Fox Terrier about the breed. Fox Terrier dog: description, external standard, care. Home behavior

Fox Terrier breed is a hunting dog breed. They were bred specifically for hunting certain animals, which is why they have a peculiar character and habits.

It is better to start them for hunting, but if you like the dog so much that you want to have such a friend at home, you need to be ready for education and long walks, during which the pet must realize his hunting instincts.

The history of the breed

The origin of the breed is lost in legends, fox terrier dogs lead the genealogy according to different versions from wild relatives or from crossing of terriers and small hounds.

The breed began to form in the 18th century and by the end became very popular not only among hunters, but also among ordinary dog ​​lovers.

Kinds

Fox terriers are of two types - wire-haired and short-haired.

In Wire-haired Terriers, the coat is coarse, coarse, thick and soft undercoat is shorter than the hair of the main coat.

In Smooth Fox Terriers, the coat is straight, smooth and tight-fitting to the body, it must be present on the belly and inner thighs.

The standard appearance of a fox terrier is white with red or black spots, or tricolor. According to the breed standard, fox terriers have a wedge-shaped head, small, deep-set eyes, and medium limb length. The front legs are closely spaced, the hind legs are wide.

The tail is docked for dogs.

The fox terrier's character is very lively and excitable. Dogs are very intelligent, with a developed intellect and a sense of hierarchy, so the owner should show himself as a leader from the very beginning of raising a fox terrier puppy.

Dogs have pronounced hunter instincts, curious, interested in everything, restless. If the dog is not properly trained, in everyday life such instincts can harm the environment.

Fox will rush around the house, spoil furniture, dig holes in the floor, bark loudly, so in addition to education, he needs to be given the opportunity to satisfy his interests as much as necessary during a walk.

A distinctive feature of this breed is the need to bark even in well-bred dogs.

Raising a dog

If the fox terrier is taught from childhood the habits of a well-bred dog, it will become good friend and a companion. He loves all members of the family in which he lives, but he can be a little rude with children, so you cannot leave him alone with the smallest in order to avoid problems.

Dogs of this breed are good guards, since, having hunting instincts, they hear well the approach of a stranger and raise a bark.

Fearless little foxes easily get into fights with large dogs and hunt small ones, so it is quite difficult to keep them in a family with other pets.

Fox terrier training has its own characteristics. It is necessary to pay special attention to training to the toilet on the street; in the process of training, you can use a code word that the puppy remembers.

During training, a dog of this breed should not be beaten and cruel. Training can be started at three months old and on an empty stomach, so that the dog learns the science better.

In the process of learning, you need to clearly set the boundaries of what is possible and what is not. Later, when the puppy grows up, they begin to train him as a hunting dog, giving the opportunity to develop instincts in a burrow made by human hands.

Dog grooming

Grooming for fox terriers includes brushing for smooth-haired dogs and plucking for non-shedding wire-haired dogs. Dogs are rarely bathed, as they dry for a long time due to the thick undercoat.

It is also necessary to periodically brush your teeth, examine and clean your ears.

Fox Terriers are in good health, so they don't need any special care. At the same time, the dog needs balanced diet in order to live an active and happy life without disease.

You can feed this breed with forage and home-cooked food. Feed should be selected for medium size. It is very important that the dog has a clean drinking water, especially if it consumes dry food.

Sometimes a pet can be arranged fasting days on raw vegetables and croutons.

If you cook a homemade menu for a pet, then it must be selected carefully, taking into account the characteristics of the breed. Meat is the staple food. Sometimes meat can be substituted for boneless fish.

Fermented milk products have a very good effect on the health of an adult dog, milk can only be for small puppies. The cereals from which the porridge is made contain fiber, which is good for the pet's digestion.

Greens, herbs and vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals needed to maintain physical activity and health. Tubular and sharp bones, fatty, sweet and smoked are contraindicated.

Breed classes

Fox terriers are usually divided into three classes.

The lowest class, these are puppies and dogs from pedigree parents, with small non-pedigree traits and nuances that are noticeable only to specialists. These dogs are cheaper and can make great companions and family members.

The middle class are dogs with pedigree from pedigree parents, which are suitable for demonstration at shows, but do not have excellent data to become champions.

And the highest class is the dogs and puppies that have the best data. They are used to improve the breed, knit, puppies are born in girls-dogs.

They need special attention and a lot of time, so if the owner is not interested in the development of the breed, it is better to choose from the first two classes. According to the classes, the price of fox terrier puppies also fluctuates.

Fox terrier photo

Wire-haired Fox Terrier is an amazing fidget that combines boundless curiosity and ingenuity, independence and unbreakable devotion to the owner. Like any bright personality, he is able to deliver a lot of trouble, but friendship with this cheerful prankster is worth it.

A brief description of:

Something from history

Like all terriers bred to British isles for hunting, the wire-haired fox terrier is a distant descendant of the so-called "peat dog" that lived in these parts in ancient times. English hunters of the Middle Ages used "earthen dogs" for baiting foxes and badgers, not paying much attention to the selection of individual varieties.

The general requirements put forward to the terriers were health, agility, ease of maintenance and fearlessness, which allows without hesitation to dive into the hole after the animal and engage in battle with it.

Only by the end of the 18th century did the Fox Terriers acquire their external features, which defined them as a separate breed. The division into and wire-haired occurred even later, in the second half of the 19th century.

Breed standard

The entire description of the Wirehaired Fox Terrier speaks of its endurance and good health - it is a proportionally built, bony dog ​​with well-developed muscles. The height at the withers ─ from 34 to 40 cm, it is approximately equal to the length of the body.

