Active, intelligent and with a zest for life, a Fox Terrier is the perfect new family member.
Looking for a new best friend for the kids? If so, then bring a smooth Fox Terrier home. This playful, loveable breed is fantastic with children, while their loyalty and easy disposition will melt a grown up’s heart. However, small pets like rabbits, kittens and hamsters, beware – Fox Terriers are hunters at heart.
They are highly intelligent and enjoy learning new tricks. Fox Terriers are also good at obedience training and agile. But buy some earmuffs for the neighbours, as they are quite vocal and can bark themselves silly, especially when bored or if not trained well. On the other hand, they are good watchdogs in the face of suspicious ‘characters’ or sounds.
Fun fact: They were bred to find and hunt foxes.
Fox Terriers crave human companionship, so don’t be surprised if you find an adorable four-legged ‘appendage’ glued to you. They are prone to boredom and separation anxiety. Be firm, assertive and consistent when laying down rules, as that is what will make your Fox Terrier happy. They are energetic dogs that thrive on physical and mental stimulation. A Fox Terrier will live for 13-14 years.
Fox Terriers are suitable for apartments, provided they are given enough exercise outdoors. A daily long walk is a must. But do not forget a leash, under any circumstances as one sighting of a small animal loitering around and your Fox Terrier will disappear before you can call his name.
They love playing with toys and balls, especially in the water. Smooth Fox Terriers have an easy-to-groom short coat that needs brushing regularly. Also, trim their nails and remove the hair on their foot pads. Fox Terriers are average shedders, shedding twice a year. They can be quite vain and tend to enjoy the grooming routine for the attention it brings them. Fox Terriers are not hypoallergenic.
Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.
Size
They are a small-sized breed weighing between 6-8kgs, with an approximate height of 39cms.
Space
Fox Terriers can adapt to any space, although a yard is ideal.
Energy Levels
The equivalent of a marathon runner. They just go and go and go. A daily walk and rigorous game of fetch is ideal.
Difficulty of Training
Their high level of intelligence makes them easy dogs to train, however they are independent and consistent training is necessary.
Family Suitability
These pets are suitable as watchdogs, family pets or loyal companions.
Compatibility with other Pets
They love all other pets.
Need for Company
They prefer to have constant company and want to be around their family.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?
No
Coat and Grooming Needs
They require moderate maintenance and have a short coat in solid white, white with tan, black, or black and tan. Brush them weekly.
Shedding
They shed little.
Tendency to Bark
They love to check-in and have a quick chat, but are not overly noisy.