Fox Terriers are one of the most recognizable dog breeds, and their adorable faces are sure to melt hearts. With their distinctive orange and white coats, it's no wonder why they're a popular choice as pets.
Their small size, typically weighing between 15 and 18 pounds, makes them a great fit for city living or families with smaller homes. Fox Terriers are also known for their energetic and playful personalities, which require regular exercise and attention.
Despite their small stature, Fox Terriers are intelligent and curious dogs that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. This can be achieved through training and interactive toys, which will keep them engaged and happy.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet for busy owners.
Grooming and Care
The Smooth Fox Terrier's short, dense coat requires regular brushing, ideally 2-3 times a week, to remove debris and prevent matting.
Establish a dental hygiene routine early on to prevent problems like gum disease and tooth loss, which can arise from neglecting your dog's teeth.
Check your Smooth Fox Terrier's ears weekly and clean them as needed with a solution made for dogs or ear wipes.
Their fast-growing nails need regular trimming to prevent overgrowth, and if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, your vet or groomer can help.
Grooming
The Smooth Fox Terrier requires regular grooming to stay healthy and happy. They shed, but not excessively, and need a good brush through their coat a couple of times a week.
Their short yet dense coat can accumulate debris, so it's essential to brush it at least weekly, especially during spring and fall when shedding is heaviest.
Establishing a dental hygiene routine early on will help your Smooth Fox Terrier get comfortable with having their teeth brushed. This will prevent problems like gum disease and tooth loss down the road.
Checking their ears weekly and cleaning them as needed with a dog-specific solution or ear wipes will keep them clean and healthy.
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Owning a Smooth
A smooth coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, which can be painful for your pet.
Brushing your smooth-coated dog daily can help distribute skin oils and prevent dryness.
Daily brushing also helps remove loose hair and prevents shedding.
Regular grooming sessions can be a great bonding experience for you and your pet.
Temperament and Intelligence
Smooth Fox Terriers are full of energy and have a friendly, outgoing personality. They're affectionate and love to be around people.
Their independent streak can sometimes make them mischievous and sly, so experienced owners are a must. They're highly intelligent and can be trained with patience and consistency.
These little dogs are vocal and will bark to alert you to anything out of the ordinary, making them excellent watchdogs. Their barking can become a nuisance if not properly trained, so early training is a good idea.
Their constant vigilance can be both a blessing and a curse, but it's a trait that makes them loyal and protective of their families.
Appearance
The Fox Terrier's appearance is quite distinctive. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a short, hard coat that's predominantly white. It measures 14-15.5 inches at the withers and weighs between 15-19 pounds.
The Wire Fox Terrier, on the other hand, has a hard and crisp double coat with a coarse texture underneath that provides protection from the cold. Both breeds have similar features, including small dark eyes and v-shaped ears.
Here's a comparison of the two breeds' heights and weights:
Small
Small dogs can be quite a delight to have as pets. The Fox Terrier is a great example of a small sized dog, coming in two varieties: Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier.
Their compact size makes them a great fit for city living or smaller homes.
Smooth
The Smooth Fox Terrier has a short, hard coat which is predominantly white. Its head is long and wedge shaped, with small, dark eyes and v-shaped ears.
This breed's coat is one of its most distinctive features. It's short and hard, which makes it easy to maintain.
The Smooth Fox Terrier measures 14–15.5 inches at the withers, and weighs between 15–19 pounds. That's a relatively small size for a dog.
Its compact size makes it a great choice for city living or for families with smaller homes.
Wire
The Wire Fox Terrier's coat is quite unique, with a hard and crisp double coat that's perfect for cold weather. This coat is made up of a coarse texture underneath that provides protection from the cold.
The individual hairs should twist, but are not curly, and the coat should be so dense that the skin cannot be seen or felt.
The Wire Fox Terrier's size is relatively small, measuring 14–15.5 inches (36–39 cm) at the withers.
Related reading: Wire Haired Dutch Shepherd
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Fox Terriers like to cuddle?
Yes, Fox Terriers are known to be fond of cuddling, making them a great companion for those who enjoy snuggling with their pets. They also love to show affection in other ways, so be prepared for lots of love and attention.
What are the two types of Fox Terriers?
There are two types of Fox Terriers: Wirehaired and Smooth-haired. They share a similar structure but differ in coat texture and ancestry.
How big is a full grown Fox Terrier?
A full-grown Fox Terrier typically measures 14-15.5 inches in height and weighs between 15-19 pounds.
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