The long, dry head with a flat forehead tapers towards the eyes and nose. The length of the muzzle and skull is approximately the same. The transition from the muzzle to the forehead is insignificant and barely noticeable. The jaws are strong, with a scissor bite and rather large teeth.

Small triangular ears hang from the cartilage, pointing towards the front. They are set high and close to each other, prominently rising above the skull line.

The nose is black in all colors. The eyes are deep-set, set somewhat obliquely and not too wide. Like the eyelids, they are dark in color.

Correct Fox stats by standard.

The body is characterized by a narrow but deep chest, a short, strong back, wide strong loins and croup. The withers are well defined and exceed the height at the back by at least 1.5 cm. The neck is dry and rather long, but does not disturb the general proportions.

The tail (and ears) of the Fox Terrier were previously docked. Due to this, most of the Russian show-livestock now remains "as is". However, this did not greatly affect the aesthetics of the breed: the tail was previously left rather long (at least a third), so the problems of kinks and "pig tails" of the Fox were bypassed.

Strong forelegs appear straight when viewed from all sides. The elbows are directed strictly backward, not twisting to the sides when moving. Fingers with tight pads, tightly compressed into a neat lump.

The hind legs are strong. They are widely spaced and parallel when viewed from the rear; when viewed from the side, they are set quite far back. The thighs are long and well muscled. The lower legs are of medium length.

The coat is dense, very coarse, like a wire, with a short dense undercoat. Average length it reaches 2.5 cm. Each hair has a characteristic break in the last third of the length, which allows the wool to fit better, creating a dense protective layer that prevents moisture and cold penetration.

Fox Terriers are white with red or black spots, or both at the same time. Sometimes there are also completely white foxes.

American version of the breed.

Care features

The harsh coat of the fox terrier is not subject to seasonal shedding, which frees the owners from the need to spend hours collecting pieces of fluff left by their pet on carpets and furniture. But at the same time, such an outfit requires careful maintenance ─ in addition to combing, every 4-6 months the pet needs trimming. During this procedure, the old wool is plucked, which favorably affects the quality of the new one.

Replacing trimming with a haircut leads to a noticeable deterioration in the condition of the coat: it inevitably loses its protective properties, and it doesn’t matter either ─ like soft, shine-free fluff.

For an inexperienced owner, the best solution would be to entrust such a procedure to a specialist, but later you can learn how to do it yourself.

Temperament and behavior

It is difficult to describe the nature of the fox terrier in a nutshell ─ each of them has such outstanding personal qualities. He is a playful mischievous person, a tireless sportsman and a gambling hunter, but he is also an affectionate sucker and a devoted friend.

The dog will always find something to entertain the owner: today it is a fun ball game, tomorrow ─ catch-up called "Come on, this is mine !!!" you can think of fun! (For more on this topic, see the video at the end of the article.)

Perhaps the only things that the fox terrier does not tolerate are laziness and violence.

Note to future owners

• If the owner does not pay enough attention to the active walks of the pet, he will figure out how to occupy himself even in a cramped apartment, but the owners will have to say goodbye to the renovation ... And with many necessary things too. To lie quietly in a corner and wait for another leisurely walk on a leash is not for Fox;
• Fox Terriers are loyal and loving creatures, but this does not exclude the presence of a share of pride in their character. The tactics of coercion and suppression of will in raising these bully is a direct path to mistrust and aggression on the part of a pet.

However, Foxes masterfully find weaknesses in the character of the people around them and, getting used to dictating their own rules, they easily sit on the head of all family members.

It is very difficult to dethrone them later from this pedestal, the warlike temperament of the terriers does not allow them to surrender without a fight. Therefore, along with delicacy, the owner will need a steady hand to be able to put the arrogant pet in place in time.

Training and sports

Fox terriers are great athletes. They have all the makings for mastering a variety of activities that require reaction speed, agility, endurance, fast running. The owners are offered courses in canicross, dog-frisbee, agility, competitions, entertainment and relay races held within and between the breed.

Hunting and competitions associated with it, such as baiting an animal, are also included in the range of possible activities.

Thanks to his cleverness, Fox can easily pass the standards for various courses of obedience ─ OKD, "Dog in the City", or obedience. He will easily and enthusiastically dance freestyle with the owner, and if he is taught this.

Fox Terrier and household

This breed is a great option for a family with children, where they are accustomed to fun fussing, noisy entertainment, walks in nature. The mischievous Fox will take part in all this mess with pleasure, but only under the supervision of adults, due to his overly independent nature.

His friendship with cats and other animals is hampered by the hunting instinct, which turns any small living creatures into potential prey.

The ebullient energy of the wire-haired fox terrier makes him "easy to climb": he is ready to start playing and fooling around at any second, but sometimes this activity is so absorbing that he cannot stop in time ─ it is so difficult to control himself when the fun has just begun! Therefore, lovers of silence. especially for the elderly, such a neighborhood will not be to their liking, and this must be taken into account when starting a puppy.

Very often this "It" comes back from a walk ...

The presence of a garden where you can rush headlong and dig holes is a big plus in keeping such an active dog, but the flower beds and beds will inevitably suffer and ultimately cease to exist. In view of this, when purchasing a puppy, it would be more prudent to immediately choose one thing ─ either a hunting dog or a flower bed.

Fox Terrier loves all members of his family, without exception, but the main person in his life is his master, leader and master. It will be a person who has managed to earn the respect and trust of the pet. Most likely it will be a family member who devotes the most time to communication with him, upbringing and training, and certainly - having a strong character.

