Trainability

One thing is for certain, Fox Terriers make wonderful training companions. They are quick to learn and love to work alongside their adoring owners. Being an intelligent breed, they will require good training to ensure they keep out of trouble and are entertained. Excelling in all obedience and dog sporting activities they are perfectly suited to an energetic family. Early socialisation and training is important to ensure your wee pup grows into a well-rounded dog. Exposing your young pup to as many sights, sounds and experiences as possible will provide a well-balanced and happy dog. Puppy-preschools are a great way to safely allow your pup to learn all the important aspects of the world in a secure and nurturing environment. This breed loves to play, so keep your training sessions fun and light this will guarantee your dog will stay enthusiastic and eager to learn new tricks. Like with all dogs they need consistency and patience in regard to training.

Grooming

The Foxy’s come in two different coat types that will both require weekly attention. For the smooth coat a good brush once a week will suffice, as for the wire coat; enlisting in a professional groom to ‘strip’ or ‘pluck’ the coat will be needed. Your professional groomer or breeder can teach you how to correctly groom your wire coat variety. They are not a smelly breed, so will only need a bath occasionally or if (in true Terrier fashion) they’ve found something extra stinky to roll in. Trim your dog’s nails frequently and have your young pup used to be touched on the feet, face and ears. If you are unsure on how to clip your pup’s nails ask your vet to show you at your next check-up.

Exercise Requirements

The Fox Terrier simply loves to run and play and will need a fair amount of exercise to keep him happy. Two brisk walks daily will keep him content. It’s good to remember that their hunting instinct is pretty strong, so care must be taken when running off-leash. A good fenced area to play is much more appropriate to prevent your pup from ‘taking chase’ and being almost impossible to call back. Training a strong ‘recall’ is also good advice to prevent run-aways. Foxy’s love to play, teaching them a variety of new tricks alongside toys will keep him entertained for hours on end.

Intelligence

A very intelligent breed that if not correctly exercised and entertained will certainly get into mischief. They are masters at creating their own games and fun. This breed loves to play with toys so having a good ‘home alone’ collection and rotating these on a daily basis can help prevent boredom when you are not at home. These dogs have a wonderful sense of humour and will create much laughter in the home, however, their form of entertainment when bored may not be so funny (cue destructive behaviour). Like with all breeds taking this into consideration and ensuring your dog is well-trained, exercised and entertained is important. Creating a simulating environment full of enriching ‘jobs’ will help prevent problems when you are not at home.

Family Friendly

The Fox Terrier makes a wonderful play companions for a busy household. They love to be an integral part of the pack and will adjust well to family life. However, it’s important to do your research on the history of the breed and train accordingly. They have been known to get over-excited and also become protective over food and toys. With good training, this part of their behaviour can easily be avoided. As with all breeds it is important to teach your dog how to correctly interact with children, and also to teach children how to correctly behave around a dog. If raised with cats and other dogs they make great animal friends, but probably not the best option for other small animals such as rabbits or hamsters.

Indoor/ Outdoor

Despite their small size these dogs are not well suited to apartment living and will need a good fenced yard to run around in. Check fences regularly for any escape routes. They love to run and frolic about either with or, without you, and will need a good-sized area to burn off all of this exuberant energy. Like with all dogs providing ample shade and water during the warmer months and a nice warm area during the cooler weather is important. They will not take well to endless hours left alone in a dog-run or kennel area, and will pine for their beloved family.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.