Fox Terrier

History of the Fox Terrier breed

Fox Terriers are natives of the British Isles, originally specializing in catching small burrowing animals and destroying rodents. At the same time, the first mention of these nimble, sonorous dogs, making their way for prey into any crevice, belong to the ancient Roman conquerors and date back to 55 BC. In the XIV century, the British became seriously interested in burrow hunting, which began to attract fox terriers. According to historians, at first the British peers hunted with smooth-haired representatives of this breed, who were born during the crossing of the Old English black-and-tan terrier with greyhound , beagle and bull terrier .

Wire-haired foxes were bred much later (approximately at the end of the XIX century), tying individuals with coarse, wire wool with Welsh terriers. However, despite significant differences in the genotype, both wire-haired and smooth-haired fox terriers continued to be considered the closest relatives. Moreover, for several decades, representatives of both varieties were crossed among themselves in the hope of obtaining high-class offspring.

Fox terriers began to form into an independent breed by the end of the XVIII century, after the English esquires were firmly hooked on fox hunting. Further – more: since 1859, the animals began to storm dog shows, where, by the way, they did not immediately find their niche. Fox terriers reached Russia by the middle of the XIX century, and ten years later the breed was already well-known among French, Italian and Dutch breeders. In 1875, the fearless "conquerors of burrows" had their own standard of appearance, which first provided them with a place in the KC (English Kennel Club), and later – the recognition of other cynological associations.

Video: Fox Terrier

Fox Terrier appearance

Moderation in everything – this is the basic principle that guided breeding specialists in shaping the appearance of a modern fox terrier. Bony, but not rough, stocky, but not squat, these mobile sturdy men represent a real example of stateliness and hunting elegance. With a relatively small height (up to 39 cm), foxes, however, do not give the impression of decorative sofa pets. Moreover, just the look of the dog already says that you have a strong personality in front of you, to whose heart and mind you will need a special key, and, possibly, a whole set of different-caliber lock picks.

Head

The upper part of the fox terrier's skull is flat, the length of the head and muzzle are approximately the same. The stop is very insignificant, smoothed type.

Jaws

Fox terriers have very strong jaws with a full, scissor bite.

Nose

Lobe of black color, medium size.

Eyes

The fox terrier's eyes are small, rounded, with no noticeable bulge. The iris is colored in a dark shade.

Ears

All fox terriers have small, triangular ears, the tips of which are lowered down towards the cheekbones.

Neck

The neck of a fox terrier is dry, but with a sufficiently developed musculature, gradually thickening towards the trunk.

Housing

The dog's back and loin are short, smooth and muscular. The chest is deep, with convex false ribs.

Legs

The front legs are straight, with long shoulders and elbows looking back. Hind limbs with massive, elongated hips and vertical metatarsals. The paws of the fox terrier are compact, rounded in shape with elastic pads.

Tail

The dog's tail is traditionally docked by 1/3. The exception is the countries of Europe, where this procedure is prohibited by law. The docked tail of the fox terrier should be carried strictly vertically, without falling to the side and twisting.

Wool

Wire-haired fox terriers can boast a lush "fur coat" of coarse, wire-like hair from 2 to 4 cm long. In the smooth-haired variety, the coat is shorter and thicker, and the hairs fit snugly to the body.

Color

The classic fox terrier color type is white with black, black or reddish–brown markings all over the body.

Disqualifying signs

• Blue, coffee and red markings on the coat. The presence of tigrovin.
• Downy wool.
• Depigmented or spotted nose lobe.
• Standing or hanging, like a hound, ears.
• Overshot or undershot.

Fox terrier photos

Fox Terrier character

Fox Terriers are tough nuts who are not so easy to convince that the universe revolves not only around themselves. Having a lively temperament and a huge leadership potential, they will certainly try to suppress the owner with their authority, so it is more expensive not to educate representatives of this breed. As befits dogs "sharpened" for hunting, foxes are energetic, playful and truly unrestrained, which means that they are excellent companions for children's fun.

Curiosity is another typical trait of fox terriers. From puppy age to old age, these weasels will not miss a single suspicious crack without trying to stick their nose into it. As for peaceful coexistence with other four-legged pets, everything depends on the individual qualities of the dog. Some fox terriers have quite a get-along character, so they are able to tolerate cats and other animals next to them. At the same time, desperate fighters who are ready to pat the skin of any fluffy are not so rare among this breed. It is a proven fact that fox terriers show special intolerance towards other dogs and small rodents. In the first they feel rivals, and in the second – easy prey.