When deciding to have a puppy, it is very important to determine in advance who will take on the main responsibilities. If it turns out that none of the family has enough time for this, it is better to postpone the purchase. A fox terrier cannot be "shared"; instead, it will be just an ill-mannered and moody flatmate.

A very good description of the nature of the breed is in the video from our channel. This is a kind of video diary of the owner of a wire-haired fox terrier, in which successfully edited moments from life give an idea of ​​these dogs better than any words.

Typical diseases

Wirehaired Fox Terriers cannot be called painful or weak, but there are several diseases that are characteristic of this breed of dog and are predominantly hereditary:

• cataract;
• epilepsy;
• hearing impairment;
• violation of blood supply to the head of the tibia ─ Legg-Calve-Perthes syndrome;
• myasthenia gravis;
• diabetes.

There is only one way to avoid such diseases in your pet - to carefully choose a puppy and purchase it from a reliable breeder, making sure of the health of the parents. You can never rely on chance in this matter, even if the puppies "without documents, for the soul" are as cute as in the kennel, and the difference in price is significant.

The end of the 19th century was marked by the fact that mankind learned about a new breed - Fox Terriers. Great Britain became the homeland of such animals. Here for the first time at a separate exhibition a dog of this breed was presented. It is believed that the first representative was named a peat dog.

The breed appeared after crossing several representatives of terriers: smooth-haired black-endten, white English (today this breed does not exist), wire-haired black and tan. During the formation of the breed, they also "mixed" "dachshunds, bull terriers, spaniels, including beagles. The main purpose of breeding this breed was to obtain an aggressive, hunting dog. She had to show her unfriendly disposition towards rats, foxes, any other small predators. The color of the pet was envisaged, which contrasted sharply with the shade of the fur of the game. This condition was mandatory so that one could easily distinguish the fox terrier from another animal during the hunt.

According to historical information, even in the 16th century during the reign of Caesar, similar dogs were seen. The Romans first saw strange, huge animals when they found themselves on the land of Albion. They hunted game by penetrating deep into burrows. This aroused great interest among the warriors. In the future, the fox terriers began to be improved, for which representatives of other breeds were used.

For many years, these dogs were bred for practical purposes - hunting underground. Translated from Latin, the full name means - earthen fox. Therefore, these animals were intended only for hunting foxes underground. The first representatives of the breed had a large, rough physique, a wide head, located on a short neck. For the British, this breed of dog was special. Thanks to these animals, fox hunting competitions were organized. It was not just a hobby, but a national sport, a universal hobby.

After the official recognition of the breed, it was decided to divide the fox terriers into two types: wire-haired and smooth-haired. The breed standard remained the same. Preference was given more to smooth-haired pets, which were considered a certain elite of the breed.

In the old days, huge fox terriers were discarded and not used for further breeding. Thanks to this decision, over time, a new type of breed appeared, in which the head was narrow, the ears were small, and the neck was elongated. In addition, in modern dogs, the shoulders have become narrower, the distance between the shoulder blades has decreased.

Dogs with coarse coats are now the clear leaders in terms of their popularity and numbers, rather than their sleek brethren. Pets are distinguished by great physical strength. They are capable of attacking another animal, whose weight and height exceeds their own.

Outwardly, these are elegant dogs with a beautiful physique. Males of this breed can weigh 7.3-8.2 kg, and females - 6.8-7.7 kg. The growth of the pet at the withers should not exceed 39.5 cm. The eyes of the animal are deep-set, rounded and small in size. The ears are small, presented in a triangular shape, stand out with a certain thickness, hang forward to the cheeks. In animals, there is a smooth transition from the forehead to the muzzle. Fox Terriers have a well-defined, muscular neck that extends towards the shoulders. The back of the dogs is straight, strong, but short. The chest is not wide and deep. The tail of the dog is straight, set high. The paws of the animal are round, compact, small in size. The limbs are strong enough, muscular, elongated.

The coat of fox terriers attracts attention with its density and rigidity. It fits snugly to the body of the animal. The belly and inner thighs are also covered with thick hair. It can be presented in different shades. But the white color should prevail. There are representatives of the breed with variegated, red spots on the coat.

By their temperament, Fox Terriers are very agile, playful and generous dogs. They resemble English gentlemen in that they can display aristocratic manners, elegantly combined with an imposing appearance. Dogs of this breed have a lively and evaluating look. They are smart, resourceful, react quickly to the wishes of the owner. If the fox terrier is stationary, then this is a signal that he is preparing to take off at any second. These pets have an amazing lightning-fast reaction combined with accelerated movements. It is very difficult to accustom such animals to calmness. They are constantly on the move, which is their way of life. Therefore, it is difficult to train pets.

By nature, fox terriers can differ in a share of stubbornness and independence. But possessing intelligence and quick-wittedness, these dogs clearly carry out any command of the owner. Foxes are considered to be very sociable pets. They love communication with a person, as well as their fellows. If the dog sees an indifferent attitude towards himself, he is able to show aggression. Another trait of the Fox is intolerance in cases when something they do not like. They can snarl at their master. And in case of punishment, they will strenuously resist. Therefore, each owner should pay special attention to his pet.

It is not recommended to walk with such a dog without a collar. The representative of this breed loves to be distracted and is always ready to get carried away by some subject that has interested him. If a cat is running by, the fox will certainly hurry after it. He will cross the road, noticing something interesting on the other side. It is almost impossible to stop a pet by screaming.

