Breed: Fox Terrier
Temperament: excitable, outgoing, playful
Lifespan: 14 years
Maintenance: medium
Recommended for: active families, fit older people
There’s never a dull moment when there’s a Fox Terrier around! Loved worldwide for their overflowing enthusiasm, these dogs make terrific pets for children, families and energetic older people.
Their small, trim appearance and alert nature, however, make them a popular choice as companion dogs, although few truly ever lose their ratting instincts!
Appearance
Small, trim, and alert, Fox Terriers standing around 38cm (15″) and weigh 8kg (18lb). The two breeds are separated by coat type, the Smooth more common in Australia, although the scruffy look of the Wire is also very popular. They come in white, with black or tan markings. The tail is docked.
Temperament
Most Fox Terriers are active, alert, feisty when provoked, and thrive on exercise. While very intelligent, they are easily bored and many are known garden diggers! They are outgoing and endlessly curious, sometimes to their detriment – snakes and bigger dogs do pose dangers. Fox Terriers themselves can be a danger to small to medium animals of any type which they love to chase if the opportunity arises. They make great watchdogs, although can become problem barkers if neglected.
Health
Most vets will tell you Fox Terriers are more accident-prone than many other breeds, stemming from their curiosity, excitability and failure to realise they are substantially smaller than many other dogs. Snakebite, car strike and dog fights are not uncommon, although responsible owners will realise safe, secure fences will prevent most of these incidents.
Some Fox Terriers have a tendency towards skin complaints such as eczema, and smooth dogs are especially vulnerable to flybite, which can cause pain and crusting on the soft tips of the ears.
Grooming
Smooth Fox Terriers should be brushed each week, and the short fine coat will shed a surprising amount of hair. Wire-haired dogs need frequent brushing and show dogs will have their old coats stripped out for the new coat to grow through. Bathe when necessary.
Housepet potential
These dogs are small enough to live indoors but some may be so excitable that ornaments, other pets and young children could be tumbled over in the heat of a game. Most will adapt to indoors or outdoor situations.
Exercise
Regular exercise is often the key to a happy, well-balanced Fox Terrier. A daily walk for 30 minutes will burn off a lot of energy and socialise him with the outside world.
Ideal owner and training
Fox Terriers are fabulous dogs which, if in neglectful hands, can become a nuisance. But responsible, reliable people would find it hard to name a better breed. Patience is needed with training, and long-time owners advise making training a game with food rewards as incentives.
Breeding
Few whelping problems are found in this breed. Litters average four pups.
National contacts
To find up-to-date contacts for breeders, contact the following organisations.
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
www.ankc.org.au
Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872
Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599
Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 6241 4404 – Fax: (02) 6241 1129.
Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190
Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797
Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864
Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844
Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
www.ankc.org.au
Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872
Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599
Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 6241 4404 – Fax: (02) 6241 1129.
Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190
Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797
Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864
Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844
Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409