Fox Terrier: Dog Breed Profile

The Fox Terrier is a very lovable, happy, and extremely lively terrier. It needs enough exercise, a lot of exercise, and lots of action. For lazy people, this breed of dog is not suitable. Fox Terriers are idiosyncratic but thoroughly charming. However, their upbringing requires a lot of consistency and empathy.

Origin and history

There are two separate breeds of fox terriers (also known as fox terriers): the smooth Fox Terrier (Smooth) and the Fox Terrier (Wire). Their origins are the same, with the Wirehaired breed believed to be a cross between the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wirehaired English Terrier. The smooth-haired breed is therefore the older breed, although less common today.

The Fox Terrier was originally bred for fox hunting. Dogs with a predominantly white coat color were preferred for hunting because they could not easily be mistaken for the fox. While the smooth-haired fox terrier is still used for hunting today, the wire-haired terrier has been a very popular and widespread family companion dog since the 1920s.

Appearance

The Fox Terrier is a medium-sized, roughly square-built, compact dog with a fairly straight, flat head. The ears are small and V-shaped and tipped forward. The tail is set high and points straight up.

The color of the coat is predominantly white (also solid white in the Smooth Fox Terrier) with tan and/or black markings. The smooth-haired Fox Terrier has straight, short, dense fur that withstands all weather conditions and is easy to care for, but sheds heavily. The wire-haired Fox has medium-length, thick hair with a wiry texture. The hair is frizzy on the legs and around the muzzle. The wire-haired Fox Terrier needs to be trimmed regularly but does not shed then.

Nature

The Fox Terrier is one of the liveliest and brightest terriers. It is always active, full of exuberant temperament, and playful into old age. He is alert and always under tension. It is friendly and open to strangers. It is rather incompatible with strange dogs and also likes to start fights.

Lovable and affectionate, the Fox Terrier has a very sunny disposition but needs plenty of activity and a job where it can vent its energy. Therefore, it is also not suitable for lazy or nervous people. It is intelligent and can get enthusiastic about many dog ​​sports activities. But you shouldn’t expect blind obedience and a special will to subordinate from it because as a typical terrier he always has his mind. Training a Fox Terrier, therefore, requires a lot of consistency and clear leadership.

Fox Terriers are very robust and can adapt well to all living conditions. The cheerful and affectionate dogs feel just as comfortable in a large family in the country as in a city apartment – provided their urge to move is sufficiently satisfied.