Fox Terrier

Overview of Fox Terriers

Fox Terriers can be very single-minded when they see a fewthing of interest, perhaps across the road and will chase after it – often with disastrous consequences.There are two types of Fox Terrier – one with a wire coat and one with a smooth coat.

Fox terriers that are uncharacteristically mellow can spend their lives coexisting with cats; but cases have played out whereby the two pets get along for years and then, for no apparent reason, the fox terrier turns on his feline companion.

Fox Terriers, both Smooth and Wire, are working breeds developed to chase fox into the ground then burrow, dig and bark furiously to annoy the fox out of the ground so the hunter could shoot it.

Fox Terriers are a fewtimes bought without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering.

Fox Terriers were bred for fox bolting (chasing foxes out into the open where they could be attacked by larger dogs); white was preferred to distinguish the dogs from foxes at night.

Fox Terriers are still occasionally used for hunting but have been popular as pets since the 1930s when a film series known as The Thin Man featured a Wire Fox Terrier named Asta.

Fox Terrier temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

Fox Terriers should only be considered by potential owners who will provide it with a large, enclosed and secure outdoor area for it to use.

Fox Terriers are children at heart themselves and love playing with kids, but they’re too active for a child younger than 6 or 7 years old.

Fox Terriers are typically about 14 inches (39 cm) tall at the shoulders or withers and weigh 14-17 pounds (6-8 kg).

Allergies

Myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease, is inheritable in the Smooth Fox Terrier through an autosomal recessive gene.[44] This can also be a symptom of megaesophagus, which is a health issue for the Wire Fox Terrier.[45] Another inheritable condition in the Smooth Fox Terrier is cataracts, which is more prevalent than average in the breed.[46] Both types of Fox Terrier can be susceptible to allergies.[47]

Barking

Fox Terriers make excellent watchdogs.So long as their barking isn’t triggered by being left alone for too long in the yard by themselves, you should take comfort in knowing that your Fox Terrier will sound an alarm if he hears or sees something amiss in his territory.Your Fox Terrier will always be on the job of guarding your home and family.

Breed

The Fox Terrier has been more successful than any other breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, with four Best in Show titles going to the Smooth Fox Terrier and fourteen titles going to the Wire Fox Terrier.[3][15] They were both shown as one breed with two coat variations; this changed in 1985 when the American Kennel Club listed the two as separate breeds.[13] In the UK, at Crufts, the Smooth Fox Terrier has not won any Best in Show titles, while the Wire Fox Terrier has won on three occasions.[18]

Cancer

In a survey conducted by The Kennel Club, the primary cause of death for Fox Terriers was old age, causing 31.8% of reported deaths.The secondary cause was cancer of an unspecified type, which accounted for 22.7% of reports.[48] The average lifespan of a Fox Terrier is around 15 years;[49] however, the Kennel Club survey reported a median age at death of 13 years and 2 months.[48]

Coat

The hair can be clipped, but trimming dulls the color and softens the coat.The Wire Fox Terrier must be professionally groomed to keep his coat in top shape — unless the owner learns to “strip” and pluck the coat, procedures that require the pulling of individual hairs to remove them.

Energy

Fox terriers, Smooth and Wire, both follow a go-getter attitude and love to bark, chase, and boss up when the opportunity arises.If you were to ask, “Do fox terries bark a lot?” then simply put, yes.Like most Terrier dog breeds, Fox Terriers are prone to excessive barking.Their excessive barking is an outcome of this nature.They have regular bursts of energy and vent through rigorous sessions of high-pitch barking, enough to set your teeth on edge.However, you may discourage such actions during training and exercises to teach obedience to your Fox Terrier.This, however, is helpful for guard or herd dogs.The Fox terrier temperament sets them up as incredibly playful and active dogs with the will to play all day.You should award treats for proper gestures or actions as a gesture of appreciation for your pooch.

Grooming

If not, find a groomer that can, so you can keep your dog as healthy and handsome as possible.Your professional dog grooming shop should be able to strip rather than clip rough-coated dogs like wire fox terriers, Scottish terriers and Airedales.

