Calling all Fox Terrier owners!

LatinaButterfly

A long time friend of my husband's has a Smooth Coat Fox Terrier. (The doggy is 40lbs and 10 years old) My hubby's friend is seriously considering taking a new job that requires him to constantly travel and he's asked if my husband and I will take his dog and provide him with a forever home. Neither one of us knows anything about this breed of dog and I've been combing the internet to read everything I can about them. There are a few things I've read from several different sites that say the same thing regarding temperament and behavior. Several of these concerned me, they were chasing, aggression and excessive barking.

I understand that each dog has it's own personality and what holds true for one dog does not necessarily hold true for all of that particular breed, yet there are also traits that are consistent within certain breeds.

Now, I know what you're thinking... We should just meet the dog and see what he's like, perhaps give it a test run. Yes that would be splendid, unfortunately this was sprung on us a few days ago and the owner of the dog lives 5 states away from us and his plan is to ship the dog to us when he takes this new job, which would be happening in a couple of weeks!

So here I am looking for anyone and everyone who has ever had or currently has a Fox Terrier! Please tell me all you can, share your stories, throw out some advice, post pictures of your furry friends and THANK YOU ALL in advance! :happy:

scubagoil

I have never had a Fox Terrier, but I do know that terriers in general are very high energy dogs which can lead to some of the problems you talked about. With that said, this dog is 10 years old and likely has mellowed a little with age. But if he is a barker, that probably has not mellowed. If you live in an apartment or condo, that could be an issue.

Here are a couple of questions to consider:

Do you have any idea about how this dog has lived for the past 10 years? Has he been home by himself all day while owners were working, or was someone usually home with him? If he is used to having someone around, it might be a big adjustment to move into a new home and then be alone all day (if you and your husband work full time outside the home)

Does the dog have any chronic health issues that require extra vet visits and/or medication?

Is the dog used to spending most of his time inside or outside? Is your living situation compatible with that?

Has the dog has any kind of obedience training? Can he walk nicely on a leash without pulling? Does he have any history of bolting for the door and running away?

Have you ever had a dog?

Do you and your husband travel a lot? If so, is this dog accustom to staying in a kennel? If not, it could be a little traumatic at his age... Also consider the expense involved with this.

I'm sure other people have more ideas and questions...

If you love dogs and are really interested in having a dog (not just feeling sorry for friend and his situation), this could be very nice. An older dog would be mellow and hopefully well trained. I have always had dogs in my life and couldn't image not having one, but if you have never had one, you need to be aware that they are a lot of work!

LatinaButterfly

Thanks Scuba!

Let's see... This dog has been in an apartment for the majority of his life, spending most days alone while his owner worked. Doggy has no health problems and was spared no expense while cared for. We live on a five acre farm and doggy would have to adjust to being an outside dog. (Which after apartment life, he may appreciate) He regularly visited a dog park in the city and did alright for the most part. There were a few times he did have some issues with other dogs and was therefor keep leashed. He has had obedient training, yet from what I've read about this breed and what the owner has said, there are times when doggy just does what doggy wants despite commands. Doggy will be kept in a fenced-in area that is connected to an outbuilding and not allowed out of there unleashed because we are close to a major highway and we have squirrels and a variety of country rodents running around that a Fox Terrier would love to chase!

Yes, we have had dogs before and we currently have dogs now, just never had a Fox Terrier. Since we have dogs this is another reason for my concern with this particular breed and what I've read about the way that can be aggressive and challenge other dogs. My husband and I run our own business from home so we're always around.

I'm sure that doggy moving here will be quite an adjustment for him and it's imperative that he be able to fit in to farm life and his new accommodations, especially since his owner has requested this of us specifically and really wants his dog to be with us.

I'm really focused on learning all I can about this breed of dog, their temperament and common trait behaviors, so that in the event that we decide that this is something we are willing to do, we can help the transition be as problem free as possible, for doggy and for us!

Who out there has first hand knowledge of Fox Terriers?