Such animals are restless not only in their behavior. They love to make noise, bark just like that. Foxes are very friendly to children. They love to play games with them, jump and run. If a child hurts the dog, then the dog will not remain in debt, he will definitely respond with the same coin. For this reason, adults should be more careful when communicating with a baby fox terrier.

Fox Terrier can be safely kept in the apartment. So that the interior of the house is not damaged, it is necessary to give a lot of physical activity to the pet. It is necessary to often take him out for a walk, keep him in the fresh air for a longer time. By spending a lot of energy outside, the fox will be more relaxed in the apartment. If you keep a pet in a private house, then it is worth allocating a certain piece of land for it. Otherwise, he will dig up the entire territory and can spoil the growing vegetables or flowers.

Wire-haired pets do not shed, but the coat requires special care. It is necessary to comb it with a special stiff brush. Trim several times throughout the year. It is forbidden to cut off dead wool with scissors, otherwise the fox will look like a lamb. To maintain the beauty of the coat, you need to seek professional help. He will process the coat in such a way that it emphasizes the beauty of the dog. Such procedures should be carried out from an early age of Foxes. Puppies should gradually get used to grooming in order not to resist in the future.

When choosing food, preference can be given not only natural food... The pet's body absorbs special dog food well. Representatives of the breed can eat raw or slightly boiled beef, low-fat cottage cheese, various vegetables, except for potatoes, as well as mashed fruits. Fox Terriers should not overeat to avoid health problems. Therefore, it is better to feed your pet often, but in small portions. Foxes are generally in good health. Some representatives may suffer from eye disease, in particular cataracts, have problems with the pelvis, shoulders, and skin inflammation. The life span of such dogs is 15 years or more.

It is better to get a puppy of this breed in a kennel. The average cost is 18,000 rubles, depending on the pedigree. If it is absent, then buying a dog can be cheaper - for 10,000 rubles or less.

The origin of the fox terriers and the division into several breeds. The main character traits, working qualities and upbringing of the pet. Fox Terrier Standards: Appearance and Behavior. List of common diseases and life expectancy.

The history of fox terriers goes back to ancient times. The peat dog is one of the famous ancestors.

Over time, a group of dogs formed in the British Isles, suitable for hunting and living without much care. Fox Terriers were extremely hardy, with passion they went down into the hole for prey and achieved victory.

They accompanied hunters on foot and on horseback. Hounds helped them track down and drive their prey. They went with them not only to the fox, but also to the badger, wild boars, otters and small hoofed animals.

Until the end of the 18th century, fox terriers were not divided into subspecies and lived only in the British Isles.

The hunting craze among the British in any locality led to the popularization of these dogs. They were started by enthusiastic dog handlers and even created a special club.

After the first successes at exhibitions and spreading news about fearless burrowing hunters, they became interested in other European countries. The population grew, especially they took root in Germany.

Later, the breed was divided according to the type of wool. Wire-haired ones were in demand more than their smooth-haired counterparts. Today, both varieties are found in various parts of the world and their number is not decreasing.

Description of fox terriers

Strong and athletic looking dog attracts attention with its cheerfulness and enthusiasm in any business.

The reaction of fox terriers is lightning fast, they instantly switch their attention and move towards the goal. They are not made for boredom, interesting situations always happen around these dogs.

Burrow Hunter Form

Fox terriers with any type of coat grow to about 40 cm. Weight ranges from 7 to 10 kg. The ideal body weight is about 8.5 kg. Some of them are covered with smooth and short hair, others coarse and coarse, especially on the limbs.

At first glance, they seem like a toy due to their light color, funny ears and mobility. Upon closer acquaintance, they conquer with liveliness of mind and enthusiasm.

In a small body, the spirit of a real hunter. The pursuit of the beast is in their instincts, and for a successful fight with a fox or badger, powerful muscles, strong bones and strong limbs are needed.

In order not to lose maneuverability in the hole rib cage fox terriers are narrow, and the ears do not stand straight up to protect the ear canal from dirt and mechanical damage.

There are dogs that are pure white or spotted. The markings are either red, black, or a combination of these colors. Tiger spots, liver spots are undesirable.

The eyes are round with an intelligent and lively expression. They are necessarily dark and shiny. Black nose on an oblong muzzle, from which there is a noticeable transition to the forehead. The cheekbones are not prominent.

Wire-haired fox terriers seem different. This is an illusion because the coarse coat does not fit snugly against the skin.

For the correct conformation, such dogs are treated in a certain way, removing the ripened coat and giving it a breed shape. For incorrect grooming at the exhibition, the marks are reduced.

Temperament, character and interaction with humans

Since ancient times, fox terriers have been selected for their working qualities. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the situation has changed slightly. They increasingly began to perform the function of a companion. In wire-haired dogs, there is a tendency towards softening of character.

Fox Terrier is a quick-witted dog. At times prone to escapes, especially if carried away. He plays with pleasure, but the toys are quickly taken apart.

Fox Terriers are very careful with children. He provokes fights with other dogs, and sees prey in cats. By temperament - choleric with an admixture of sanguine.

Even in the absence of working dogs for many generations, the Fox Terrier remains a hunter with the appropriate instincts. He always protects the owner and does not give offense to himself.

What to do with fox terriers

These dogs are trainable. In the process of training, the owner needs to maintain the passion of the pet. Toys, treats, and attention are the three main motivations for any animal.

Due to its activeness, good coordination and mobility, this breed is suitable for agility. Learning different tricks can be an additional and enjoyable pastime.

Now there are many baiting stations, where a wild animal practically does not suffer, and the owner gets the opportunity to the ability of his pet.

