The Fox Terrier is a small-sized breed of dog, traditionally used for hunting and other outdoor activities. These lively and energetic dogs are also great companions around the home; they make loving family pets thanks to their affectionate personalities.
As one of the oldest breeds in the UK, these terriers have a strong heritage but can be found worldwide today. Read on to find out more about this breed.
Fox Terrier Appearance And Personality
Fox Terriers have a compact and square build. They have short, strong legs and a medium-length back that tapers to their tail.
The head is generally broad with a flat skull, V-shaped ears, and dark eyes. Their coats are usually wire-haired or smooth-haired and come in black, white, tan, grizzle or any combination of the four colors.
They are loyal companions who thrive on human attention. They can make excellent watchdogs as they bark when strangers approach their homes; however, they tend to become overly attached to their owners.
They can become destructive due to boredom or separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Fox Terriers need daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy but will also benefit significantly from plenty of playtime and companionship.
They are intelligent, so that they can be taught a variety of commands and tricks, but they may also become headstrong if not given the proper training and discipline.
With proper training, Fox Terriers make great lifelong companion dogs who love nothing more than spending time with their owners.
Overall, they are clever, lively, loyal dogs that will bring lots of joy to your household. Their intelligence makes them easy to train; however, it is essential to remember that this breed loves to please its owner, so consistency in training is key.
By providing lots of exercises, physical and mental, as well as daily attention, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your Fox Terrier.
Ultimately these dogs are incredible family dogs that bring their owners a lot of love and companionship. With the proper training and lots of attention, these intelligent pups can become great pets for life.
Fox Terrier Size And Weight
Size and weight are critical factors when selecting the breed for your home. The Fox Terrier comes in two sizes, the Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier, with both breeds having slightly different size and weight requirements.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is generally smaller than its wire-haired counterpart and weighs between 17 to 19 pounds.
The height of the Smooth Fox Terrier ranges from 13 to 15 inches at the withers (the highest point on the dogs back near its shoulders).
The Wire Fox Terrier tends to be larger than its smooth-coated cousin and weighs anywhere between 16 to 18 pounds. The average height of a Wire Fox Terrier is between 13 and 15 inches at the shoulder.
The Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers are considered high-energy, active dogs, so it’s essential to ensure your pup gets enough exercise.
These breeds need plenty of space to run around and play. If you don’t have a large yard or access to an off-leash area, regular visits to the dog park or other outdoor activities could help keep your Fox Terrier healthy and happy.
In addition to physical size, it’s also essential to consider the temperament of each particular breed when selecting a pet.
Generally speaking, the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers have fun-loving personalities and often do well with children who can give those lots of attention.
Fox Terrier Common Health Problems
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is one of the most common eye diseases found in these dogs. This condition leads to a gradual degeneration of the retinas, which can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated.
Signs that your pet may be suffering from PRA include night blindness, abnormal pupil size and reddish-brown deposits on the eyes.
Treatment for this condition typically includes medications or surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the disease.
- Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis is another common health problem. This skin disorder causes redness, itching and lesions on their coat due to an allergy-like reaction to environmental allergens like dust mites and pollen.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and treatment usually includes medication such as antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation caused by the condition.
- Abnormal Dentition
Abnormal dentition is a common dental problem that can lead to bad breath, painful chewing, jaw disorders and other dental issues.
The most common causes of abnormal dentition include malocclusion when teeth don’t fit together correctly and missing teeth.
Proper oral hygiene habits such as daily brushing and visits to the vet are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
- Oesophageal Achalasia
Oesophageal Achalasia is a rare disorder that also affects. It can cause difficulty swallowing, regurgitation and weight loss due to the inability to pass food through the digestive tract effectively. Treatment for this condition includes medications, dietary adjustments and, in some cases, surgery.
- Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that also affects and can cause severe muscle weakness, difficulty breathing and an inability to stand or walk.
This rare disorder is caused by the immune system attacking healthy muscles and nerves, resulting in decreased muscle activity.
Treatment typically involves medication to alleviate symptoms as well as physical therapy to help strengthen weak muscles.
When owning a Fox Terrier, it is essential to be aware of these common health problems so you can take preventative measures such as regular check-ups with your vet, good nutrition and exercise habits, and proper grooming routines to keep your pet healthy. By staying informed, you can ensure that your dog will enjoy a long and healthy life.
How To Groom A Fox Terrier
The Fox Terrier is a lively, spunky breed that loves the outdoors. They need plenty of exercise, but their grooming needs are relatively straightforward.
In addition to weekly brushing and regular bathing, you can take several other steps to ensure your Fox Terrier looks its best at all times.
Regularly trimming your pup’s fur is critical to keep it looking great. To properly groom a Fox Terrier, start using thinning shears on the back and sides of the dog.
Ensure you are only cutting off dead hair or excess wool and not damaging the skin beneath the coat. The thinning shears should be used lightly and never forcefully, as they could cause discomfort or injury.
Next, use a slicker brush to work through the coat and remove any knots or tangles. This will help keep the fur healthy and help it lay correctly on the dog.
Once that is done, you can use scissors to trim away excess fur around your pup’s feet and tail. Be sure to check with your veterinarian for specifics on how much hair should be trimmed in these areas.
Finally, it’s essential to make sure you are cleaning your Fox Terrier’s ears regularly. Use a cotton ball soaked in a gentle ear-cleaning solution to carefully clean each of the dog’s ears once every week or two. This will help prevent ear infections and protect its ears from debris and dirt.
Grooming your Fox Terrier doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right supplies and regular maintenance, you can keep your pup looking its best at all times.
Taking care of your pup’s coat will help them look their best and prevent skin irritations and infections from developing. You’ll both enjoy spending time together when it looks so well-groomed.
Conclusion
The Fox Terrier is an energetic and lively breed that loves to be active. They require regular exercise, good nutrition and proper grooming routines to remain healthy.
Understanding the potential health issues that can arise in this breed is essential to take preventative measures against them.
Also, proper grooming and care are essential for keeping your pup looking its best. Owning a Fox Terrier can be an enriching experience with the right supplies and regular maintenance.