Health

Although they are not immensely popular, fox terriers still fall prey to
puppy mill and backyard breeders who
care little for the health and temperament of their puppies or the conditions
under which their dogs are raised.Puppies purchased from these sources often
have temperament and health problems that result in euthanasia, so selection
of a breeder is important in getting just the right puppy.Wire Fox Terrier
breeders are extremely protective of their breed since overbreeding in the 1930s
caused such problems.

Personality

“It takes a certain personality to put up with the shenanigans of a Wire Fox Terrier,” Welsh said.

Social

I’d advise to socialize your Fox Terrier with your other pets during its puppy stage and see if they bond well together.If smaller pets bring out hunting instincts in your dog, then you need to separate them immediately.

Temperament

As the Fox Terrier generally has a fairly independent character, it is not normally prone to separation anxiety, but as with all breeds puppies should be properly accustomed from a young age to being left alone for short periods of time.Due to their protective and brave temperaments, Fox Terriers can also make good guard and watchdogs and will bark to raise the alarm, however, their relatively small size is a limitation.

Training

Although both breeds are quite intelligent with a hint of mischief, both can be taught obedience if trained by a Terrier-shrewd trainer.Fox Terries are one of the friendliest dog breeds and are quite easy to train.However, you should train and teach them to behave at a very young age.Since a Fox Terrier loves to please its owner, training them becomes far easier as compared to other Terrier dog breeds.A similar question that people constantly ask is, “Are fox terriers good family dogs?”.Their intelligence, active, and wilful nature allows them to grasp tricks quite easily.They have an active mind of their own and can follow a headstrong attitude if left unattended.If we were to put up, Wire Fox Terrier vs Jack Russell, then in terms of training and overall flair, the Fox Terrier might have the upper hand.Yes, they are excellent family companions.

Are Toy Fox Terriers good with children?

While a sturdy little dog, TFT’s cannot tolerate excessive rough handling. This fact makes them not suitable for all children.

Are Wire Hair Fox Terriers good with babies?

No.They love their family but are too excitable for children under 6-7 years.

Are Wire Hair Fox Terriers aggressive?

Yes.Only to other pets, including dogs, unless they have been extensively trained to get along with them.Can be aggressive towards strangers, unless they are used to them.

Can Wire Hair Fox Terriers be left alone?

No.They can get into a lot of mischief if left alone as they are so hyper and high-strung.It’s a good idea to crate train them from an early age so you’ll be able to trust them alone in the house.

Are Wire Hair Fox Terriers good with cats?

No.They do not like other pets but can be extensively trained to get along with them.

Are Fox Terriers Hypoallergenic?

No dog is ever truly hypoallergenic.As long as they have saliva in their mouth and skin on their body (lol) there are allergens present.There’s no escaping this.

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Does the Fox Terrier Get on With Other Dogs?

In addition, the Fox Terrier does not get along well with other dogs.It starts to mess with them too quickly, no matter if the other dogs are bigger or not.So this dog isn’t suited to trips to the park where it will meet lots of new dogs.To make sure that this disruptive behavior is kept to a minimum, puppies should play with other dogs as much and as early as possible.This means that the dog will be considerably friendlier and calmer later on in life.

Do they require a lot of grooming?

If you are not a fan of cutting hair, then you have made the right selection of choosing a Toy Fox Terrier. This smooth, short haired, animated little dog requires minimal grooming. This breed is generally clean with few odor problems.

Do Toy Fox Terriers shed or cause allergies?

TFT’s do shed an average amount due to their short, smooth coat.Due to their small size, there is less hair than larger breeds with the same type of coat.However, before bringing an TFT into your home if you suffer from allergies, you should spend some time around the breed to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

Are Wire Hair Fox Terriers hyper?

Yes.They have high energy, love to play, enjoy investigating and love to chase squirrels and other small animals, including other family pets.

Are Wire Hair Fox Terriers good with kids?

Yes.As long as they are older than 6-7 years.

Are Wire Hair Fox Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Yes! The Wire Hair Fox Terrier is a small to medium hypoallergenic dog breed that hardly sheds or drools.

Do Wire Hair Fox Terriers Shed?

