Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN England.

MOST SUITED AS Formerly a vermin destroyer and hunting dog for foxes and badgers. Today the Fox Terrier is a family pet.

SIZE
The Fox Terrier weighs 7 - 8kg (15 1/2 - 171/2in). The shoulder-height may not exceed 39cm (151/2in) for dogs. Bitches may be slightly smaller.

COAT
There are two types of Fox Terrier: the smooth-haired and the wire-haired. The Smooth has a dense coat of sleek short hairs which may not be thin anywhere on the body. The Wire has a rough coat that is thick and hard and should be neither curly nor soft.
The Wire is required to have hair embellish­ments around the muzzle and eyes, and longer hair around the feet. The overriding colour for both is white with markings of tan and/or black considered desirable.

CARE REQUIRED
The coat of the Wire generally requires plucking with the fingers several times each year. In addi­tion to this the dog should be groomed several times a week with brush and comb. For showing even greater levels of grooming will be required. The Smooth can be adequately taken care of with a weekly brushing. Use a rubber brush during moulting to remove dead and loose hairs.

CHARACTER
The Fox Terrier is a very intelligent and cun­ning, hardy, lively, and cheerful dog which is watchful, alert, brave, resolute, and self-confident.

TRAINING
Fox Terriers learn quite quickly. They can be rather stubborn - but that is inherent with all Terriers. Make certain you remain consistent in your training.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
This breed usually gets on well with children. Some Fox Terriers can be rather dominant towards their own kind. Teach the dog when young how to get on with cats and your other household animals so that it will not chase them later. Fox Terriers are ever alert and will go to the attack if there is danger, but they are not unfriendly towards strangers.

EXERCISE
These dogs are bursting with energy and like to be constantly active. It is certain to be keen on activities like agility skills and fly-ball. If you are sportive, then one of the two types of Fox Terrier is the dog for you.