Of the specific "hobbies" typical of representatives of this family, it is worth noting the passion for digging holes, stemming from hunting instincts, and racing for any type of transport, starting from a bicycle and ending with a city bus. By the way, in order to dig a pit, a fox terrier does not have to be on the street at all. Deprived of normal walking, an animal will definitely find an alternative solution and simply dig up the laminate or parquet in your apartment. Fox Terriers, who for some reason are not going to become qualified hunters, are easy to convert into first-class watchmen. As practice shows, a heightened sense of ownership in combination with natural fearlessness and barking give very good results.

Education and training

For the most part, fox terriers are not eager to learn, although it is quite possible to raise them to be executive and obedient pets. The main thing is to demonstrate to the animal his own involvement in the process, and then the fox terrier himself will start to go out of his way to please the beloved owner. It is definitely not worth loading a four-legged student too much: classes should be conducted in a lively, playful way and not bother the dog with monotony. To do this, use the element of surprise more often. For example, change commands abruptly. By the way, experienced dog handlers recommend training after the animal has had a good walk. In this case, it is easier for the puppy to concentrate on the instructions of the mentor.

It is very important to teach a fox terrier to curb his hunting instincts and emotions. On walks, the pet should behave more or less restrained and follow the commands of the owner on demand. Of course, from time to time the fox terrier will be "carried away" in the direction of gawking cats, but you should treat such situations with understanding. A dog is not a robot, and from time to time it also needs to let off steam. One of the most important skills that needs to be formed in a puppy is the use of an outdoor toilet. And since fox terriers cope with this wisdom quite easily, then, if desired, they can be taught to relieve themselves on command.

The second useful skill that every fox terrier should acquire is the normal perception of the leash. In parallel, learning to walk on a strap can be carried out with a puppy OKD, since wearing a collar in itself disciplines the pet, restraining its ardor, and therefore facilitates the training process. Given the Foxes' natural passion for carrying objects in their teeth, they can be trained in aportirovka. At the same time, the toys that the animal will bring should not be plastic and hollow, otherwise the fox terrier will quickly gnaw them.

Exhibition individuals are taught to touch from an early age. Fox terrier puppies are stroked on the back and head, pulled by the tail, gradually moving to the formation of the correct stance. It is very desirable to involve outsiders in this case, since in the ring the dog will be interested mainly in strangers, whom she should perceive adequately.

At home, fox terriers also need to instill norms of behavior and restraint. In particular, try not to treat your ward at the moment when you yourself are eating at the table, otherwise very soon he will start climbing on it to eat heartily (yes, foxes are also unusually bouncy). Carefully consider the choice of toys for the baby, because the fox terrier is the dog that loves to generalize everything. Therefore, if you tease the puppy with a rag or napkin, be prepared for the fact that he will see only another toy in the curtains and your trousers.

Hunting with a fox terrier

It is possible and necessary to hunt with a fox terrier, although recently representatives of this breed are considered more as companions and athletes. It is allowed to introduce puppies to burrow hunting from the age of 3 months. The first classes are held in the so–called training hole - a straight, shallow tunnel dug into the ground with an ordinary shovel and covered with a wooden flooring on top. If you do not want to arrange the training "catacombs" yourself, you can go with your pet to some hunting club where similar structures already exist.

To bait a fox terrier on an animal begin at 8-12 months. The object for classes should be medium-sized and not exceed the dog in size and strength, so small foxes and rats are considered optimal options. But it is better to leave the badger bait for a snack when the dog has gained experience and courage. One of the most common mistakes is practicing fox terrier hunting skills on cats. Not only is the method itself a knacker's method, but it also forms an incorrect grip across the trunk of the foxes, which in a real hunt will result in additional injuries for the dog.

Important: the first pritravki are not carried out in a hole, but on the surface of the earth, since in the presence of the owner, the fox terrier behaves bolder. During training in an underground tunnel, the fox terrier may get lost for the first time and not take the beast – this is normal. In such cases, the dog is simply given a little bark at potential prey, after which it is removed from the burrow.

Maintenance and care

In terms of housing claims, fox terriers are practically trouble–free pets, as they perfectly take root both in a private house and in an apartment. The only thing is that city dwellers will have to walk more often and intensively so that they do not have the strength to mess around in their own homes. If the dog lives in a country cottage with a private plot, then he is already happy by definition, since he has more freedom of movement than his apartment relative. However, it is always easier for such a fox terrier to escape by jumping over a low fence. Accordingly, if you bring your ward to the dacha, take care of high fences in advance, which will cool his ardor.

Hygiene

Smooth-haired fox terriers are not as elegant in appearance as their wire-haired relatives, but they are less demanding in terms of care. Smooth-haired foxes are combed once a week with a regular brush, and washed even less often, since their hair has a dirt-repellent property and almost does not get dirty. It will take longer to tinker with wire-haired individuals: 3-4 times a year such fox terriers are trimmed. Dogs, of course, are not enthusiastic about this procedure, so start pinching your pet at 1.5-2 months so that he gets used to it as soon as possible. The hair of wire-haired fox terriers is arranged in such a way that, falling out, it does not fall out, but clings to the rest of the hairs. Accordingly, if the dog is not regularly trimmed, she removes dead hairs herself, combing them with her paws and gnawing with her teeth, at the same time injuring her own skin.

