A Coarse-haired Fox Terrier, A Cunning And Brave Dog

The Fox Terrier is one of the most popular pets of all time, split into two different breeds during the 1920s for the well being of breeders of the moment. Did you know they were originally hunting dogs? Now their history has changed and we have decided to tell you in detail about the coarse-haired Fox terrier, an excellent guard dog, intelligent and always alert.

A coarse-haired fox terrier, an excellent guard dog

It is not known exactly when this breed originated, but since the 19th century there is a wealth of records on how it was created and bred. It is a descendant of the Bull Terrier  who was crossed with the English Black Terrier. Over time, two types of hair, smooth and coarse, have been classified by the British Kennel Club which, until the mid-1920s, established differences and limits between the two types within the same type of canid.

Originally used to hunt foxes, rabbits, and other small animals, the coarse-haired fox terrier is one of the most active and alert dogs in existence today, making them difficult to control at certain times.

Physical characteristics

They are short and agile dogs : weighing light, their build offers excellent maneuverability in running and jumping, which adapts to any situation. These physical peculiarities, as can be easily understood, make this beautiful dog perfect for being adopted in families and city homes.

The head

• It weighs between 7 and 9 kg.
• Its muzzle usually measures as much as the head.
• It has a perfectly aligned scissor jaw.
• The nose is small and completely black in color.
• The eyes are round and dark, of medium size and symmetrical parting.

• The small ears are folded forward in a “V” shape.

The body

• At the withers, this Terrier measures between 38 and 40 cm in height.
• It has a deep chest, which ends with a fairly compact and arched spine. The legs are small but powerful, able to start the run like a real  sprinter .
• The tail is short, more or less pronounced according to the size of the body and remains straight out.
• The coat is soft and shaggy, usually white with brown undertones, at eye level and a larger patch on the chest, always beige or black.

We are talking about a dog designed to strike prey at any moment. Undoubtedly, the coarse-haired Fox terrier is one of the most dynamic and curious breeds in the world, so it is perfect for having it both in the countryside and in the city, as long as it is guaranteed a fair amount of physical activity.

Temperament and personality

Terriers are hunting breeds by nature. This has allowed them to develop exceptional intelligence over the years. It is no coincidence that the coarse-haired Fox terrier is a very curious animal and is always attentive and alert, ready to decipher any possible movement perceived in the environment around him.

They are very friendly to their masters and learn quite quickly, but during training they can tend to get bored quickly if you repeat the same game too many times. Another important detail is that if they build up stress, they tend to dig into their surroundings.

The Fox Terrier is very affectionate with young and old, loves to interact with other dogs. Awake and playful, it can be safely said that it is the ideal pet for young families who like to go out, hike and live the days in a very active way.

Although it is now quite an ancient dog, this breed still hasn’t completely gotten rid of its hunting instinct. This could be a problem in some cases: they tend to run towards anything that moves, whether it is a cat – its greatest enemy – or a bicycle, a skateboard or other …

Training of the coarse-haired Fox terrier

The Coarse Fox Terrier is a breed that, like all of them, will require dedication and patience. The advice we feel we can give you is simple: it is useful, as well as necessary, to give the utmost importance to obedience  from the beginning. Try to emphasize orders and commands through deep physical exercise. They learn very quickly and regard their owner as their equal.

A good trained Terrier can participate in very demanding competitions such as agility , a sport with circuits and obstacles. An excellent hunter, a faithful watchdog, a sporting champion and one that you can even present at some dog show.

Typical health and diseases

The Coarse Fox Terrier, like his entire family, does not have many dangerous diseases, because he enjoys good general health and a robust constitution. However, there are some conditions that need to be taken into consideration.

The high physical activity practiced by these animals increases the tendency to wear out certain parts of the body, especially the shoulders, during the last years of their life.

They are also prone to suffer from a reduction of  view  in an advanced age and may suffer from cataracts, glaucoma and dislocation of the lens, when the lens loses its normal position. The latter can be treated with drugs or by removing the lens, with the application of special eye drops, unfortunately for life.

Apart from the typical pathologies of the breed and more general diseases, to keep your coarse-haired Fox terrier healthy, it is advisable to brush it periodically. Not only to remove dead hair, but to keep its immaculate and soft coat visually pleasing and bright. You should also pay attention to fleas and ticks that can hide in the hedgehogs.