Fox Terriers are a spritely and fun hunting breed. If you’re looking for a companion with no shortage of personality, then look no further than the “Foxie”. Here are some facts about Fox Terriers:

1. They Were Originally Bred For Hunting Foxes

Back in the day, when it was still legal, these small lightning bolts were bred to participate in Britain’s fox hunts. They were designed to be petite, swift, and robust. Their primary directive was to follow foxes deep into their dens and flush them out.

Fox Terriers were bred specifically to have strong hunting, chasing, and digging instincts, which made them perfect for this task. Due to this role, they naturally have a high level of energy and purpose-driven curiosity.

2. Fox Terriers Come In Two Varieties

Fox Terriers come in in two separate varieties – smooth and wire. In 1985, these two variations were officially designated to be two distinct breeds by the American Kennel Club.

Smooth Fox Terrier

Smooth Fox Terriers tend to be white in color with tan or black markings. Their fur is short and their heads are v-shaped. You don’t have to groom them that much, but they do leave tiny white hairs on your clothes and furniture. England’s Kennel Club formally acknowledged Smooth Fox Terriers as the first breed of the Fox Terrier family in 1875.

Wire Fox Terrier

Wire Fox Terriers have much thicker and more textured coats than Smooth Fox Terriers. They don’t shed much, but they do need to be brushed regularly to keep their curls in check.

Their coat gives them a distinct appearance. But, their disposition and demeanor are the same as a Smooth Fox Terrier!

3. They Can Be Overconfident

Foxies are confident little dogs with big personalities. This can also result in big attitudes if they are not carefully well-socialized. They can be prone to “little dog syndrome” and may occasionally forget their stature relative to other creatures.

Their hunting disposition and determined dispositions can mean that they challenge dogs that are twice their size and strength. This overconfidence, mixed with their hunting instinct and determination, can get them into trouble if you don’t monitor them around other animals.

Overall, they are very friendly if trained and socialized properly. But, it’s important to keep in mind that they are hunting dogs by nature and that you need to be intentional about socializing them and not letting them get away with aggressive behavior just because they are a small dog.

4. Fox Terriers Require Frequent Exercise

In Victorian-era England, they would have burned off all their pent-up energy chasing foxes. These days, you have to be more intentional and it is essential that they get plenty of exercise outdoors.

Fox Terriers get easily bored when they are unattended and will use that extra energy to demolish furniture, bark excessively, or discover new fun means to get out of the yard. These are signs that your dog is bored and not getting enough exercise.

Going for a run, chasing a ball, or playing in the backyard will help get your dog moving. You can also teach them new tricks or new games to engage their mind. Also, creating a dog-friendly backyard can help give them some space to run and keep them from escaping.

5. They Tend To Chase Everything

One of the facts about Fox Terriers is that they tend to chase everything. Although these dogs no longer go on fox hunts, their hunting instinct and urge to chase is still strong. And, almost anything that moves is fair game. This includes rodents, squirrels, birds, and more, but it can also include other dogs, people, and even moving cars.

Because of this strong instinct to chase, it’s important to keep your Foxie securely leashed while you are out and about. At the same time, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas. Although they can learn recall commands, they are likely to ignore them in favor of the chase.

These are only a few facts about Fox Terriers and are only a peek into this razor-sharp, mischievous breed. If you think this could be the right dog breed for you, learn more about them, and then take a look at the available Smooth Fox Terrier puppies. You never know – they could be your new best friend!