Important: With fox terriers, they go to the badger, fox, otters. They easily deal with rats and other medium-sized rodents.

Who suits and where to keep

This breed was created for active pastime. Fox terriers are happy to swim in open water, accompany the owner on jogging and cycling.

Human energy ends much earlier, and a small dog, even after long sessions, plays with a favorite toy or checks the house.

A confident person will cope with a fox terrier. Their hot temper, viciousness and huge teeth are the reasons for refusing a child in a puppy of this breed. It is difficult for children to show their authority and keep a keen terrier on a leash.

Important: Athletes, hunters, active people are the best owner options for these dogs.

The breed does not pose any particular problems when kept in the city. Walking is desirable only on a leash or tape measure.

In a private house, smooth-haired ones can live in an aviary during the warm season, and wire-haired ones almost all year round. At the same time, they need attention, long walks outside the courtyard and good nutrition.

Trimming, grooming of wire-haired fox terriers

The peculiarity of wire-haired dogs in the structure of the coat and its maturation. Old hairs do not come off well and interfere with the growth of new ones, so they are pinched off. There are several ways and tools for trimming.

It is made several times a year, when the coat is mature, or is constantly removed. a small amount of old hairs.

More puppies are being prepared for the procedures.

Health and longevity

Diseases of all varieties of fox terriers:

1. Epilepsy;
2. Deafness;
3. Cataract;
4. Myasthenia gravis;
5. Diabetes;
6. Allergies;
7. Dermatitis;
8. Dislocations.

In this breed, it is customary to take tests to identify problems with the eyes, which can be inherited.

The average life expectancy is 12-15 years. Like many terriers, representatives of this breed remain energetic in old age and enjoy life.

Fox Terrier smooth-haired - a small temperamental dog, which is one of two varieties of this breed (there are also wire-haired Fox), characterized by a short, pleasant to the touch coat. The Smooth Fox Terrier is considered a classic variation of the breed, and these dogs are very popular with hunters and fans of energetic, cheerful and agile dogs.

Like all hunters, smooth-haired Foxes have some nuances in their upbringing and maintenance. In this text, we will talk about how a pedigree Fox Terrier with smooth coat should look like, what its character is, highlight the standard and external features of these dogs, and talk about how to care for Fox Terriers.

Smooth Fox Terriers are medium-sized dog breeds bred to hunt small game such as foxes. Initially, the very name of these dogs came from their purpose - "fox" is translated from English as "fox". That is, a fox terrier is a terrier that hunts foxes. Also, an adult fox terrier is able to fight such serious animals as a badger, raccoon dog, large rodents.

The fox terrier has a superbly developed sense of smell and hearing, thanks to which they are used not only as hunters, but also as guards. Due to their modest size, Foxes are not able to be bodyguards, but they may well be responsible for the safety of property and territory. At the very least, a sensitive fox terrier will warn of an intruder with a loud bark.

A person should not be fooled by the small size and friendly expression of the Fox Terrier face. In fact, they are fearless, fast and hardy dogs. Foxes have a stable psyche, independent, energetic and uncompromising character, while they are extremely attached to a person. But, the breed is not suitable for couch potatoes and those who prefer to spend their free time on the couch.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a dog that is unable to feel happy without regular physical activity, training, long walks. If the animal is not taken out for hunting, this should be compensated differently: by running, swimming, studying various cynological disciplines. Below we will talk about this in more detail.

Smooth Fox: History of the Breed

Fox Terriers are a rather "adult" breed by the standards of modern cynology - the first mentions of the predecessors of these miniature hunters date back to the 55th year of the ancient years, even before our era. Small but formidable dogs hunting for burrowing game were discovered and taken away by the conquerors-warriors of the Roman Empire, who landed on the British Isles. Wild dogs amazed the warriors with their unique ability - chasing and catching prey in holes, the Fox ancestors could stay underground for an amazing amount of time.

As a separate breed, Foxes have existed since the beginning of the eighteenth century - in old and expensive books dedicated to hunting, representatives of this ancient breed are depicted, as well as a description of the character and talents of Foxes. There is also an English painting by the artist Sourry Gilpen, dated 1790, which immortalizes a smooth-haired red-and-white fox terrier nicknamed Pitch.

Note that despite the external similarity of modern smooth-haired and wire-haired Foxes, as well as their belonging to the same breed, the ancestors of these dogs were different. To form the standard for the smooth-haired fox terrier, wild hunting dogs from the islands of Britain were mated with beagles, greyhounds and even bull terriers, the ancestors of the coarse-haired Fox terriers were English terriers, and then the smooth fox terriers themselves. Thus, the latter became the progenitors of "hard" Foxes.

In Russia, smooth fox terriers first appeared in the middle of the 18th century, when Prince Golitsin became interested in adorable English dogs with a strong hunting instinct. By 1860, the breed had spread quite widely, and was recognized by Italian, Dutch and French dog handlers. Twenty years later, the breed was known in Norway, Australia, the USA and Germany.

The English Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1875, and a year later the official Fox Terrier standard was established in the country's breeding club book. Later, the breed called "Fox Terrier" was recognized in America, and in 1993 the dogs were recognized by the International Federation of Cynology.

It is interesting! The most famous smooth-haired Foxetier is the dog named Igloo, owned by Admiral Richard Byrd. The dog accompanied the owner on an expedition to Antarctica, to ice shelves, and is still considered the only animal in such an extreme situation.

