The Fox Terrier actually comes in three flavors - Smooth, Wire and Toy. The Smooth and Wire were considered as one breed by the AKC until 1984. The Toy Fox Terrier has always been a separate breed.
The Smooth and Wire Fox Terrier are energetic dogs with the Terrier attitudes. Playful and joyful they are good family dogs. Generally good with children, but there have been some biting incidents when playtime gets too rough and wild. This feisty breed is afraid of nothing including larger dogs, and may take an aggressive posture with other pets. Proper socialization as a puppy will help its overall attitude. Dominance is a goal of this terrier and they need firm and consistent training early in life, and consistent handling through their life. They can be barkers. They need daily exercise, either walking or running free in a confined yard. The Smooth Fox Terrier requires minimal grooming while the Wire requires "professional" grooming every few weeks to help prevent skin problems.
The Toy Fox Terrier is pretty much a smaller version of the Smooth Fox Terrier. Acting like a circus clown they are crowd pleasers. They love to play and they love to cuddle. Extremely intelligent, loyal and loving. Good watchdogs. The Toy is good for apartment living and they can usually exercise themselves inside the home or out. Because of their size the Toy is probably not good for smaller children, or children who would expect to "roughhouse". Avoid exposure to the cold. Keep the Toy leashed when it is outside of a confined area. My Toy, many years ago, was able to escape and stayed missing for six weeks. Then, he just returned. A little worse for wear, but still spunky. The Toy is a very smart dog with a long memory. [Thanks to Michele Gauthier from WeeOnes for the input into the Toy profile.]
Average Height("'s) |
Average Weight (#'s) |
Personality |
Coat |
Grooming |
Notes for owners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15; Toy = 10 |
18; Toy = 6 |
Playful |
Smooth or Wire. Toy=short and smooth. | Wire needs bi-weekly grooming, Smooth and Toy=Minimal | Can be barkers. Performer. Wire-haired shed little and are good for allergy sufferers. |
If you would like help locating a breeder or rescue agency near you please E-Mail PGAA (ita408@comcast.net), and let us know your city/state and the type of dog you are looking for. Do not assume that PGAA has qualified all of the breeders or rescues on this site. Do your own check of each breeder or rescue -- be sure that you are comfortable with the organization before you buy, adopt or turn-over a dog.
Rescue Links