Fox terriers are among the oldest type of a very varied breed. Once used most
often for hunting fox and other game, they are now primarily pets. And what
great pets they are, too!
The name actually refers to two fairly different looking terriers, the
Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire-Haired. There are sub-breeds, too, such as
the Toy Terrier. Both tend to be about 14-16 inches high and weigh 15-20
pounds. The Wire-Haired is on average a little larger than the Smooth. Well
cared for, and in the absence of any major illnesses, they can live 15 years or
more.
Smooth Fox Terriers are, like the name suggests, a smooth-haired coat
variety, which is usually made up of a white base with a black or brown
saddle. The head is typically brown, topped by floppy but not loose ears,
often with a white-tipped muzzle. The body is short, and somewhat stocky.
Wire-haired Terriers, by contrast, often have much less distinct
markings, with the colored portion (which can be grayish or black) blending
into the white. Partly, this appearance is the result of the curly hair. The
face is often tan. The ears are often more sturdy than the Smooth Fox type.
All share a common ancestry and so the behavior of contemporary Fox
Terriers is similar. These are high energy dogs: bright, alert and smart. As hunting dogs,
they would spot game, run it into a hole, then stay for the hunter to close
in. The modern form of that behavior is still on display. They'll chase a cat
in a heartbeat. Squirrels should beware when a Fox Terrier is nearby. That
behavior can't be eliminated, but with training it can be shaped.
Because they're intelligent and eager to please, they enjoy a good
challenge. An Agility course is a good idea for these active dogs. When
they're not allowed to exercise those high spirits, many will engage in
undesirable behavior. They will pick a fight with much larger dogs. Because of
their assertiveness, some big dogs will flee. But equally aggressive dogs that
are larger will often get the better of the exchange. Outside an enclosed
area, walking on a leash is always a good idea.
Like all terriers, they love to dig. When they get the attention they
crave, they make very loving and loyal companions and can be trained to carry
out tasks. The dog in the famous Thin Man films (Asta) was a small,
wire-haired fox terrier.
When introduced early on to other pets in the home, whether dogs or
cats, they can often get along well. But deeply rooted instincts are hard to
overcome and sometimes it's better not to test the limits. Keep hamsters and other live creatures at a
safe distance. Your Fox terrier's instinctive behavior can be influenced, but
training may not erase the desire he has to go after a small pet.
Fox Terriers are
loving and loyal and will be happy to be your best friend, but they will generally
always retain a little stubborn streak.