Fox Terrier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Fox Terrier?

The Fox Terrier is a breed of dog that was developed in England for the purpose of driving foxes from their dens, hence the name. It is a very old breed, with the American Fox Terrier Club being founded in the late 1800s!

The two kinds of Fox Terrier, the Smooth Fox Terrier Breed and Wirehaired Fox Terriers, are similar in terms of structure, yet they differ in their ancestry and coat type.

Traditionally, the tail of the Fox Terrier was docked. However, the procedure was made illegal back in 2007. Now, this is only permitted for medical purposes or for some working breeds.

Who are Fox Terrier dogs best for?

There are a number of different benefits that are associated with the Fox Terrier dog breed. If you are a first-time dog owner, Fox Terriers are a great choice. This breed of dog learns very quickly, boasting an intelligent personality. You also don’t have to worry about your home being covered in hair, as they shed very little throughout the year.

One thing you may be surprised to learn, considering the small size of the Fox Terrier, is that they make great watchdogs. They also love being around people, and they thrive in a home environment. Their affectionate and loyal nature makes them great family pets, and so you can see why so many people have fallen in love with this breed of dog.

They are better suited to families that have older children. If they are spoilt too much, they can develop ‘small dog syndrome.’

How much grooming does a Fox Terrier need?

Let's take a look at grooming Smooth Fox Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers. They are also only going to shed moderately throughout the year. Although Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers shed very little, Fox Terriers can be high maintenance on the grooming front. Plus, as is the case with all terriers, they have a high prey drive.

Do Fox Terrier bark much?

So, what about the Fox Terrier temperament? They do bark quite a bit, with their barks being particularly high-pitched, so you will want to keep this in mind when determining whether or not this is the right dog breed for you.

Do Fox Terrier bite?

While both Wire and Smooth fox terriers are not known for having a biting problem, any dog can develop this issue. If your dog has started to bite, you should stop all interaction for a period of time when they do this.

After the break, continue playing with your dog. If your Fox Terrier still bites after this, leave the room for the same period of time. Keep doing this to train your dog that biting is not okay!

What is the temperament & personality of a Fox Terrier?

They are energetic, friendly, and independent dogs, offering a big personality in a small body - and a huge amount of stamina too. They thrive in a home environment, and they are very loyal too. They also remain puppy-like well into their senior years, boasting a very playful and fun personality.

They are also very sensitive to their owner's moods. If you are feeling down and you need someone to be there to support you, your Fox Terrier will.

As is the case with owning any pet, there are some negatives you need to be aware of as well. These dogs really do not know how small they are! They will take on any dog of any size, and so they can be their own worst enemy sometimes. You will need to keep a good eye on this when going for walks. You don’t want to end up in a battle with a dog 20 times the size!

It is also important to note that Fox Terriers are very much fans of their own voice, so you will need to be prepared for a noisy addition to the family! These dogs also do not like to be on their own much. In fact, they can suffer from separation anxiety. So, if you’re not going to be at home a lot or you have a lot of work commitments, this may not be the right breed of dog for you.

What is the weight & size of a Fox Terrier?

Weight: Females 3.5 kg and males 4.5 kg

Height:  Females 19 - 20 cm and males 20 - 23 cm

How much training does a Fox Terrier need?

They are also easy to train when they are in the right hands, as they are very much intelligent. If you have a family, you will be pleased to know that these dogs are good around children. This makes them excellent family pets and wonderful companions too. 

They can be rather stubborn when they feel like it. They need to be trained and handled with a firm yet gentle hand, so make sure you’re the right owner for this sort of approach.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Fox Terrier?

As is the case for any dog breed, there are some health problems that the Wire or Smooth Fox Terrier is going to be more prone to. Examples include dermatitis, dermoid sinus, deafness, eye problems, leg disorders, and knee disorders.

What is the lifespan of a Fox Terrier?

Lifespan: 11 - 14 years 

How much should you feed a Fox Terrier?

Typically, you will need to feed a Fox Terrier twice per day. You should split their calory requirements between two meals.

Human foods that are healthy for Terriers include lean beef, pork, turkey, chicken, sardines, salmon, and cooked eggs.

What is the price of a Fox Terrier in Australia?

You will typically pay between $1,000 and $1,500 for a Wire Fox Terrier. However, prices can differ considerably for Smooth Fox Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers depending on your location in Australia and the experience of the breeder.