Fox Terrier
A classic British terrier (in smooth and wire varieties) bred to bolt foxes for the hunt, the Fox Terrier is lively, bold and brimming with character. Hardy and relatively low-shedding. It suits owners who'll provide firm training and plenty of activity for a high-energy dog with strong prey and digging drives, and who don't mind a vocal companion.
Fox Terrier scorecard
Overview
The Fox Terrier is a classic British working terrier originally developed to bolt foxes during the hunt. The name covers two closely related types that The Kennel Club recognises as separate breeds: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. They share the same compact, square-built body, alert expression and bold character, differing mainly in coat — one short and dense, the other harsh and wiry. Standing around 36–39 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 7–8 kg, the Fox Terrier is small but never delicate.
Fox Terriers are quintessential terriers: confident, energetic, quick-witted and always ready for action. They were bred to be brave and tenacious underground, and that drive remains strong in the modern dog. For an active owner who enjoys a lively, characterful companion and is prepared to provide firm, consistent training and plenty of exercise, a Fox Terrier can be enormous fun; for a quiet household wanting an easy, low-key pet, the breed’s energy and independence can be a challenge.
Good to know — a Fox Terrier is flat-friendly and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
Fox Terriers were developed in England, where terriers were long used by hunts to flush foxes that had gone to ground. By the nineteenth century a recognisable fox-terrier type had emerged, prized for gameness, stamina and a predominantly white coat that made the dog easy to distinguish from the quarry in poor light. The Smooth Fox Terrier was among the earliest breeds to be shown and was one of the first to be recorded in the early stud books, while the Wire Fox Terrier rose to great prominence in the show ring through the later nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The two coat types were once regarded as varieties of a single breed and were interbred, but The Kennel Club now registers the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers as distinct breeds within the Terrier group. The Wire in particular became one of the most successful and recognisable show dogs of its era, and the breed’s sharp outline and confident stance remain instantly familiar today.
Temperament & family fit
Fox Terriers are bold, lively and full of character. Bred to work independently underground, they are confident, curious and often fearless, with a strong sense of their own importance. They tend to be affectionate and playful with their families and can be very good with children when raised with them, though their busy, boisterous nature means interactions with young children should be supervised.
True to their terrier heritage, Fox Terriers have a powerful prey drive and a tendency to dig, chase and investigate. They can be assertive with other dogs, particularly of the same sex, and small furry pets are rarely a safe combination. They are alert and will readily bark to announce visitors or anything unusual, which makes them good watchdogs but means barking can become excessive without management. Early socialisation helps them grow into confident, well-mannered adults rather than reactive ones.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Fox Terriers are intelligent and quick to learn, but they are also independent and easily bored, which can make them a handful for a first-time owner. They respond best to short, varied, reward-based sessions that keep them engaged, and to consistent boundaries set kindly but firmly from puppyhood. Recall is a particular priority and a particular challenge: the breed’s strong prey drive means that, once a scent or movement catches its attention, a Fox Terrier may ignore commands, so reliable off-lead freedom can be hard to achieve and secure areas are safest.
Teaching a solid “leave it”, managing digging by providing acceptable outlets, and rewarding calm behaviour all help. Harsh methods tend to backfire with such a spirited dog; UK welfare organisations recommend positive, reward-based training, which suits the breed’s sensitivity to fairness and its quick mind.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Fox Terrier typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Grooming needs differ between the two coats. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a short, dense coat that is easy to maintain with regular brushing and seasonal shedding. The Wire Fox Terrier’s harsh, wiry coat requires more work: it is traditionally hand-stripped several times a year to keep its texture and colour, and many pet owners have it clipped instead, which is simpler but softens the coat over time. Both types benefit from routine ear checks, nail trimming and regular tooth brushing to support dental health.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality food suited to the dog’s age, size and activity level, following the manufacturer’s feeding guide and adjusting to keep the dog in lean, healthy condition. Active Fox Terriers burn energy readily, but treats still add up, so portion control and limiting extras help prevent weight gain. Fresh water should always be available, and any dietary change should be introduced gradually. As with all dogs, monitoring body condition and consulting your vet about the right diet is the safest approach.
