FOX TERRIER

Breed Group: Terrier

For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club

Average height: 38 - 41 cms (15 - 16 in)

Average Weight: 7 - 8 kgs (15 - 18 lbs)

Coat Length: Smooth or wire; dense and hard-textured

Life Span: 12 - 15 years

Colors: White with black, brown, or tan markings

HISTORY

The Fox Terrier was originally bred in 19th-century England as a hunting companion, specifically designed to drive foxes out of their dens and into the open for the hunt. Their history is steeped in the traditional British fox hunt, where their role was pivotal for success. Hunters needed a dog that was small enough to enter burrows yet courageous and tenacious enough to confront a fox in its den. This led to the development of the Fox Terrier, with both the smooth and wire-coated varieties gaining popularity for their intelligence, agility, and spirited nature.

L.E.G.S.

Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.

Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.

Shedding

minimal <> considerable

Grooming

minimal <> likely to need professional grooming

Barking

relatively quiet <> very vocal

Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock

low<>high

Response to strangers

happy to greet everyone <> very wary

Affectionate with family

not at all<>very cuddly

Playful

serious<>very playful

Focus on handler (bond)

independent thinker<>very biddable

Excitable/Impulsive

very calm<>easily aroused

Motivated

laid back<>obsessive

Easy to care for

suitable for inexperienced<>challenging

Exercise needs

minimal<>hours daily

Off-lead exercise needs

happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom

Enrichment needs

basic<>needs challenges

WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR FOX TERRIER

Boundless energy- they're full of zest for life, bringing a lively spirit to every interaction
With a bold, adventurous personality, they are always ready for a new challenge or activity
Despite their independence, they form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being part of family life
They're clever and engaging - known for their intelligence, Fox Terriers are quick to learn and love to show off their skills

WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH

Fox Terriers require substantial exercise and mental stimulation, making them challenging for low-activity households
They have a strong prey drive, so their hunting instincts often cause chasing of small animals and need supervision around pets like cats or rabbits
They have a mind of their own and may not always be open to your ideas, requiring patience and consistency in training
Fox Terriers can be barkers, particularly when excited or bored, which might not suit noise-sensitive environments or family looking for a quieter companion

YOUR FOX TERRIER PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS

Fox Terrier puppies are bundles of curiosity and boundless energy. They explore their surroundings with confidence, always eager to investigate new sights, sounds, and smells. These puppies need early socialization to grow into well-balanced adults, as their natural independence and assertiveness can emerge early. Training sessions should be short and fun. Given their playful and active nature, interactive toys and activities that channel their energy and natural instincts are essential for keeping them happy. Early exposure to grooming, particularly for wire-coated puppies, will also help them become comfortable with regular coat care.

YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:

Impulse control and recall can be a challenge as Fox Terriers are known for their impulsive nature and strong prey drive, making professional guidance on this helpful
To keep them safe around smaller pets, consider working with a trainer on managing creative ways to direct their natural desires
Their barking is natural and may require ideas from a trainer to help build some criteria around opportunities to provide outlets to fulfill this need (though you can't stop barking as it's innate)
Early socialization with other dogs, animals, and strangers will help temper their boldness and make them more adaptable

YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY

Living with a Fox Terrier requires embracing their spirited nature and keeping them physically and mentally engaged. Establishing a consistent routine that includes plenty of exercise and enrichment activities will help you bond with your Fox Terrier and meet their needs. This breed does well with an owner who is confident, patient, and willing to invest time. They are loyal companions who, despite their independence, crave family involvement and enjoy shared adventures.

UPBRINGING

Raising a Fox Terrier means harnessing their high energy and intelligence through breed specific outlets, games and socialization. Early socialization will help them develop into confident adults who handle new situations with ease. Training sessions that focus on recall and impulse control, as their natural prey drive can make them prone to chasing. Incorporate mental challenges like puzzle toys or scent games to satisfy their curious minds.

LIFESTYLE

The Fox Terrier is best suited to an active lifestyle where they can participate in regular exercise and mental enrichment. They thrive in homes with access to secure outdoor spaces and do well with families that enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, running, or agility sports. Due to their energy levels, they are NOT ideal for low-activity households or environments that don’t allow for regular off-leash exercise. Fox Terriers also appreciate having a variety of toys and activities to keep them busy indoors, as they can become bored quickly without adequate stimulation.

INTERESTS & HOBBIES

Fox Terriers excel in activities that allow them to explore and exercise their natural hunting and tracking instincts. They thrive in agility courses, skills training, and interactive play, where their agility and intelligence can shine. Because of their history as hunting dogs, they also enjoy games that mimic chasing or digging, making fetch, hide-and-seek, or earthdog trials ideal activities. These dogs benefit from activities that challenge them both mentally and physically, as they are always eager for a new adventure or task.

EDUCATION

Education for a Fox Terrier should emphasize recall training and impulse control. This breed’s high prey drive and independent nature mean they may be prone to chasing after small animals. Mental challenges can channel their intelligence constructively. Avoid repetitive drills, as Fox Terriers tend to lose interest; instead, vary the activities to keep them mentally stimulated and responsive.