If terriers were comedians, the Fox Terrier would be the one sprinting across the stage, heckling the audience, and stealing someone’s sandwich on the way out. Whether Wire or Smooth, these dogs are feisty, fearless, and bursting with personality. Bred in England to flush out foxes, they’ve never lost their zest for chasing, digging, and generally keeping you on your toes.
Owner insight: “They are a typical terrier but with attitude!!! They have a VERY high prey drive, useless at recall … serious high energy dog and very destructive if left alone or if bored.”
Not sure if you’re ready for this mischief-maker? Take the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz and find out.
Great Names for a Fox Terrier
Fox Terriers are cheeky clowns with sharp minds — their names should show it. For more ideas, use our Dog Name Generator.
- Sassy nods: Trouble, Bandit, Chaos, Pickle
- Classic terrier picks: Scruffy, Digby, Nipper, Rascal
- Fox-inspired: Vixen, Reynard, Rusty, Blaze
- Ironic names: Angel, Serenity, Sofa
Pickles’ Aside: “Call one Sofa and watch them chew the cushions.”
Exercise
Think endless batteries in a small, wiry body. A quick trot won’t do — these dogs need full-on outlets for their energy.
They need:
- 1–2 hours a day of hard play or long walks.
- Safe spaces to run — recall is often a joke.
- Mental challenges like agility or puzzle games.
Owner insight: “Quite rare — Sadie is full of mischief … very friendly but not always with other dogs … prone to shaking toys and taking them apart … she is a clown who manages to do something totally ridiculous with the most serious look on her face!”
Prey Drive Warning
Fox Terriers were bred to chase foxes underground — that instinct hasn’t gone anywhere. Small pets, cats, squirrels… all fair game in their eyes. Strong recall training is essential, but never 100% reliable.
Pickles’ Aside: “If it runs, they’re gone. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Terrier Warning
Terriers may be small, but they come with big personalities. Barking, digging, and stubborn streaks are part of the package.
Pickles’ Aside: “Don’t let the size fool you — these little scruffs think they run the world.”
Temperament
Fox Terriers are bold, mischievous, and utterly full of themselves. They’re entertainers with a stubborn streak, which means life with one is never dull.
- Affectionate with their people.
- Clownish sense of humour.
- Can be bossy with other dogs.
Owner insight: “They are great dogs, they have strength of personality (can be stubborn) … Training can be hit and miss, needs to be made interesting or they lose interest.”
Training
Training a Fox Terrier is a bit like negotiating with a toddler on a sugar high. They’re clever, but they’ll only play ball if training is fun.
- Short, upbeat sessions work best.
- Keep it interesting — boredom leads to chaos.
- Consistency matters — one slip and they’ll test the rulebook.
Pickles’ Aside: “They’re not ignoring you, they’re just… editing your request.”
Need support? Try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer for personalised tricks to outwit a terrier brain.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Need a doorbell? Forget Amazon — a Fox Terrier will announce every visitor, leaf, or suspicious pigeon that dares cross their line of sight. They’re sharp little watchdogs, but once someone’s inside, their bark is usually bigger than their bite.
- Alert and vocal when strangers arrive.
- Protective streak, though rarely aggressive.
- May need socialisation to tone down the barking.
Other Animals
If you’ve got other pets, be prepared for some negotiations. Fox Terriers can live happily with other dogs they know, but they’re not shy about picking a fight if challenged. As for cats or hamsters? Let’s just say the terrier brain sees “moving target.”
- Can clash with strange dogs.
- Cats and small pets usually trigger chase mode.
- Best as the centre of attention in many households.
Owner insight: “They are the most unbelievably tough little dog!”
Grooming
They may look scruffy, but Fox Terriers aren’t too demanding in the grooming department. Smooths are low-maintenance, while Wires need a bit more styling to keep them looking sharp instead of shaggy.
- Smooths: weekly brushing and occasional bath.
- Wires: need hand-stripping or clipping every few months.
- Both: keep nails short and ears clean.
Health
Tough as nails doesn’t mean indestructible. Fox Terriers are generally hardy, but a few health concerns crop up.
- Deafness (especially in whites).
- Lens luxation and cataracts.
- Epilepsy in some lines.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (hip joint issue).
Most live 12–15 years. Always ask breeders about eye and hip tests — see our Best in Breeder Guide for what to ask.
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Don’t let their small size fool you — these little dynamos can rack up costs in training classes, chew-proof toys, and the occasional destroyed sofa.
- Puppy price: £800–£1,500
- Food: £25–£40/month
- Insurance: £20–£40/month
- Routine vet care: ~£300–£500/year
Famous Owners & Moments
- Move over Labradors — Fox Terriers have history on their side. King Edward VII owned one called Caesar, and Tintin’s sidekick Snowy was a Wire Fox Terrier. These little dogs have been stealing scenes for centuries.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| They’re little lapdogs | Only after an exhausting day — they’re livewires first. |
| They’re easy off-lead | Not with that prey drive — recall is unreliable. |
| They’re low-maintenance | Wires especially need grooming and training. |
| They’re too scrappy for families | With the right training, they can be affectionate family clowns. |
Fox Terrier FAQs
- Do they shed? Smooths lightly, Wires less if hand-stripped.
- Good with kids? Yes with older kids, but too boisterous for toddlers.
- Do they bark a lot? Yes — they’re terriers.
- How long do they live? 12–15 years.
- Easy to train? Smart but stubborn — needs creativity.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Fox Terrier?
If you want a cheeky, fearless companion who’ll keep you laughing (and occasionally pulling your hair out), the Fox Terrier might be your perfect match. They’re high-energy, hilarious, and tough as nails — but not for the faint-hearted.
Before you decide, grab our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner. And when your terrier tornado arrives, celebrate them with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Pickles’ Aside: “They’ll wreck your sofa, test your patience, and then curl up on your lap like an angel. Classic terrier.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: England
- Weight: 7–8 kg
- Height: 35–39 cm
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Best Trait: Fearless, funny, affectionate
- Challenging Trait: Strong prey drive, stubborn
SEO Title:
Fox Terrier: The Fearless, Funny Pocket Rocket
Meta Description:
Discover the Fox Terrier, a bold, energetic, and mischievous little dog. Learn about their temperament, grooming, health, costs, and whether this fearless terrier is right for you.