Thinking of having a fox terrier as a pet? If you are a lover of this breed, you probably already know that it was initially used to get the foxes out of their lair during hunting days. From that role not only the name of the fox terriers was derived, but also the loyal, bold, and adventurous personality that characterizes them.

If you are wanting to take one of these at home, be sure to take a look at the content that we offer you in this article because it is not enough to know that it is a sociable and playful dog. As a future owner, there are other important details about the fox terrier’s temperament that you should take into account.

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Fox terrier temperament

The Fox Terrier is said to be one of the most curious, intense, and impulsive of the terriers; some even think that it is the most curious among all the races. He is tirelessly active, and playful, and has a particular passion for chasing the ball. He seldom walks when he can run.

He is an alert, lively, intelligent dog and prone to mischief. Keep in mind that he is a charming but cunning breed; the fox terrier can tease you and make you laugh at his pranks. Likewise, his vigilant nature makes him an excellent watchdog, although he can sometimes behave like a petty thief himself.

The 6 general traits that define fox terrier character are:

Activity level

They are active and impetuous dogs that love to be outdoors running from one place to another. They are highly energetic; They need 30 to 45 minutes of vigorous exercise each day. When they don’t get a chance to burn off their natural energy, they can become destructive or nuisance thieves.

To keep it outdoors, it is advisable to keep it on a leash or in a safe, preferably supervised, yard. Remember that he is a fast, agile, and independent hunter; His wits and relentless hunting instincts can get him over or under the fence. They love toys and balls, and they love playing in the water, as well as tunneling and digging.

The key is exercise, exercise, and more exercise. A tired fox terrier is a good fox terrier. Unfortunately, it is very likely that you feel tired before he does.

Instincts

They have a strong hunter instinct and their reflexes are extremely fast. Small animals running around won’t get very far. The fox terrier has acute vision and hearing. You can count on it giving you warning signs if something has happened or is about to happen.

Socialization and interaction with other animals

Outgoing and inquisitive, Fox Terriers are very friendly with people, but will not hesitate to pick fights with other dogs. This means that they are not great candidates to take to the dog park.

Like the rest of the breeds, these terriers need early socialization, that is, exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences from when they are young. This will make your puppy grow into a balanced and confident adult dog.

Being energetic, intelligent, and reckless in character, they relate best to active owners who are strong, dependable, and consistent leaders. He can be stubborn, has a wicked sense of humor, and takes advantage if allowed.

Fox terriers are loud and bold with other animals. Know that they will not back down if challenged, and may even do much of the challenge themselves. They can also be possessive of their food and prized toys.

They can bond well with dogs and cats if they were raised with them from puppyhood, but they are not the best choice for households with pets like rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs. These animals are too similar to their usual prey type, so it is not certain that they are in the environment of a fox terrier.

Socializing with children

These dogs have the spirit of a child, so it is not uncommon for them to love playing with them, but keep in mind that they are too active for children under 6 or 7 years old.

High-pitched voices and a tendency to run from little ones can make them look like potential prey, prompting the fox terrier to bite enthusiastically. This breed’s natural tendency to guard its food and toys can also be a problem.

As in all cases, it is always advisable to teach children how to approach and touch it. Supervise any interaction between them to avoid biting and scratching. Never leave small children alone with a fox terrier.

Intelligence

Because it is so intelligent, the fox terrier shows cunning, willful, agile, but at the same time obedient behavior. He can learn tricks very easily and, like most terrier-type dogs, needs consistent and firm (not rigorous) training methods.

You should provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent him from resorting to destructive behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing, digging, or chasing other animals.

Can be an excellent watchdog. This breed takes the job of protecting its home and family very seriously. You can count on your fox terrier to sound the alarm if he hears or sees something wrong in his territory.

Care requirements

Although it has an outgoing and self-assured temperament, the Fox Terrier requires attention from its owner, especially due to the requirement for daily physical activity. This need increases as your dog reach adulthood, at which point you need to give him enough attention and encouragement to keep him out of trouble.

It is not a good idea to leave a fox terrier alone for very long periods of time.

6 tips and information of interest

Fox terriers like to eat a lot, which is why they are prone to being overweight. Make sure to monitor their food intake and provide regular exercise to keep them fit.
They tend to bark quite a bit and their barks are typically high-pitched.

They are prone to chasing rabbits, birds, cats, and even other dogs. Make sure to keep your fox terrier on a leash when he’s not in a secure area.
They are escape artists; they can jump higher than you think. It is normal for them to dig holes and try to escape from your yard. It’s a good idea to check the fence periodically to make sure you haven’t been digging an exit route.
They are prone to growling if they feel you are unfairly correcting them. It’s not a good idea to get physically involved in making a correction.

Fox terriers are a fairly rare breed. If you’re trying to buy a puppy, it may be difficult to find a good breeder, and even when you do find one, you may have to wait several months for a litter to be born.

Can the behavior vary according to the type of fox terrier? Soft-haired (vs) Wire-haired

As the name suggests, the main difference between the two types of fox terriers lies in the characteristics of the coat. As far as behavior and personality are concerned, we can say that both dogs are practically the same and maintain the typical features of the breed.

They are bold, playful, and mischievous. They are excellent guard dogs, they have a high hunting instinct and require daily activity; they fit very well into the lifestyle of active families. They are usually affectionate and protective, but they are not the best choice as a pet for young children.1

What about the personality of the toy fox terrier?

The toy fox terrier was developed by crossing the smooth-haired fox terrier with other toy breeds to reduce its size. His temperament is a hybrid between classic terrier characteristics and toy traits: he is fearless and courageous like a terrier, but enjoys the company and pampering that a toy dog receives.

This dog bonds deeply with the people he loves and insists on being treated like a member of the family, which in many cases includes sleeping on the bed. It is an excellent option as a pet, especially if you are a first-time dog owner.

He’s a small dog, but he doesn’t feel like one. He is likely to challenge other much larger dogs. Being a terrier, his natural hunting instinct does not make him a good companion for other small pets in the home, such as hamsters and mice.

Unlike the original Fox Terrier, the Toy Fox Terrier does not need as much vigorous activity to stay happy and balanced. When it is not possible to go for a walk outside, playing indoors with a ball may be enough.

It is an intelligent and highly trainable animal; Captures new behaviors quickly and easily. All you need is treats and lots of praise.

Due to their cuddly and affectionate nature, most toy fox terriers prefer to share a bed with their owner, but jumping from such a height can cause fractures, especially when they are puppies. Teaching them to sleep in their own bed on the floor is a safer option.

Is this the right breed for you?

Taking into account all the information available about the character of this dog, here are the general questions you should ask yourself before deciding if the fox terrier is the most suitable pet:

Can you provide him with regular opportunities to discharge his energy and occupy his mind? Taking a walk around the block is not enough exercise.
Do you have any other pets in the home? It is not a good option to bring a fox terrier home if you already have a cat, a rabbit, or a hamster.

Is your yard secure enough to prevent it from escaping? It is important to have high fences, security fences, and doors with locks of the highest quality.
Can you tolerate high-pitched barking or do you have neighbors who might be annoyed by this? The Fox Terrier is prone to barking at anything that appears or sounds in its environment.
Could you deal with the stubborn behavior of this breed? They can sometimes be dominant and stubborn dogs.

Are there small children at home? Many terriers are quick to react to careless handling by young children, such as an accidental pinch on the ears, a tug on the whiskers, or a stomp on the paws.