The fox terrier's eyes do not require special attention, but the paws of representatives of this breed are very gentle, therefore they need frequent washing (ideally after each walk) and systematic replenishment with a moisturizer. In addition, you should not get too carried away with cleaning the ears of a fox terrier. Remove only noticeable dirt, specks and sulfur lumps once every two weeks.

Feeding

Fox terriers deal with food in the most merciless way, as a result of which they often overeat and get fat. To prevent this from happening, do not feed your pet treats and get rid of the habit of putting an additive in his bowl. The easiest way to determine the dosage of food is if the basis of the fox terrier's diet is "drying" (super premium or holistic class). With a "straight woman" it is more difficult to calculate the calorie content of one serving, but it is also quite possible.

Permitted foods in the diet of fox terriers:

• beef and lamb;
• beef giblets (boiled only);
• cottage cheese;
• sea fish (fillet);
• chicken egg;
• vegetables and fruits;
• greenery;
• cereals (buckwheat, rice, oatmeal).

Once a week, it is useful for fox terriers to starve a little to clean the intestines, so on fasting days the dog is given only rye crackers, raw carrots and water. Vegetables are present in the menu of the fox terrier, as a rule, in stewed form (with the exception of carrots), but fruits are given to animals only raw.

The puppy's menu is significantly different from the diet of an adult dog. They start feeding the babies while they are not yet weaned from the bitch. In particular, in the first weeks of life, puppies are fed diluted powdered milk with the addition of a small amount of sugar, which is subsequently replaced with semolina porridge. By the end of the first month of life, little fox terriers should get acquainted with the taste of meat, which they are served in a scraped form, as well as taste chicken yolk. Well, 5-week-old puppies can be treated with raw vegetables. As for 3-month-old babies, they should be pampered more often with brain bones and cartilage, since during this period there is an active formation of the puppy skeleton.

Health and diseases of fox terriers

Fox Terriers are not particularly painful, but have a genetic predisposition to certain ailments. This means that, on the one hand, animals can get sick quite seriously, and on the other hand, there are quite healthy individuals among them who visit the veterinarian's office only for the sake of vaccination and ear cleaning.

Typical diseases of fox terriers:

• diabetes;
• Perthes' disease (violation of blood supply to the femoral joint, leading to necrosis of its head);
• distichiasis (eye disease);
• progressive deafness;
• myasthenia gravis;
• epilepsy.

Among other things, fox terriers are susceptible to food allergies and infectious diseases, so you should be extremely careful when introducing new products into the dog's diet, and also do not neglect routine vaccinations.

How to choose a puppy

• Decide who exactly you need – a representative of the exhibition line or a hereditary hunter. There has long been an unspoken division "by profile" among kennels, so looking for show-class puppies from a breeder specializing in working fox terriers is a so–so idea.
• Scrupulously study the pedigree of the kids. If the puppy's parents did not shine at exhibitions, it is unlikely that their offspring will differ in this regard.
• The optimal age for the sale of fox terrier puppies is 1-2 months. If they are trying to sell you a younger representative of the breed, most likely, the breeder has seen some kind of defect in him, which will manifest even more brightly with age. As an option: the owner of the nursery simply saves on the maintenance of his wards, and therefore tries to sell the "live goods" ahead of schedule.
• If you take a fox terrier to go hunting with him in the foreseeable future, pay attention to his behavior. Preference is given to puppies with leadership habits and healthy aggression towards their own kind.
• Ask the owner of the kennel to show you the hunting diplomas of the puppy's parents, if any. Pay special attention to such characteristics as viscosity and malice. If the dog scored 25 or more points for the first quality, and from 20 to 30 points for the second, these are excellent indicators.
• When choosing a future fox hunter, look for a nursery where they adhere to traditions and stop their tails for their wards in the first days of life. The fact is that during the persecution of the beast, this part of the dog's body suffers first of all. Buying a puppy with an uncapped tail and subsequently shortening it yourself is not the best option, since with age this operation is more difficult for the dog to tolerate.

Photos of fox terrier puppies

How much does a fox terrier cost

A fox terrier as a pet can be obtained on average for $150 - $170. The offspring, born from titled parents and promising to prove themselves at exhibitions, goes by $250 - $350. A relatively low price tag is set for adults (approximately up to $170), but it is always risky to buy such a dog, since fox terriers are extremely negative about moving to a new family and are very attached to the first owner, who in 99 cases out of 100 remains the only owner for them for life.