<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The Fox Terrier was used in the 18th century to hunt foxes in England. His job was to harass a fox out of its hole. The dog would snap and growl and lunge at the hiding fox until it bolted. Today the fox terrier is primarily a companion dog.
<b>Description:</> A very elegant, smart and stylish little dog dressed in a short white coat with black or brown markings. The breed has a flat, tapering, narrow skull, and ears that fold forward making "V" shaped flaps. The tail is normally docked to 1/4 its length and stands on top of the dog rather than hanging out behind.
<b>Notes:</> One of the most aggressive breeds, the fox terrier has a pronounced tendency to pick fights with other dogs. Be careful, as he is often bitten! Keep this breed properly leashed or in a completely enclosed area, because the fox terrier likes to go off and explore. Willful--needs firm obedience training. Prone to post-nasal drip. Don't overfeed. Barks a lot.
<b>Personality:</> A bold, energetic terrier, enthusiastic, playful, affectionate with family and older, considerate children. Gay and brave. Ready to charge! Scrappy and impulsive. Lovable dynamo, great at learning tricks.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Fairly friendly with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> somewhat difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Moderately dependent on people.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Not generally trustworthy with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Very dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Likes to bark.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Docking:</C> The tail is customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Very active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Good for apartment living.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Does all right without a yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Long (15 or more years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, watchdog, agility, and performing tricks.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> FOX TERRIER (SMOOTH)
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