Fox Terrier Smooth: Description and Standard

For a long time, smooth-haired Foxes were bred exclusively for practical purposes - burrowing, underground hunting. Therefore, the first representatives of the breed were powerful, distinguished by a rough physique, had a large head with large jaws, and a short neck. In the 1900s, the breed split into two types: Wirehaired Foxes and Smoothhaired Foxes. The latter were considered more classic, and many hunters preferred them, considering them the "elite of the breed".

Later, the standard also changed. Large, clumsy dogs began to be discarded, choosing more graceful puppies for breeding. Such fox terriers have survived to this day: graceful, elegant, but not "sonorous".

An adult male fox terrier grows at the withers to 35-39 centimeters, the body weight of an adult dog reaches eight kilograms. Bitches are somewhat smaller - lower, and their weight is about seven kilograms. In general, sex differences are negligible.

Foxes have a beautiful elongated muzzle, curious rounded eyes set deep enough, small triangular ears folded like an envelope. Fox Terrier ears are quite heavy, dense, well covered with hair, and descend to the cheeks due to their own weight. If this does not happen, the ears are glued to the puppies, forming the correct outlines of the head.

The thoroughbred Fox Terrier has a moderately narrow, flat forehead, tapering to the line of the eyes, the transition from muzzle to forehead is poorly expressed. The nasal speculum must be black regardless of the color of the dog. Several colors are allowed: completely snow-white animals, as well as with red, black or black-red markings on white, while white wool always predominates.

These colors were not chosen by chance: it was extremely important for hunters that the dog's coat contrasts with the shades of the game's coat, so as not to accidentally catch the dog with a shot. In addition, the white dog, even getting dirty in the ground, was still visible, even at dusk. It is for this reason that dark, and even more so black fox terriers did not participate in breeding, and now do not exist.

As befits burrowing hunting dogs, smooth-haired fox terriers have short, straight and thick hair that shortens towards the belly and groin, and lengthens somewhat on the back and hips. The dense coat allows the dog not to freeze in the water, and to feel free in the narrowest holes.

The entire structure of the dog's body meets the same needs. Foxes have a dry, muscular and prominent neck, a deep but narrow and curved chest, and a flat back. The tail is set high and beautifully set; it should neither be lowered down to the hind legs, nor curled with a steering wheel or ring on the back. Previously, the tails of foxes were docked in half to protect the dog from the bites of wild animals. In this case, the tail stands upright, like a stick. The limbs of the dog are strong, compact, allow the animal to dig the ground with strength, as well as chase even the fastest prey.

Fox Terrier: psyche, character traits

The smooth fox terrier is not one of the calm and phlegmatic breeds. These dogs are extremely excitable. nervous system, they are always ready to exchange a cozy couch for a walk or a hunting trip. This is one of the most active and energetic breeds, in addition, the strongest hunting instincts are manifested even in those dogs that have never seen game.

Nevertheless, the psyche of the fox terrier is stable, they are well trained and fulfill the requirements of a person, but only in the situation when they recognize him as a leader. For a fox terrier, hierarchy is very important - that is, from an early age, a puppy must understand that a person is the leader and “the leader in the pack”. Foxes need to be brought up strictly, but sensitively and affectionately.

The smooth-haired fox terrier has an outstanding intellect, developed ingenuity, is able to make decisions on its own, without looking back at the owner. In the nature of Fox, attentiveness, agility, fearlessness, irrepressible curiosity. This dog should always be in the center of events, and not the slightest detail will escape from it. But, the qualities required for a hunting dog are not always desirable for a pet.

It's hard to imagine a dog worse than an ill-bred fox. If you do not pay due attention to the education, training and education of the fox terrier, you can get an animal that will run away, always fight with other dogs, spoil furniture and owner's things, bark loudly or howl out of boredom.

Table 1. Positive and negative traits of character and behavior of fox terriers

The owner of a fox terrier must be prepared for one more breed characteristic - an almost uncontrollable urge to dig. This is typical of many burrowing breeds, such as dachshunds, jagd terriers and others, including Foxes. If the owner does not allow the animal to dig enough in the ground for walks, the dog will begin to dig the floor in the house, mercilessly spoiling carpets, laminate or linoleum.

However, a well-mannered fox terrier is the pride of the owner, it is a noble, fearless and very gentle friend who is great not only for the owner-leader, but also for all other family members. Fox terriers perfectly find a common language with children, but you should not leave them alone with very little ones - a violent temperament can play a cruel joke with the Fox, and he can overturn or accidentally cripple a small child.

Separately, it is worth talking about the relationship of fox terriers with other pets. As for other dogs, if the fox has not grown with them since puppyhood, then the problem may be the constant dominance of the hunter. Fox Terriers have an impulsive, cocky disposition, they are not at all afraid of dogs that exceed them in size, and at any moment they are not averse to finding out who is stronger.

If we talk about other pets - cats, domestic rabbits and other animals, then fox terriers can take them for prey. These dogs have a highly developed pursuit instinct, so they are able to attack street cats, do not miss a flock of pigeons, and are able to catch a field mouse or other animal. Therefore, you need to walk foxes either on a leash, or in an equipped closed area, or in nature, away from other animals. It is possible to release the dog from the leash only if it is perfectly trained and responds to the command "Come to me" in any circumstances.

You need to understand that in pursuit or in search of fox terrier game, instinct starts up, so the dog is completely forgotten, not hearing the owner's calls or other signals. Such shoots are fraught not only with the fact that the animal disappears from the field of view: the dog can get lost, be damaged by a car or be stolen.

How to train a fox terrier: features

As you know, hunting breeds are the most temperamental, wayward and proud, therefore, special attention should be paid to the upbringing and training of the fox terrier. First, there is no need to confuse the two. Upbringing is teaching the dog the "household" basics, so that the owner and his family would be comfortable in contact with the dog and share living space with it.

