Fox Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

6-7.5 kg

Height

27-33 cm

Lifespan

11 - 14 years

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About the Fox Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

If you are looking for information on the Fox Terrier dog breed, you have certainly come to the right place.

There are two main types of Fox Terrier; the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. Below, we will give you a better insight into both dog breeds so you can determine which one is going to be right for your family.

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 terriers, 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.

What is a Fox Terrier Breed?

There are a number of different types of terrier dogs. The Australian Silky Terrier, for example, is sometimes referred to as the Sydney Silky. Their name should be clue enough that they hail from Australia. However, these dogs have now gained popularity all over the world.

You also have the Skye Terrier dog breed. They are not a number of different names that this dog has come to be known by, although some people do simply shorten the name to Skye. A statue of Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh immortalised the Skye Terrier. This small dog mourned the passing of its owner for 14 years by lying at his graveside.

These dogs are deemed a vulnerable native breed. This means you need to register your interest and go on a waiting list if you want to share a home with a Skye Terrier. Skye Terriers have a unique appearance and an amazing personality to go with it.

Of all of the terrier breeds, the Airedale Terrier is the biggest, which is why it has come to be known as the ‘King of Terriers.’ These dogs were originally bred in Yorkshire, making them native to the United Kingdom.

If you are wondering where the name came from, it is thought that it arose due to this breed of dog attending the Airedale Show. This was an event back in the day, whereby a lot of ‘waterside dogs’ were exhibited.

The Airedale Terrier is a very unique-looking and distinguished dog. One of the main characteristics of this dog breed is its incredible scenting abilities.

For this reason, they have worked with the police and armed forces around the world. However, as a family pet, they are known for boasting very good behaviour and being great around kids too. Airedale Terriers will quickly become devoted, loyal, and valued members of the family.

Who is a Fox Terrier 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.’

Fox Terrier Grooming & Shedding

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 Terriers bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Fox Terrier dog?

The average weight of a Fox Terrier is approximately 6.5 kg for females and 7.5 kg for males. In terms of height, females typically stand between 24 and 25 cm, while males range from 27 to 33 cm at the shoulder

Are Fox Terriers easy to train?

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.

How do Fox Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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, 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.

Does the Fox Terrier have any common health issues?

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?

Fox Terriers typically have a lifespan of 11 to 14 years. Known for their lively and energetic nature, these breeds are also intelligent and affectionate, making them great companions for active families. Regular exercise and proper care can help them live a long and healthy life.

How much does a Fox Terrier need to be fed?

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

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

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Learn more about: Fox Terrier Prices Australia

Fox Terrier FAQs

What is the difference between a Fox Terrier and a Jack Russell?

When compared with a Jack Russell Terrier, a Fox Terrier weighs a bit more and is a little bit bigger in terms of size. You will also find that a Jack Russell has a more pointed muzzle when compared with a Fox Terrier.

There are also two types of Fox Terriers, a Wire Fox Terrier, and a Smooth Fox Terrier, whereby there is only one Jack Russell. A Fox Terrier is less muscular when compared to Jack Russel as well.

Are Fox Terriers ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Whether or not a Fox Terrier will be suitable for first-time dog owners depends on whether or not the owner is prepared for the high energy associated with this type of dog.