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Fox terrier

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog fox terrier!

Here, you will find all the useful information about fox terrier. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

Its origins are very old and 100% British, the Fox terrier is the result of crossbreeding between several varieties of English terriers, probably the same ones that allowed the Manchester Terrier and the Bull Terrier to appear in the early 20ᵉ century. Created and developed primarily for hunting, especially fox hunting, it is a fearsome and courageous predator, very effective against small pests of all kinds.

Nowadays, the Fox Terrier is more represented in exhibitions than on the hunting grounds and its morphology has been considerably refined, the first official standard was drawn up in 1876 in the United Kingdom. Two types of hair are distinguished, the rough coat and the smooth coat, the first one was recognized by the FCI on May 13, 1955 whereas the second one will be registered much later, on June 26, 1963. The last update of the official standard in force was published on 26 March 2009.

The Fox Terrier has a very noble appearance, impresses with its stature and self-confidence, and is a mischievous little dog, particularly lively and attentive to its surroundings. He has a beautiful construction, prancing towards the rear and with his chest well developed in the front like a horse, his posture is unique in its kind. His body is homogeneous, short and compact, his limbs are solidly anchored to the ground, his chest deep, his belly slightly raised and his loins wide, he is a powerful dog despite his small size, associated with an exceptional dexterity.

His neck is strong, short, with a fine long head, flat skull, brilliant eyes which give him a frank look in which one guesses his great intelligence. Two varieties of hair are distinguished within the breed, the first is short, smooth, flat and thick, the second slightly longer, tousled, with a rougher texture, generally 4 cm long on the back and 2 cm on the shoulders. The coat colour will be predominantly white with tan and/or black markings for both varieties.

The Fox Terrier has a gentle and tender character when with the family, in contrast to its working periods when it shows extraordinary courage, energy and tenacity. He is a trustworthy teammate and a perfect hunting companion, especially when it comes to digging out small animals. His master will have little to reproach him for when it comes to flushing out small animals.

Close to its owners, it will not stop wanting to please and especially, to obtain a recognition so dear to its heart, a Fox Terrier has vital need to feel useful, to obey its master and to accomplish the missions which one entrusts to him. With endless energy, he will need regular physical exercise to feel completely fulfilled and calm in his home. A lively little dog, a great companion for life and work, the Fox will be affectionate, faithful and loyal in all circumstances.

Adult: The Fox Terrier will weigh approximately 15.4-20 lbs for males and 13-17 lbs for females, with a height at the withers of approximately 15".

Origins

The Fox Terrier is a canine breed originating from Great Britain, developed mainly for fox hunting. There are two varieties: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. Initially, these dogs were used to flush out foxes from their dens, thanks to their small size, agility, and determination. Their ancestors likely include local hunting dogs, as well as breeds like the Bull Terrier and the Beagle, selected for their working abilities and courage.

History

The history of the Fox Terrier dates back to the 18th century, when they were highly valued for Fox hunting. The distinction between smooth and wire-haired varieties was formalized in the late 19th century. These dogs were appreciated not only for their hunting efficiency, but also for their lively and joyful character. Over the years, the Fox Terrier has gained popularity not only as a working dog, but also as a family companion. Their elegant appearance and playful temperament have made them stars in dog shows around the world.

Standard

The standard of the Fox Terrier breed describes a compact, well-proportioned, and elegant dog. Males generally measure between 37 and 40 cm at the withers and weigh between 7 and 8 kg, while females are slightly smaller. The head is long and fine, with a flat skull and ears shaped like a V falling towards the cheeks. The eyes are small, dark, and lively. The tail is usually carried high. The coat of the Smooth Fox Terrier is short and dense, while that of the Wire Fox Terrier is thick and wiry, requiring specific grooming.

Physical characteristics

The Fox Terrier is a small to medium-sized, muscular and agile dog. Its compact structure and well-proportioned limbs give it great speed and excellent endurance. The Wire Fox Terrier has a dense, wiry coat, ideal for protecting it from the weather and brambles, while the Smooth Fox Terrier has a short, shiny coat. Both varieties share common traits: bright and expressive eyes, ears shaped like folded Vs, and a tail carried proudly, often docked in countries where it is allowed.

Character

The Fox Terrier is known for its lively, courageous, and joyful character. This energetic and playful dog is always ready for adventure and exploration. It is also intelligent and curious, which can sometimes make it stubborn. Despite its small size, it has great self-confidence and does not hesitate to protect its territory and family. Although affectionate with its loved ones, it can be reserved or distrustful towards strangers. Early socialization is essential to make it a well-balanced companion.

Life expectancy

The Fox Terrier has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which is relatively long for a dog of this size. With good nutrition, regular exercise, and proper veterinary care, it can live a healthy life and remain active until an old age. It is important to monitor for common health issues in the breed, such as eye disorders, dental problems, and joint diseases, to ensure optimal quality of life throughout its lifespan.

Exercise and activity needs

The Fox Terrier is a very active dog that needs a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, fetch games, and training sessions are essential to meet his energy needs. He also enjoys mentally stimulating activities, such as scent games and canine sports like agility. Due to his hunting instinct, it is important to keep him on a leash or in a secure space during outings. A well-fenced garden is ideal for him to freely expend his energy.