Upbringing

First of all, you need to determine the boundaries that the dog cannot cross. The animal must have its own place to sleep (or it will be permissible for the dog to doze in a chair or on a sofa), for eating (it is unacceptable for the animal to take food to a secluded corner). The puppy should be provided with toys, explaining that chewing on shoes or other objects is unacceptable. An important aspect is toilet training.

A puppy who already has all the vaccinations needs to be taken out onto the street many times, taking a treat with him. Every time the baby does his business outside the apartment or home, he needs to be vigorously praised and treated. A quick-witted fox terrier will quickly understand what is required of him.

You also need to make it clear to the pet that you cannot make loud sounds, for example, when meeting guests, jump on people. At first, this is easy to do - the puppy should receive sufficient physical and mental stress for its age. A dog that has taken a good walk, explored the surroundings, ran after a ball or a bicycle, worked for obedience, and then ate at home, will sleep soundly and serenely.

Fox Terriers, in principle, belong to those breeds, problems with which can begin only if the dog is messing around. It is for this reason that from the age of three to four months with a fox terrier it is necessary to attend general obedience classes.

Training

The best option there will be a visit to group classes with a cynologist instructor. Since the fox terrier is not a guard or service dog, the best option would be to take the UGS (controlled city dog) or OKD (basic canine training) course. Usually, the instructor selects a group of five to ten dogs of about the same age, which together learn the basics of training.

Attending group sessions is extremely beneficial. Not only the dog learns from them, but also the owner, this is especially important for those who have a dog for the first time. In addition, group lessons form the puppy's notions of how to behave with other animals, teach him endurance, reduce the excitement that often grips the fox terrier at the sight of another dog.

The result of training should be the complete obedience of the animal. The dog must master the basic commands: walking next to the owner (on a sagging leash, without pulling), the ability to approach on command, the complex "Sit - lie down - stand", the submission of an object (retrieving). With each lesson, the program will become more complicated, its saturation and pace will change, so neither the owner nor the dog itself will get bored. You can attend such courses all the time, since mental stress contributes to the pleasant fatigue of the dog no less than physical.

An important point! The owner must understand that it is necessary to visit the training area only in a positive mood. All problems, as well as dissatisfaction with the dog, should be postponed until another time.

The dog will work only when it is praised and encouraged, when the owner shows with his whole appearance that he is extremely happy with the success of the pet. If he treats the fox terrier rudely, yelling at him or physically punishing him, the animal will suffer even from the upcoming training, will stop trusting the person! Despite the fact that Foxes are hardworking and sociable, they are categorically intolerant of rudeness or pain. The dog will resist three times if it feels violence.

Therefore, you need to work with fox terriers (and any other dogs) only on positive reinforcement. A competent instructor will definitely tell you how to properly reward your dog. Each pet needs its own approach - puppies usually begin to train, motivating and rewarding with a treat, later food can be replaced with a toy, affection and praise with a voice.

Video - Group training with a fox terrier

Cynological disciplines

Smooth-haired fox terriers, thanks to their energy and desire to interact with humans, can participate in some canine disciplines, such as agility, coursing, dog-frisbee, freestyle. These activities will bring a lot of pleasure to both the dog and its owner, and will also help develop the pet's talents, load his body and brain.

Table 2. Sports for the fox terrier

If the dog is going to hunt, the owner must enroll in special courses, where the animal will be trained to approach the burrow on a silent signal, find and give objects, execute the "Seek" command, and also behave calmly in a shoulder bag. They also work with a fox terrier in an artificial burrow, teaching the animal to navigate underground in the dark, to pull prey out of the burrow and bring it to the owner.

It is important to understand that until the dog has learned the basic commands, it is impossible to start special training, and even more so to take the dog on the hunt. An inexperienced pet can get lost or scare away the game with loud barking, in the worst case - suffer in a fight with a wild animal.

How to care for a smooth fox terrier?

The maintenance of a smooth fox terrier is not particularly difficult. The short hair of the dog does not require specific care: it is enough to comb the dog once a week with a massage brush with short teeth or a massage rubber glove. Fox terriers shed twice a year, and during these periods the dogs need to be bathed properly with zoo shampoo and often scratched to keep their fur from flying around the house.

Washing your dog is often not required either. It is enough to bathe your pet every three to four months, or after heavy pollution or swimming in natural waters. It is very easy to choose shampoo for the fox terrier - a moisturizer designed for everyday use will be enough. Before dog shows can be washed with professional white dog shampoo.

The Fox also needs standard grooming, just like any domestic dog. Once every couple of weeks, the animal is trimmed its claws using a nail clipper (if the claws are grinded during walks, then they do not need to be additionally shortened). The dog's teeth are brushed three times a week using dog toothpaste. For this procedure, you can purchase a special soft-type toothbrush, or you can use a bandage wrapped around your finger. It is necessary to teach a puppy to brush his teeth from a very early age in order to eliminate resistance in the future.

If we talk about preparing for the appearance of a puppy in the house, there will be no special expenses. The animal should have two bowls for food and water, a strong collar, a leash for training (you can supplement it with a tape measure with a long cord for walking). Also, the puppy will need several toys (it is better to purchase different ones: balls, constrictions, ropes, frisbee disc, adapted to gnaw). If the dog is not going to be allowed on a sofa or chair, you need to buy or make a soft spacious couch for it.

