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    About Fox Terriers

    The Fox Terrier is actually two breeds of dog, the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. Except for their coat, the two breeds are almost identical. These dogs are curious, smart, outgoing and active. With proper training they can learn to get along with other pets. Possessing a strong instinct to hunt, Fox Terriers should be monitored closely around other small animals.

    Origin: United Kingdom    Other Names: Foxys, Smooths, Wires

    AKC Terrier Group

    These are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small, like the Norfolk or Cairn, to the grand Airedale Terrier. Known for their distinctive terrier personality, they often have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Bred to hunt and kill vermin, many still project an eager-for-a-spirited-argument attitude. Most have wiry coats requiring special grooming known as stripping. They make engaging pets but need owners ready to match their lively spirit.

    Breed Appearance

    The typical Fox Terrier weighs between 15 and 19 pounds and stands about 15 inches tall at the shoulder. "Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers are exactly the same, with the exception of their coats," says Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a flat coat that is normally white with marks of black, tan or black and tan. Their smooth, dense coats shed an average amount. The Wire Fox Terrier has a predominantly white coat that is rough and wiry.

    Size & Weight

    The typical Fox Terrier weighs between 15 and 19 pounds and stands about 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
    Full Grown
    Female
    15 in. / 15 lbs.
    Male
    15 in. / 19 lbs.
    Height bar
    Female Pet
    Height Figure
    Male Pet
    Height is measured up to the shoulders.

    Fox Terrier Characteristics

    Size

    Tiny

    Jumbo

    Weight

    Light

    Heavy

    Shedding

    Minimal

    Abundant

    Coat Length

    Short

    Long

    Grooming Frequency

    Occasional

    Frequent

    Living Space

    City apartment

    Ranch

    Exercise

    Couch potato

    Bring it on!

    Climate

    Warm

    Cold

    Personality

    Antisocial

    Outgoing

    Protection

    None

    Bodyguard

    Behavior with Kids

    Always monitor

    Babysitter

    Training

    Headstrong

    Obedient

    Barking

    Mute

    Loud

    How to Care for a Fox Terrier

    Caring for a Fox Terrier means staying on top of grooming, training, and preventive health while meeting their nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle needs to keep this spirited breed thriving..

    Coat & Grooming: The Wire Fox Terrier has a dense, wiry coat that often appears crinkled or waved, while the Smooth Fox Terrier has a smooth, hard coat. Both varieties require weekly brushing to maintain their coat health, although the Wire Fox Terrier may require a little extra care, including regular trips to the groomer, says Klein.

    Coat length: Short

    Grooming: Occasional

    Shedding: Fox Terriers shed very little, but Smooth Fox Terriers do tend to shed more than Wire Fox Terriers.

    Training: Because they are so loyal and smart, Fox Terriers can be easy to train, but they also have an independent and stubborn streak. The earlier you can start training and socializing your Fox Terrier, the better they will be. Klein's biggest advice when it comes to training a Fox Terrier is to start early and be consistent.

    Barking: Understanding your dog: Fox Terriers can be noisy, especially when they aren't mentally and physically entertained. Providing them with enough companionship and stimulation will keep them from becoming too noisy or getting into trouble.

    Temperament & Behavior: Fox Terriers are independent, fun-loving, curious and energetic dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. They enjoy a good round of rough-and-tumble play and their loyalty and intelligence make them good candidates for training.

    "Fox Terriers are a ball of energy the first few years of life, but they mellow considerably as they mature, and although still playful, they settle down to become wonderful companions," says Klein.

    Early training is important to help socialize Fox Terriers, as they tend to be quite noisy and have an interest in mischief. They also have a strong prey drive, so they should never be let off a leash or trusted around other small animals.

    Behavior with kids: Feisty but sweet, fun and full of energy, your kids will tire of playing before your Fox Terrier does. These dogs should be watched with young kids, though, since they can resort to rough-and-tumble play.

    Protection: A Fox Terrier will likely sound the alarm at anything approaching your home and can make an attentive watchdog.

    Life Span: On average, Fox Terriers live between 10 and 15 years.

    Inherited health issues: Despite being a generally healthy breed, certain health conditions can occur at an increased frequency within the breed or can have a genetic association. Responsible breeders generally perform a number of screening and genetic tests in an attempt to decrease the incidence of health problems within the breed. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Myasthenia gravis, Patellar luxation, Cataracts, Generalized progressive retinal atrophy, Glaucoma, Lens luxation, Cerebellar hypoplasia, Congenital Deafness, Hereditary ataxia, Idiopathic epilepsy, Lissencephaly, Cutaneous hemangioma, Fibroma, Insulinoma and Perianal gland adenomas.

    Preventive care: Like all dogs, Fox Terriers should be examined by a veterinarian once or twice per year. These preventative visits can aid in detecting new or subtle changes before they become more significant problems. Discuss the use of regular preventative flea and tick medications, as well as heartworm prevention with a veterinarian.

    Nutrition: Regular exercise and a good diet will help ensure this breed does not become overweight. With the predisposition for obesity, it is important to ensure you discuss your diet and amount you are feeding with your veterinarian. Treats are fine but remember to ensure that the treats lie within your dogs daily caloric intake to help avoid your dog from becoming overweight.

    Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Fox Terrier is 1/2 to 1 cup.

    Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

    Exercise: Although small in size, Fox Terriers are bundles of energy that require daily mental and physical stimulation. They excel at agility and hunting-like activities, and 30 to 45 minutes (or more) of daily activity should keep them happy. A fenced-in yard with human interaction is ideal. Additionally, Klein says that while all Fox Terriers love people, they may not get along with strange dogs.

    Climate: Although they can handle it for short periods of time, the Fox Terrier shouldn't be kept in the cold for too long.

    Living space: Although small in size, this breed has a lot of energy, and they do better when they have plenty of room to run and play, especially when they are young.

    Cost of Owning

    On average, owning a middle-aged Fox Terrier costs around $1000 per year
    $300
    Vet Care
    $200
    Grooming & Boarding
    $300
    Food & Treats
    $200
    Other

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    Fun Facts

    The Smooth Fox Terrier is the first breed in the Fox Terrier group to be officially recognized by England's Kennel Club in 1875.

    The Smooth Fox Terrier is the first breed in the Fox Terrier group to be officially recognized by England's Kennel Club in 1875.

    The American Fox Terrier Club was founded in 1885 and was the first specialty club to become a member of the American Kennel Club.

    The American Fox Terrier Club was founded in 1885 and was the first specialty club to become a member of the American Kennel Club.

    Although not as common as other breeds (Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers rank 78th and 102nd among the 155 breeds and varieties registered by the AKC), Wire Fox Terriers carry 13 Best-in-Show awards at Westminster, while the Smooth Fox Terrier has four. Combined, this makes them the winningest breed.

    Although not as common as other breeds (Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers rank 78th and 102nd among the 155 breeds and varieties registered by the AKC), Wire Fox Terriers carry 13 Best-in-Show awards at Westminster, while the Smooth Fox Terrier has four. Combined, this makes them the winningest breed.

    History

    The Fox Terrier has a long and storied history. They were traditionally bred in England in the late 18th century to chase fox. Expert hunting dogs in any terrain, these dogs have a strong prey drive and love a good chase. Smooth Fox Terriers were imported to the U.S. around 1879, with Wire Fox Terriers following a few years later. For many years, the Fox Terrier was one breed with two varieties — smooth and wire. They became recognized by the AKC as two distinct breeds in 1985.
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