Fox Terrier Breed Guide
Also known as: Smooth Fox Terrier, SFT
Born to hunt foxes, Fox Terriers are confident, energetic dogs whose bold personalities and intelligence suit owners who appreciate classic terrier spirit.
Quick facts about this breed
Size
Small
Weight
6-8 kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Energy Level
High
Family Fit
Only with older kids
Shedding
Low
Size
Small
Weight
6-8 kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Energy Level
High
Family Fit
Only with older kids
Shedding
Low
About Fox Terriers
Developed in England during the 18th century for fox hunting, the Fox Terrier was bred to bolt foxes from their dens during traditional British hunts. Their compact size and fearless nature made them invaluable to mounted hunters pursuing foxes across the countryside.
Available in both Wire and Smooth varieties, their coat requires regular grooming with hand-stripping for the Wire variety. Fox Terriers are energetic and independent, known for their feisty nature and strong prey drive.
They are devoted to their families but can be aggressive toward other dogs and small animals. Fox Terriers need substantial daily exercise and excel at activities that engage their hunting instincts. While generally healthy, potential owners should be aware of hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and deafness that can affect the breed.
Complete Care Guide for Fox Terriers
Expert advice on keeping your Fox Terrier healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Establishing proper nutrition forms the foundation of a Fox Terrier's wellbeing. These energetic, spirited dogs require carefully balanced meals that support their active lifestyle and maintain their ideal weight. A high-quality diet should include appropriate proportions of protein for muscle maintenance, healthy fats for sustained energy, and complex carbohydrates for quick energy bursts during play.
Maintaining consistent feeding schedules helps prevent digestive issues common in Fox Terriers. While these dogs typically adapt well to eating the same nutritious food regularly, owners should resist the urge to share table scraps or frequently change food types, as this can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Instead, focus on providing measured portions of age-appropriate dog food, adjusting serving sizes based on activity level and life stage.
Weight management proves particularly crucial for Fox Terriers, as excess kilos can impact their agility and overall health. Regular monitoring of body condition, alongside precise portion control, helps prevent obesity. Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily caloric intake, with healthy options like small pieces of lean meat or vegetables serving as rewards during training sessions.
How healthy is your Fox Terrier?
A two minute quiz for your personalised results and health plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Fox Terriers from our community of pet parents
Fox Terriers are known for their energetic and outgoing nature. They are intelligent, bold, and love to explore. With a strong hunting instinct, they can be independent and sometimes stubborn, but they're also incredibly loyal and affectionate with their families. Despite their small size, they're courageous and won't hesitate to stand their ground.
Dog Breeds Similar to Fox Terrier
Explore breeds with comparable temperament, size, and care requirements to the Fox Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier
Classic terriers with wiry coats, Wire Fox Terriers are bold, energetic dogs whose confidence and intelligence suit owners who appreciate traditional terrier spirit.
Parson Russell Terrier
Athletic fox hunters, Parson Russell Terriers are energetic, bold working dogs whose courage and intelligence suit very active owners who appreciate terrier spirit.