Fox Terrier health & costs
Before bringing a Fox Terrier home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£250–400 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£15–32 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
Fox Terriers are generally hardy, robust little dogs with a typical lifespan of around 12–15 years. As with all pedigree breeds, however, there are some inherited and breed-associated conditions to be aware of, and choosing a breeder who carries out relevant health testing reduces the risk. The Kennel Club and breed clubs provide guidance on recommended health schemes for the Smooth and Wire Fox Terrier.
Eye conditions, certain orthopaedic problems and some inherited disorders have been reported in the breed. Routine preventive care — vaccination, parasite control, dental care and regular vet checks — together with sensible exercise and weight management, supports a long, healthy life. Prospective owners should ask breeders about the health of the parents and any testing carried out.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Primary lens luxation (PLL) — an inherited eye condition seen in some terrier breeds where the lens dislocates and can cause pain and loss of sight; DNA testing is available.
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps can occur in the breed and may cause intermittent lameness.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease — a hip condition affecting the femoral head, reported in small terriers, that can cause lameness in young dogs.
- Deafness — congenital deafness can occur, particularly associated with predominantly white coats.
- Cataracts and other eye conditions — reported in the breed; eye examinations are advised.
- Skin allergies — some Fox Terriers are prone to skin irritation and allergic conditions.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Fox Terrier; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Fox Terrier puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Fox Terrier
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Lively, bold and full of character
- Hardy and relatively low-shedding
Things to consider
- High energy with strong prey and digging drives
- Needs firm training and can be vocal
Compare the Fox Terrier
See how the Fox Terrier measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Wire and Smooth Fox Terrier?
The Fox Terrier name covers two closely related types that The Kennel Club recognises as separate breeds: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. They share the same compact, square body, alert expression and bold character, differing mainly in coat. The Smooth has a short, dense coat, while the Wire has a harsh, wiry coat that is traditionally hand-stripped.
How big is a Fox Terrier?
Fox Terriers are small but never delicate, standing around 36 to 39 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 7 to 8 kg. They have a compact, square-built body developed to be brave and tenacious enough to bolt foxes underground during the hunt.
What is a Fox Terrier's temperament like?
Fox Terriers are bold, lively and full of character: confident, curious and often fearless, with a strong sense of their own importance. They are typically affectionate and playful with their families and can be very good with children raised alongside them. True to their terrier heritage, they have a powerful prey drive and a tendency to dig, chase and bark.
Are Fox Terriers good with cats and small pets?
Generally no. Fox Terriers have a powerful prey drive bred for working underground, so small furry pets are rarely a safe combination. They can also be assertive with other dogs, particularly of the same sex. They suit homes without cats or small pets, and any interactions need very careful management.
Are Fox Terriers easy to train?
They are intelligent and quick to learn, but also independent and easily bored, which can make them a handful for a first-time owner. They respond best to short, varied, reward-based sessions and consistent, kind boundaries. Recall is a particular challenge: once a scent or movement catches their attention they may ignore commands, so secure areas are safest off-lead.
How much exercise does a Fox Terrier need?
This is an energetic breed needing plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Provide good walking, play and the chance to explore, alongside games that channel terrier instincts such as scent games and puzzle feeders. A bored, under-exercised Fox Terrier is far more likely to bark, dig and become destructive, so consistent activity is essential.
How long do Fox Terriers live?
Fox Terriers are generally hardy, robust little dogs with a typical lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. As with all pedigree breeds there are some inherited conditions, including eye and certain orthopaedic problems, so choose a breeder who carries out the health testing recommended by The Kennel Club and breed clubs.
Do Fox Terriers bark a lot?
They can. Fox Terriers are alert and will readily bark to announce visitors or anything unusual, which makes them good watchdogs but means barking can become excessive without management. Plenty of exercise, mental stimulation and rewarding calm behaviour all help keep barking in check.
Are Fox Terriers good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Fox Terriers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Fox Terrier need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Fox Terrier needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Fox Terriers shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Fox Terriers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Fox Terriers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Fox Terriers bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Fox Terriers good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Fox Terriers suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Fox Terrier can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Fox Terrier (Smooth) breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/terrier/fox-terrier-smooth/
- The Kennel Club — Fox Terrier (Wire) breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/terrier/fox-terrier-wire/
- RSPCA — Dog welfare and choosing a dog: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
- PDSA — Dog care and weight advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-dogs
- Blue Cross — Dog training and behaviour advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/training-and-behaviour
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.