It is important that the dog gets enough physical activity, and in the moments when the pet is at home - communication with people. It is cruel to isolate the dog from family members, it is also unacceptable to keep a smooth-haired fox terrier on the street, it does not matter if it is in an enclosure or on a chain. These are social dogs that will suffer without contact with humans, which will have an extremely detrimental effect on the Fox's character and health.

As for the health of the fox terrier - from the moment the puppy appears in the house, you need to find a good veterinary clinic where you can apply for advice and treatment. It is great if the dog has its own veterinarian who will be aware of the entire history of life and diseases.

How to feed a Smooth Fox Terrier?

The most significant part of the life of any living creature, which has a huge impact on health and life, is feeding. A balanced diet is extremely important for a dog, so the owner should approach this aspect with particular trepidation. First of all, you need to decide how the fox terrier will eat - dry ready-made industrial feed, or natural products.

If the owner decides that the pet will eat dry food, you need to purchase a diet for dogs of medium breeds with high activity. You need to choose food of the "super-premium" or "holistic" class, such as "Grandorf", "Wolf's Blood", "Nau", "Go", "Akana" and the like. Considering that fox terriers are prone to allergic reactions, you need to immediately purchase food from a hypoallergenic line in order to avoid unpleasant health surprises.

If natural feeding is chosen, then two-thirds of the dog's diet will be fresh raw meat, sea fish, offal. Such food is most typical for the stomach of a predator, and especially a hunting dog. Every day, the fox terrier should receive fiber (vegetables and fruits: carrots, apples, zucchini, pumpkin), berries, fresh herbs, a small amount of cereals (rice, buckwheat).

Be sure to include lactic acid products in the diet: kefir, low-fat natural yogurt, yogurt. Natural feeding means that several times a week the animal will receive raw eggs, chicken or quail, vegetable oils(raw fruits and vegetables are better absorbed with them).

If the animal eats natural products, it will not hurt to consult a veterinarian for vitamins or other elements that will need to be added to the diet. The fact is that in ready-made industrial feeds, all the substances necessary for a dog are already present, and in the right dosage, depending on the breed. It is more difficult with natural feeding, and in order for the nutrition to be balanced, we recommend that you take a biochemical blood test with your dog every year, which will reveal deficiencies or surpluses of all important elements and substances.

Let's take a closer look at what you can't feed a dog, what foods are strictly prohibited for representatives of any breeds, and can harm them.

Smooth Fox health and disease

Smooth Fox Terriers are healthy breeds with a long lifespan. If the owner takes a responsible approach to feeding his pet, puts down all vaccinations in a timely manner and regularly visits the veterinarian when necessary, the Fox Terrier can live comfortably for ten to twelve years. However, these dogs have a number of breed diseases to which they have an innate tendency. These ailments include:

1. Diseases of the eyes (glaucoma, cataracts, the appearance of extra cilia that interfere with vision).
2. Melanomas.
3. Intestinal lesions.
4. Diabetes.
5. hip joints.
6. , skin rashes.
7. Problems with joints and muscle corset.

We should also talk about mating breeding animals. Despite the fact that smooth fox terrier bitches tolerate pregnancy well and give birth on their own (usually three or four puppies in a litter), it is forbidden to breed a dog under the age of one and a half years. Too young and fragile bitch will endure labor hard, which can be accompanied by a stop in development, various pathologies, in extreme cases - the death of the offspring and the mother herself.

Males are untied at the age of one year, before mating, both dogs need to pass all tests, as well as obtain a conclusion from a veterinarian. Of course, only pedigree dogs with pedigrees and victories at exhibitions, which are valuable for the pedigree gene pool, go into breeding. The fact that a dog needs to give birth for health is a myth.

How much does a smooth fox terrier puppy cost?

Intending to purchase a Fox puppy, a person must understand that it is only necessary to make a purchase from breeders, in a nursery dealing with this breed. You do not need to give in to ads on social networks or on popular sites if the sellers cannot confirm the pedigree of the offered puppies, as well as show the future owner all the documents, as well as the parents.

When purchasing a fox terrier, you also need to decide what class the puppy should be. If the dog will be called upon to please a person as a companion or go hunting with him, then puppies from a working pair (hunting dogs that have passed special tests) or a pet class should be considered. This means that the puppies were born from dogs with pedigree and show grades, but have some external defects. The cost of such a fox terrier varies between ten and fifteen thousand rubles, and this means that the dog will not be able to take part in exhibitions.

Breed class puppies are dogs that meet the stated standard, but are unlikely to become ring stars and champions. As a rule, the breed class includes bitches that are able to bear and give birth to healthy offspring. Breed bitches are usually mated with show males who give their puppies their excellent appearance. Breed class puppies can cost up to twenty thousand rubles, and fox terriers of the "show" class, the most promising for exhibitions, cost up to thirty thousand rubles and more, depending on the blood.

It should be understood that the above prices are approximate. So, for a puppy from a pair of working parents, they may well demand the same money as for a show puppy. But, whatever the dog is, the main thing is its character. Because a true fox terrier, despite external flaws, will always remain active, courageous and extremely loyal dog ready to follow the owner wherever you go.

Summarizing

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a specific, hunting, temperamental breed that requires a special approach, careful education and a lot of attention from the owner. The best option would be to get this dog to a person who regularly attends hunting events in order to fully reveal all the talents of the fox terrier, to appreciate its tough and gambling nature.

However, the breed is often started by those who love outdoor activities, often go out into nature, and want to see a small, but temperamental, energetic and active dog next to them, not a decorative dog, but a real companion, a faithful and fearless friend, protector and guard ...