breed is divided into three main types, differentiated by the texture of their coat:
- Smooth Fox Terrier: Its coat is short and smooth, white in colour and may have tan and black markings.
- Wire-haired fox terrier: This type of fox terrier has a coat that is not only hard , but also thick in volume and texture. Its colour may be similar to that of the smooth-haired fox terrier.
- Wire Fox Terrier: It has a double coat that is hard and curly, of medium length and white, black or brown in color.
Fox Terrier Puppy Stage
Fox terrier puppies are an inexhaustible source of energy and require specific care to channel their vigor in a healthy way.
- From their first months, these puppies need constant attention not only to keep them physically active but also to stimulate them mentally. It is essential to implement interactive games and basic training to develop their intelligence and social skills.
- Feeding plays a very important role at this stage of growth. It must be balanced and complete, adapted to the specific nutritional needs of a small but active breed, to ensure optimal development.
- Fox Terrier puppies, depending on whether their coat is smooth, wire-haired or wire-haired, require regular brushing to prevent matting and maintain healthy skin.
The character of the fox terrier
The fox terrier stands out for its inexhaustible activity and intelligence, traits that deeply define its personality. This breed always seeks to keep busy and especially enjoys activities such as digging, one of its passions, as well as exploring and participating in different forms of entertainment.
In addition to its energy, the fox terrier has an outgoing and sociable temperament. It is friendly and playful, which makes it an excellent companion for families.
The fox terrier’s strong hunting instinct is an aspect to consider, as this characteristic may require special attention in training to ensure that they behave appropriately in the presence of other animals. However, their ease of training means that, with consistent and positive training, these dogs can learn to channel their energy and skills constructively.
What is the best diet?
Like any other small dog, a fox terrier’s metabolism is fast, so it burns energy at a faster rate. This, combined with its small stomach, means that they need to eat little but often.
Feeding a fox terrier puppy
It is essential to provide a feed specifically formulated for small breed puppies, rich in protein and calories to meet their high energy demands and containing essential fatty acids such as DHA. Puppies should eat small portions several times a day until they are six months old, then reduce the frequency of meals. The transition to new foods should be done gradually to avoid digestive problems.
Feeding an adult fox terrier
For an adult fox terrier, it is advisable to select a high-quality dog food formulated specifically for small breeds. These foods are designed with smaller grains that are easier to chew and digest, as well as containing an appropriate balance of essential nutrients that support their activity level and overall health.
Feeding for a senior fox terrier
As the fox terrier ages and its energy begins to wane, its nutritional needs change. A senior fox terrier’s diet should be high in protein to help maintain muscle mass, but should also include an adequate amount of fiber to promote healthy digestion and help prevent obesity. Here’s our list of the best dog foods for senior dogs.
Health
One of the most common conditions in fox terriers is patellar luxation. These dogs can also inherit eye disorders such as cataracts and corneal dystrophy. Another health issue to be aware of is deafness, especially in fox terriers that are predominantly white or have large white patches, as these traits may be genetically linked to hearing problems.
Regular visits to the vet are essential . Early detection and proper management can significantly improve the quality of life of these active and energetic dogs.
Essential care
Fox terriers require a series of specific care to maintain their health and well-being:
Walk and exercise
To properly channel their energy, fox terriers need daily physical exercise. Walks of at least an hour a day are essential, as well as offering them opportunities to run and play in safe spaces.
Physical and mental training
Basic obedience training is essential from an early age. Fox Terriers respond well to positive reinforcement, which makes training easier. Activities such as agility or tracking can be especially beneficial for this breed, as it allows them to use their hunting instinct in a constructive way.
On the other hand, given their intelligence and curiosity, mental training through intelligence games and tasks that challenge their mind is very important. This not only helps maintain their mental agility but also reinforces their positive behavior.
Hygiene and grooming
- Regular brushing: The fox terrier’s coat, depending on whether it is smooth, hard or wire-haired, requires regular brushing to prevent matting and keep the hair healthy and shiny.
- Bathing and Haircut: Bathing a fox terrier every 4-6 weeks is sufficient unless he gets more dirty than usual. For wire-haired or rough-haired types, professional stripping or trimming is recommended every few months to maintain the texture and quality of the coat.
- Dental and Nail Care: Regular dental care, including tooth brushing and nail trimming, are essential to help prevent disease and keep your pet in top physical condition.
Adopt a fox terrier
Adopting a fox terrier is an excellent choice for those who want a dynamic and active companion in their lives. This breed is not only known for its inexhaustible energy but also for its ability to adapt quickly to training and its excellent relationship with children and other pets.
Before adopting, it is important to consider that they require a lot of physical and mental activity on a daily basis, so they adapt best to an active lifestyle and homes that can dedicate time to play, train, and exercise regularly.
Additionally, due to their hunting instinct and alert nature, fox terriers benefit greatly from a structured environment and consistent training that channels their energy in positive ways. Make sure they have access to adequate spaces where they can run and explore safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Breed
What is the life expectancy of a fox terrier?
The life expectancy of a fox terrier is typically between 12 and 15 years. With a proper diet, regular exercise, appropriate veterinary care, and plenty of love, these dogs can enjoy long, healthy lives with their families.
Does the fox terrier require special care for its coat?
Yes, depending on the type of coat your fox terrier has (smooth, wire or wire), it will need specific care. For example, wire and wire-haired fox terriers require a procedure called ‘stripping’ to maintain the texture and quality of their coat.
Are fox terriers good with children?
Yes, fox terriers are generally playful and gentle with children. However, it is important to supervise any interactions between children and dogs to ensure that they are safe and enjoyable for both.