Rarely.A properly maintained Wire Fox Terrier’s coat sheds very little.You can maintain their coat with regular brushing, and hand stripping their coat every 6 to 12 weeks.Hand stripping is preferable to using clippers to groom a terrier’s coat.

How Does Smooth Fox Terrier Behave Around Strangers?

The Smooth Fox Terrier gets along well with strangers if properly socialized.They can be suspicious of them in the beginning but if introduced properly by their master, they are friendly with them.Therefore, early socialization is necessary to make them welcoming of guest and visitors at the house.

How Do Fox Terriers Deal With Strangers and Small Animals?

These dogs are friendly to people within its family and to strangers.But this does not apply to pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and so on, because the Fox Terrier used to be a hunting dog and it is too likely that it will try to catch them.

Health Conditions ??

Unfortunately, purebred dogs like the Wire Fox Terrier see more serious illnesses than mixed breeds, and we’ll take a look at some of the more common issues it may face in this section.The Minor conditions section is about rare or non-life-threatening illnesses.The Major conditions section is about common illnesses and serious illnesses.

How Much Food Does a Fox Terrier Need?

Despite their small stature, these dogs need more food than most would expect.With that being said, all dogs are different.It’s important to feed the dog based on their activity levels.

How Much Exercise Does My Fox Terrier Need?

Exercise, exercise, and more exercise is essential for keeping this active and easily bored breed from misbehaving.

Did You Know?

The British naturalist Charles Darwin had a Fox Terrier.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The Wire Fox Terrier will require considerable socialization early in life to get them used to other family pets, especially if they are significantly smaller.Their prey drive is hard to remove, and professional help from puppy classes or pet training schools may be required.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? ??

The Wire Fox Terrier is a perfect family pet.They may be a little too jumpy to allow around children unsupervised, but older kids up to the elderly will find that they make fantastic companions that are funny, eager to please, and protective.

What is the Best Dog Food for Fox Terriers?

Energetic and small, Fox Terriers are a lovable breed adored by families all over the world.Modern pooches are descendants of British terriers and have a long and illustrious history, even appearing in paintings that date back to the 18th century.

How active is the Wire Fox Terrier?

A Foxie is an active and playful breed.It loves to chase balls, run around, chase after anything moving, dig, swim and go for brisk walks.Its size means it could live in an apartment but it does better with access to a yard and its barking might be an issue.It is important that a yard is well fenced in as if it can escape it will.It is also important to keep it leashed when walking as it chases everything and it is really fast! It would enjoy opportunities to run free in safe places like land that you own.Take care with dog parks as it does not get along well with other dogs.In terms of daily walks two a day ensuring it gets at least 30 to 45 minutes of vigorous activity.As well as plenty of physical activity it also needs mental stimulation too.

How Long Do Fox Terriers Live?

The Fox Terrier lifespan is 10 to 13 years.

Do Wire Hair Fox Terriers like water?

It depends.Some love to swim, but it varies from dog to dog.

Is a Fox Terrier Right For Me?

Rescued Fox Terriers are fine companions in an appropriate home but their “terrier ways” make them unsuitable for some families.Maybe you know someone who owns a Fox Terrier or have met one that you like.Maybe you are interested because you have seen one on TV or in the movies.Or maybe you have shared your life with a Fox Terrier, or several, before.In any case, before you envision your rescued Fox Terrier living happily ever after while he charms you with his intelligence and antics, please take time to carefully consider whether or not a Fox Terrier is a good match for your household and lifestyle.

What Health Conditions are English Spaniels Prone to?

Smooth wire terriers and wire fox terriers are high-energy dogs, constantly on the go.They enjoy physical activity and plenty of time playing with family.While fox terriers’ love of adventure can keep them physically fit, you should be on the lookout for a few potential health problems that fox terriers are prone to suffer.

Exercise ??

The Wire Fox Terrier is a very active dog that will require a considerable amount of regular exercise.It enjoys long walks but chasing balls and playing fetch are also great ways to burn off excess energy and keep your pet fit and healthy.

Is the Toy Fox Terrier Right for You?

The miniature Fox Terrier is an American breed.

Is Smooth Fox Terrier Child-Friendly?

The Smooth Fox Terrier is very good with children.They are loving and playful with them, so they do great as kids playmates.Although they are friendly with kids, never leave them alone and always supervised their play time.

