Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy generally between 10 and 13 years, the Fox Terrier can accompany its family for a long time when it is well raised, properly fed and sufficiently exercised. Prevention, weight control and prompt management of any abnormal symptom directly contribute to this longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Fox Terrier is considered a fairly robust breed. Its compact build and active nature often allow it to age well, provided its exercise needs are met and certain digestive, ocular or locomotor signs that warrant veterinary advice are not trivialized.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Regular monitoring is recommended throughout life, notably because the Fox Terrier can hide part of its discomfort as long as it remains motivated and energetic. Early follow-up helps to spot abnormalities sooner and to adjust activity, diet or care if necessary.
Spinal disorders: Locomotor monitoring is useful, especially if the dog shows stiffness, pain, or a drop in condition after exertion.
Eye conditions: Eye disorders can occur in the breed and warrant a prompt consultation in case of discomfort, redness, or decreased vision.
Heart disorders: Regular veterinary follow-up helps detect possible cardiac signs, especially in adults or seniors.
Congenital megaesophagus: The breed is among those in which this digestive condition can be observed, with regurgitation and a risk of aspiration.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Fox Terrier generally tolerates cool temperatures correctly and rather well moderate heat, provided that intense efforts are avoided during the hottest hours. As with any small active dog, it must always have water, shade and recovery time during the summer period.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Fox Terrier must retain a lean and athletic silhouette. Its activity level helps to limit overweight, but excess treats or a poorly adjusted ration can quickly make its weight vary. Regular monitoring of body condition makes it possible to adjust portions to its age, its activity and any possible neutering.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Plan an annual veterinary check-up
- Monitor the eyes, back and digestion
- Maintain a stable weight all year round
- Consult quickly in case of repeated regurgitation
Vaccination
Fox Terrier vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Fox Terrier need? Like all dogs, Fox Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Fox Terrier vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Fox Terrier booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Fox Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Fox Terrier
An annual veterinary examination, supplemented depending on the dog’s profile by particular attention to the eyes, the heart, the spine and digestive disorders, is recommended. In a subject intended for breeding, it is wise to favor lines monitored seriously and breeding dogs selected with care.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
