Description

The Fox Terrier also known as Foxy refers primarily to two different breeds of dog, the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. Though these two breeds look similar they actually have quite different origins.  Like most terriers they were developed in the British Isles. Its name describes its job; it was carried in saddlebags on the hunt and released when the hounds chased the fox to ground, and it courageously followed the fox into den or through underground rocky passages. The fox terriers are seldom used for hunting nowadays and are more often pets. Their small size makes them appealing. “Big dog in a small package “is an apt description for a Fox Terrier as it possesses intelligence, courage and take-charge attitude.

In spite of the difference in ancestry, the two breeds are remarkably similar in type, size, and temperament. In fact, they were shown under the same standard in the United States until 1984, when the American Kennel Club required approval of separate standards. The major distinction is the coat type. Both the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier have the same height, about 15 inches at the shoulder blade and weigh from 15 to 20 pounds. The Fox Terrier is a compact, powerful little dog, with a long, fairly thin muzzle and deep set small, bright dark colored eyes. The ears are cocked forwards and the tail, which is naturally quite long, is usually docked in show dogs.

The Fox Terriers can make good pets, although it is generally difficult to train them to obedience. They tend to be noisy dogs, barking easily, and may be very excitable. They have a high prey drive and extremely quick reflexes. Fox Terriers have a great sense of humor. If they find out something amuses the owner, they will do it again and again.

Coat

The Smooth Fox Terrier has a coat that is flat and smooth but yet hard and dense. It is short, close fitting, and sleek. The Wire Fox Terrier, on the other hand, has a double coat; the outer layer is harsh, wiry, and wavy and is dirt and weather resistant; the under layer is soft and oily, providing insulation and water-proofing. The wiry hair carries onto the head, giving the breed a squarer look and a beard, and down the legs to the feet, providing a heavier-boned look than the Smooth Fox Terrier. As the hair prepares to shed or "blow," its color fades and its texture softens. The color of the coats is similar with both dogs. They each have a base coat that can be either black and tan or tan with some occasional white spotting. The Wire Fox Terrier tends to have more tan markings than does the Smooth Terrier, which generally has mainly black with perhaps some tan bordering black areas on the head.

History

The name, terrier, is derived from the Latin word for earth (terra) and all terriers are instinctive diggers. The term Fox Terrier was generic until the latter part of the 19th century. The Terrier is an ancient breed, and was described by the Romans as a fox hunting dog. They are mentioned in the "Natural History" of Pliny the Elder in 55 BC, and their jobs have been well-defined for centuries. The black and tan terrier known then developed into the Wire Fox Terrier, while the Smooth Fox Terrier is a hybrid of several breeds, among them the Greyhound, Beagle and Bull Terrier. Records exist of the Smooth Fox Terrier in its present form from the middle of the 19th century, and the Wire Fox Terrier was then crossed with the Smooth Fox Terrier in order to arrive at a lighter coat color. These dogs were traditionally trained to go down foxholes to catch foxes which had been run to cover, and for this reason they are small, fierce dogs which enjoy burrowing and are very energetic. Some of the Fox Terrier's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdog, agility and performing tricks. As a group, terriers are scrappy, independent, fearless, and blessed with a joy for life. Add a sense of humor, a talent for mischief, and an insatiable curiosity to complete the character of both fox terriers.

Temperament

Terriers generally are happy, buoyant, and stubborn, and the fox terriers fit that bill quite well. While these qualities are undoubtedly endearing, they can also be quite frustrating if the dog gets the upper paw in the household. Like all terriers, they like to dig and can quickly tunnel their way under a fence or through a sofa if the spirit moves. Outdoors, they need a fenced yard or a pen. Since they were bred to hunt, small animals -- squirrels, rabbits, cats, etc. -- are at risk. A secure fence or dog run is essential; chain link should be sunk into the ground to prevent tunneling underneath. Fox terriers do not know that discretion may be the better part of valor; they back down at nothing, even a dog several times their size. Terriers are expected to show some spunk in the ring -- they are the only breeds encouraged to do so, for without an exhibition of terrier fire, they do not win. Outside the terrier rings at a dog show can be noisy as the dogs challenge each other at the end of their leashes. Handlers of large breeds try to avoid the area, for feisty terriers will harass big dogs without fear. However, in spite of their peppery character, fox terriers can be wonderful family pets. They enjoy children, they love to play, and their perky attitude brightens the darkest days. Like others in their canine family, the fox terriers can be barkers, and this quality makes them excellent watch dogs--not guard dogs, but alert watchdogs. Their somewhat high-pitched bark can also be quite irritating. A Fox Terrier need lots of attention and should be in a home that has someone home most of the day.  

Health

Fox terriers are hardy breeds. They have a life expectancy of 12-14 years and can live as long as 19 years. They suffer little from the genetic diseases that seem to afflict breeds that skyrocket to popularity and become targets for puppy mills and backyard breeders. The breed is genetically quite healthy. Some known health problems are deafness, luxating patella and a variety of eye disorders such as lens luxation, distichiasis, and cataracts. Skeletal problems that can occur include Legg-Perthes disease and shoulder dislocations. Myasthenia and idiopathic epilepsy have also been reported, as well as goiter.

Grooming

The Fox Terrier is basically a low-maintenance dog in terms of grooming. Hair grows all over the entire body equally, so to have the smooth clean look areas must be scissor or clipped. The coat needs to be brushed with a firm bristle brush.  For normal pet maintenance, brushing the coat, keeping the nails trimmed, and cleaning the hair out of the pads of the feet is important. Especially with Wire Fox Terriers, trimming the hair instead of stripping it causes the colors to become dull and the coat to become soft and curly. Brushing teeth is also recommended, a dog's bite is very important to its health. Fox Terriers should be used to grooming at an early age. They are known for enjoying the attention that is brought to them while grooming.

Exercise

The Fox Terrier is a very energetic breed and needs active exercise every day. They need to be taken on a daily long walk or jog. These dogs need to be able to run and to keep up with them a fenced area might be needed. Fox Terriers love to play games and a variety of games could be thought of to keep them exercised. They are active, working dogs and a bored Fox Terrier can get into trouble. They must be kept on a leash if there are any small animals around, as their tendency to hunt small animals is strong. The Fox Terrier is likely to take off chasing a small animal. The dog’s mind needs to be exercised too. These are very intelligent dogs. They are not much interested in formal obedience, but can learn anything if proper care is taken to make it seem like fun for him.

Training

Often, Fox Terriers tend to be uncontrollable and over aggressive in terms of their behavior if they aren’t trained. Many owners resort to dog training schools in order to train their fox terriers to become obedient and manageable family pets. Fox Terrier’s training needs to address issues of sporadic tantrums, uncontrollable behaviors, and even moments of aggression he may display. After all, dogs can display behavior patterns that are brought about by their natural animal instinct. Fox terriers are active and inquisitive hunters and regular care and grooming should play an important part in their routine. They are smart and intelligent, need attention and understanding and will reward their owners with love and affection. They make wonderful family pets, they like children (although they are best suited to children 7 years and above) and are generally friendly to everyone they meet. They can, however, often be aggressive to other dogs or, in fact, to other animals of any size. Fox terriers were bred to be hunting dogs and their instinct is to work alone, unsupervised by man. This can make their training an interesting experience! Training needs to be positive and fun; they are quick to pick up new things and do not respond to negative treatment. Because they have been bred to work alone they do not require constant approval as adult dogs, although as puppies they require a great deal of attention and will not like to be left alone. A Fox Terrier will consider itself a part of the family and will want to be with its family all the time.