Should I Get a Fox Terrier Puppy?

Since they are one of the rarer breeds, it may take some time to track down a good breeder.

What Are They Like to Groom?

Grooming your Fox Terrier is pretty straightforward.It really amounts to a good brushing and bathing regime more than anything else.But ultimately, the amount of work you are in for depends on whether you own a smooth or wire coated Fox Terrier.

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What if I have a show dog?

Whether you have a show dog or a companion quality dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the conditioning of the dog and conformation training. It is always quite helpful if your breeder can help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of dog shows. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Toy Fox Terrier Club of America, www.atftc.

Does the Wire Hair Fox Terrier like to dig?

Yes.They love to dig and are known to dig under fences.

Food & Diet Requirements ??

The Wire Fox Terrier requires a standard high-quality dry dog food that will supply a balanced meal and help keep their teeth clean.We recommend a food with chicken, turkey, or lamb listed as the first ingredient, and you should also see lots of fruits and vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and blueberries listed among the ingredients.Avoid foods with a lot of chemical ingredients or preservatives.

Are Wire Hair Fox Terriers friendly?

Yes.Friendly towards family and friends, but not recommended for kids under 6-7 years because of their excitability and intolerance for clumsiness.

What is a common problem in Toy Fox Terriers?

The TFT is generally a very healthy breed.Despite this, there are several health issues that are apparent in this breed.Patellar luxation (a dislocation of the kneecap), Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (a hip joint with arthritic and osteopathic changes), and von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD is a condition that makes them more likely to bleed abnormally.) are a few health concerns apparent in this breed.

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Have any questions about health in your breed?

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed.They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

Grooming ??

The Wire Fox Terrier requires continuous brushing to help keep their fur free of tangles and mats.Show dogs will likely need professional grooming, but even non-show dogs will require clipping to keep the coat manageable.Nails will also need monthly trimming, and ears will require weekly cleaning to help stave off infection and odor.If you start early, you can train them to allow you to brush their teeth, which can help reduce the chance of dental disease, but make sure you only use a doggy toothpaste when doing so.

Where do Wire Hair Fox Terriers come from?

They were originally developed in England but are believed to descend from the extinct, working Terriers of Wales, Derbyshire, and Durham.

What will training look like?

For owners with experience and confidence, the Wire Fox Terrier is moderately easy to train as it is smart, and does well with training but can be stubborn and sly and hates too much repetition.While compared to some other terriers its training is going to be easier, it is still an independent thinker who has a strong dominance and you will need to make it clear you are the boss.Be consistent and clear that you mean what you say.With firm and positive training as well as teaching basic obedience you could if you wanted to extend that, and teach it tricks.Owners who are too soft and meek will have issues with small dog syndrome, destructive and poor behavior, jealousy, possessiveness and aggression.Along with training make sure it is socialized early so that it is better able to respond appropriately to different places, people and situations.

Training ??

The Wire Fox Terrier can be quite stubborn when it wants something or doesn’t want something, but they are usually eager to please their owners and enjoy mental stimulation, so they are not hard to train to do new tricks.Positive reinforcement training with lots of praise and treats when they succeed is the best method.Keeping your training sessions at the same length and holding them at the same time each day is also critical to success.Dogs are very routine-based animals and keeping training sessions on a schedule will help them understand what you expect from them.

Do Wire Hair Fox Terriers bark a lot?

Yes.They bark at anything that moves.

How Much Do Wire Fox Terrier Puppies Cost?

The Wire Fox Terrier typically costs between $1000 and $1500.The price can vary dramatically based on your location, availability of parents, and breeder quality.Better breeders will check the puppy for genetic defects, which can cost extra.The knowledge and ability to breed out certain defects can also raise the price of your dog.If you want to obtain breeding rights or a show dog, you can expect to pay significantly more.If cost is an issue, we recommend checking the local animal shelters, as these dogs can often be found there at a reduced price.

How is the Wire Fox Terrier with children and other animals?

