Dogs from the Terrier group are a hit wherever they go, and the Fox Terrier is no different. He perfectly represents the dog breeds of this group: he is lively, active, full of energy, skilled and, of course, incredibly cute. Many people even confuse him with the Fox Paulistinha, a Terrier breed originating in Brazil that descends from the crossbreeding of the Fox Terrier with other dogs. In theHowever, these two little dogs are quite different from each other, especially when it comes to coat and physical traits.

The temperament and strong personality of the Fox Terrier breed are other aspects that draw attention: he is a great companion for all hours and can brighten up any place. To learn a little more about the dog, we have prepared an article with everything you need to know before buying or adopting a Fox Terrier dog!

What is the origin of the Fox Terrier dog?

The Fox Terrier - or Terry Fox - is considered one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Just to give you an idea, the little dog originated in Great Britain and has records that prove its existence since the 16th century. The painted picture of Colonel Thornton, from 1790, is an example of this: in it you can see his puppy named Pitch, who looks very similar to the Fox Terrier breed as a dog.we know today.

Although it is a dog that has changed very little over the years, there are at least two variations of it: the hard-coated Fox Terrier and the smooth-coated Fox Terrier. Each was originated by specific crosses that influence the appearance of the coat, but in practice they are two dogs with basically the same characteristics. In 1985, the American Kennel Club recognized each of these animals as breedsseparate, but the Fox Terrier American Club maintains the same standard for both.

Fox Terrier coat types and other physical characteristics

As already mentioned, there can be at least two types of coat in the Fox Terrier: hard or smooth coat. In the first case, the puppy has a denser coat with a rough texture and short, soft undercoat. The shape of the hair tends to be slightly curly. The smooth-haired puppy, on the other hand, has the body covered with a dense, abundant and silky coat, which is more settled.

Regarding the colors of the hair, what is officially recognized is the white Fox Terrier with red, black, brown and/or brindle spots. The predominant color should always be white, but there may be a mixture between two or more colors spread over the animal's body.

The Fox Terrier is a small, compactly shaped and super athletic dog. These puppies can be between 36 and 39 cm tall, and usually weigh between 7 and 9 kg.

Fox Terrier: dog has strong personality but lots of love to give

It doesn't matter what kind of fur they have: inside, every Fox Terrier dog is the same. The breed is mostly known for its strong personality, but that doesn't mean it's a difficult dog to deal with on a daily basis. It just takes a little patience and persistence, because the Fox Terrier tends to be quite stubborn, and often prefers to follow its instinct rather than obey itTo prevent this from happening, the ideal is to invest in training as early as the first year of the dog's life. This way he learns what is right and wrong quickly, avoiding future problems.

Socialization is also a fundamental point in the life of the Fox Terrier breed. Because it has a keen protective instinct, it is naturally suspicious of strangers and does not usually appreciate the presence of other animals as well. If not socialized properly, the chances of the puppy getting into trouble are great, so it is necessary to start this process from an early age so that the Fox Terrier grows upused to different kinds of people and animals.

Even if he is small, this is a dog that is always alert to strange situations and that spares no effort to protect those he loves. It is very noticeable all the love and affection that the Fox Terrier feels for his human family, because he makes a point of being around practically all the time. Super attached to the owner and affectionate, the tutor must reserve a little space in the agenda to dedicate himself to the dog.pet, because he loves to play and run around outdoors. In fact, energy is not lacking in the Fox Terrier dog, right? Spirited and super active, they hardly sit still for long.

Basic care routine for the Fox Terrier breed

- Bathing and brushing:

Dog bathing is important in any pet's routine, but when it comes to the Fox Terrier this care does not need to be as frequent as in other breeds - unless it is very dirty. The indication is, at most, once a month and always with specific products for dogs. Brushing should be done at least once a week to remove dead hair and maintain good quality.In the case of the hard-coated Fox Terrier, regular grooming is also necessary.

- Teeth, nails and ear:

Brushing the dog's teeth is something that needs to be on the dog care list because, just like humans, these animals can also suffer from very unpleasant problems, such as tartar. The ideal is to do oral hygiene at least twice a week. Trimming the dog's nails is also necessary to prevent the Fox Terrier from hurting himself with his long claws. Cleaning the dog's teeth is also necessary.of the ears helps prevent inflammation such as otitis.

- Food:

The Fox Terrier dog is super active, but it has a tendency to obesity and therefore cannot eat a very exaggerated amount of food. The ideal is to follow the recommendations of the veterinarian and always invest in a good quality food - Premium or Super Premium - that will provide all the necessary nutrients to take care of the dog's health, in addition to satiating its hunger more easily. Do not be afraid to eat too much.also forget to choose a feed suitable for the size and age of the animal.

- Physical exercises and space for creation:

The Fox Terrier has plenty of energy to play, jump and run, so it is essential to create a routine with plenty of physical exercise and other activities to meet the needs of the dog. Sports practices are very welcome in the day to day of the animal (especially races), but it is always good to have other options to spend the dog's energy.

As for the space for breeding, there is no mystery: because it is a small breed, the Fox Terrier adapts very well to apartments, as long as they are not too small. Still, the tutor should not leave the walks aside under any circumstances, or the dog may become bored and anxious (and may end up taking it out on the furniture in the house).

What do you need to know about Fox Terrier health?

In general, the Fox Terrier dog breed is quite healthy and has no genetic predisposition to any specific disease. What can happen is that, in some cases, the dog suffers from hip dysplasia, which causes a strong discomfort and impairs the animal's locomotion. Eye problems, such as cataracts, can also arise as the Fox Terrier gets older, so the ideal is tohave regular check-ups with a veterinarian.

Another important point is the vaccination schedule, which should not be delayed. The vaccine for dogs is a way to prevent several serious diseases, and should be reinforced annually. In addition, dewormers and anti-parasitic drugs should also be part of the Fox Terrier's routine.

Fox Terrier: puppy price can reach R$ 5 thousand

It's impossible not to fall in love with the Fox Terrier breed, but if you're thinking of getting one of these dogs to call your own, it's important to keep in mind that the price of a puppy will vary according to its coat type. The hard-coated Fox Terrier tends to be a little more expensive, with a price that can range from R$ 2,000 to R$ 5,000; the smooth-coated one can be found for R$ 1,000 to R$ 1,000.Other factors that can also influence the price variation are the sex, hair color and lineage of the animal.

In addition, it is necessary to take special care with the choice of the kennel. Always look for a place with good references and that is committed to the welfare of animals. A good tip is to look for reviews from other customers or even make some visits before making the purchase of the Fox Terrier. This way you get to know the space better and make sure you are not going to finance a placethat mistreats animals.

Another option is animal adoption, which helps save the lives of countless dogs who have been abandoned and are looking for a home. There are dogs of all ages, sizes and types, and the love they offer is unparalleled. However, before deciding to buy or adopt a dog, do not forget that this is a responsibility that you carry for the rest of your life and that requires time, dedication anda lot of care, as well as monthly expenses.