Recommended diet

The diet of the Fox Terrier must be balanced and adapted to its level of activity, age, and health status. High-quality food, rich in proteins, is essential to maintain its muscle tone and energy. Portions should be carefully measured to avoid overweight issues, especially in less active dogs. It is recommended to divide meals into two portions per day to facilitate digestion. Treats can be used in moderation, especially as rewards during training sessions.

Training and obedience

The education of the Fox Terrier requires a consistent and patient approach, using positive reinforcement methods. Due to its intelligence and independent nature, it can sometimes be stubborn, but it responds well to rewards and encouragement. Early socialization is crucial for it to learn to interact properly with other dogs, animals, and people. Obedience classes can help establish a good educational foundation. It is important to provide regular mental stimulation to avoid boredom and undesirable behaviors.

Behavior with children

The Fox Terrier is generally good with children, especially if properly socialized and trained from a young age. Its energy and playful nature make it an excellent playmate for active children. However, due to its hunting instinct and lively nature, it is important to supervise interactions with young children to avoid rough play. Children should be taught how to treat and respect the dog to ensure a harmonious and safe cohabitation.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Fox Terrier can live with other pets if well socialized from a young age. However, due to its hunting instinct, it may tend to chase small animals such as cats or rodents. With gradual introduction and supervision, it is possible to teach him to accept other animals. Relationships with other dogs can vary: well socialized, the Fox Terrier can be friendly, but it can also be dominant or territorial, especially towards dogs of the same sex.

Grooming needs

Grooming of the Fox Terrier varies depending on the variety. The Smooth Fox Terrier requires little maintenance, a weekly brushing is enough to remove dead hairs and keep its coat shiny. The Wire Fox Terrier, on the other hand, needs more regular grooming, including stripping dead hairs several times a year to maintain the texture of its coat. In both cases, an occasional bath, regular ear cleaning, and nail trimming are necessary to maintain good overall hygiene.

Health

The Fox Terrier is generally healthy, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain hereditary conditions. Common health problems include eye disorders, dental diseases, and joint issues such as luxating patella. Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and moderate exercise help prevent and manage these problems. It is also important to monitor weight and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease.

Average price

The price of a Fox Terrier puppy generally ranges from 800 to 1,500 euros (or 900 to 1,600 dollars), depending on the reputation of the breeder, the bloodlines, and the quality of the parents. Reputable breeders often offer health guarantees, pedigree certificates, and post-sale follow-up, justifying a higher price. It is crucial to choose a responsible breeder who respects the breed standards and provides healthy, well-socialized puppies with all necessary vaccinations.

Expenses

Annual expenses for a Fox Terrier can vary between 1,000 and 1,800 euros (or 1,100 and 2,000 dollars). This includes the costs of high-quality food, regular veterinary care (vaccinations, deworming, health checks), pet insurance, grooming products, and accessories. Additional fees may occur for training classes, specific activities, and unexpected medical treatments. Health care costs may increase in case of breed-specific health problems requiring special follow-ups or treatments.

Name ideas

For a Fox Terrier, names that reflect its energy and joyful character are ideal. For example, "Sparky" evokes its lively and sparkling temperament, "Scout" for its adventurous spirit, "Bella" which means "beautiful" in Italian, or "Rex" for its royal nature. "Max" for its imposing stature, "Luna" for its protective side, "Dash" in reference to its speed, "Ginger" for its often brindle coat, "Milo" meaning "soldier" in Latin, and "Nova" symbolizing a new star in your life.

Legislation and regulation

The Fox Terrier is generally not subject to specific restrictions in most countries. However, it is essential to comply with local regulations regarding dog ownership. This includes registering with local authorities, mandatory vaccinations, and adhering to responsible ownership rules. In France, for example, dogs must be identified by an electronic chip or tattoo and registered in the national identification database for domestic carnivores. It is recommended to check local laws before acquiring a Fox Terrier.

Official recognition

The Fox Terrier is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under two distinct standards: the Smooth Fox Terrier (standard number 12) and the Wire Fox Terrier (standard number 169). This recognition ensures that the breed is standardized and respected internationally. In the United Kingdom, its country of origin, the Kennel Club (KC) is the organization responsible for the promotion and management of the breed standards. Other worldwide registers, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), also recognize these two varieties under their respective standards.

Pedigrees

Fox Terrier pedigrees are available from breed clubs and national cynological organizations such as the Kennel Club (KC) in the UK or the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the United States. These pedigrees provide detailed information on the dog's lineage, tracing back several generations and including information on ancestors, their conformity to breed standards, and any participation in shows. A certified pedigree ensures the purity of the breed and helps assess the qualities and genetic predispositions of puppies.

Destination and usage

Historically, the Fox Terrier has been used as a hunting dog, specialized in tracking foxes and pests. Today, it retains its skills as a fearless hunter and is often employed for hunting small game. However, due to its playful nature and sociable personality, it is also an excellent companion dog. Its versatility allows it to participate in various canine activities, such as agility, obedience, and shows. Its liveliness and intelligence make it an ideal companion for active families.

Prohibitions

The Fox Terrier is generally not banned in most countries, as it is not considered a dangerous breed. However, it is essential to check local regulations regarding dog ownership, as they may vary. For example, some jurisdictions may impose restrictions on hunting dogs or working dogs. It is crucial to comply with local laws regarding dog ownership, including registration, vaccinations, and adherence to responsible ownership rules to avoid any legal issues.

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