Like any terrier the Foxie is not likely to back down if challenged, is bold and scrappy and dominant.It also has a very high prey instinct and will chase anything moving.These qualities mean it does not get on with strange small animals, it will want to chase and catch them and it does not get on with other dogs well.Early socialization will be very important to help with these areas, though those instincts will still be there.It is not a dog you are able to trust in a dog park, or one to be left alone with other dogs.

What Makes Smooth Fox Terrier Aggressive?

The Fox Terrier is not an aggressive dog generally.They can be aggressive towards other dogs, but with human being they are gentle.Unnecessary provoking them can also make them aggressive which is natural.Therefore, they should not be teased or provoked all the time.

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Where Does the Name Come From?

Terrier comes from the French word for earth: terre.Some people say that Terrier comes from terror, but of course this is a joke.They just want to state that these dogs have a very lively character in a fun way.

What Size Is a Fox Terrier?

Adult Fox Terrier males will stand 15 inches, and the female will be slightly smaller at 12 to 14 inches.

History of Fox Terriers

In 1790, a Colonel Thornton had a portrait painted of his dog Pitch, a Smooth Fox Terrier, which gives us an idea of what the early dogs looked like.

In 1850, Captain Edwards bred the Sealyham for hunting badger, otter and fox because he was not satisfied with other Terrier breeds.

In 1884, the first standard for the Pinscher was created but did not become popular due to outbreak of the World Wars.

In 1898, the American Pit Bull Terrier became the first breed to be registered with the newly-formed United Kennel Club.Size

In 1903, the Verein Deutsche Wachtelhund (VDW) or German Wachtelhund Club was established.

In 1909, Ch.

In 1910, the VDW implemented its breed standard by selecting eleven Wachtelhunds, four males and seven females.

In 1912 the United Kennel Club registered the Smooth Fox Terrier at all its sizes but in the mid 1920s some people requested that the smaller version be allowed to be separated as a different breed.

In 1912, the United Kennel Club (UKC) began to register Smooth Fox Terriers of all sizes.

In 1918, Berta orchestrated the merger of the Pinscher Klub with its rival, the Beyerischer Schnauzer Klub.

In 1922 brought more development to the Alaska state capital is 592 miles of!, Chowder, Chabrador lab chow mix white Labrachow, or Chow Shepherd mix, black…

In 1934, this breed was admitted into France’s national kennel club studbook for the first time.

In 1936, the UKC registered the TFT and in 2003 it was acknowledged by the AKC.

In 1948 they analyzed breed trends from the start.

In 1949 the National Toy Fox Terrier Association was founded and in the 1970s many attempts were made to have it recognized by the AKC but they were unsuccessful.

In 1958, four larger Miniature Pinschers became responsible for bringing back the German Pinscher from the brink of extinction.

In 1985 the AKC formally separated the fox terriers recognizing them as separate breeds though not all countries have done so.

In 1985 the Wire Fox Terrier was separated from the Smooth Fox Terrier.Sizing up

In 1985, the AKC formally recognized the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier as separate breeds, but the standards for both are still maintained by the American Fox Terrier Club.

In 1994 another group of TFT fanciers tried again and finally in 2003 they were successful and AKC recognition was achieved.

In 2001, the German Pinscher was entered into the Miscellaneous class of the AKC.

In 2003, the German Pinscher was officially recognized by the AKC.

In 2010, there were 155 Smooth Fox Terriers registered, compared to 693 for the Wire Fox Terrier and 8,663 for the most popular breed in the Terrier Group, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.[19]

In the 1870s the Wires were given separate classes and from that time interbreeding of the two coats was discouraged.

In the 1920s, the Smooth Fox Terrier became one of the most recognized of purebred dogs when RCA used in its logo a picture of a Smooth Fox Terrier named Nipper, head cocked, listening to a record machine.

In the 1930s, this Wire Fox Terrier was the sidekick to the married couple turned detectives in the “Thin Man” movies.

In the 1950s, John Paul Scott and John Fuller began a 13-year study of canine behavior.

On 5 March 1933, the official standard of the breed was adopted by the Société Centrale Canine, the national kennel club for France.[15] This was largely due to the success of the French-speaking Belgian author Hergé’s The Adventures of Tintin, which featured a small, fluffy, white fox terrier dog named Milou (translated to Snowy in the English editions).