Fox Terrier
Overview
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.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Fox Terrier is good with children and generally fine with other dogs. They tend to be a moderate barker, and as a guide they are better with some experience. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Fox Terrier typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, short training games and puzzle or scatter feeding go a long way towards a calm, settled dog. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is low. Brush regularly (a few times a week) to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Fox Terrier should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +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
Is a Fox Terrier right for you?
On space, a Fox Terrier is flat-friendly — they can adapt to a flat as long as they get their daily exercise and company. For experience level, they are better with some experience. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a Fox Terrier
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
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.