Temperament: The Fox Terrier is enthusiastically playful especially with children, but has been known to bite. This dog is a lovable dynamo; it is scrappy and impulsive. It is extremely loyal and devoted to its family and does not hide its jealously. It is highly intelligent; it is great at learning tricks. This dog enjoys being part of the family and will become destructive without enough exercise and attention. It is one of the most aggressive breeds; the Fox Terrier has a pronounced tendency to pick fights with other dogs, even large ones, and is not generally trustworthy with other pets. It will also hunt and possibly kill other animals, such as birds, if given the chance. This Terrier often bites, and although it loves to play, it should be watched with children. It gets along with other dogs, provided it is thoroughly socialized at an early age. It needs firm, consistent obedience training; it tends to be willful. Behavior problems may include dominance challenges, especially with meek owners; guarding objects, places and its own food from the owner, and excessive barking. It likes to bark, although the high-pitched barking can be annoying and may cause problems with neighbors. It is important to keep this dog properly leashed or in a completely enclosed area, because it likes to go off and explore. The Fox Terrier makes a good watchdog. This breed may be too boisterous for elderly owners.
The Amertoy thinks it is big! This breed is tough and bright, but stubborn. It is an exceptionally intelligent, trainable dog. It cannot tolerate cold weather; it should wear a coat in the winter to help keep it warm. Some American Toy Terriers have been trained to assist handicapped people around the home. It has proven to be an excellent hearing dog for the deaf; it can be trained to take its human companion to the sources of sounds, such as the telephone.
Given a small yard, the Fox Terrier will get enough exercise running around by itself; but if you live in an apartment, you will need to take it for regular long walks or romps in the park. If it is possible, it will love to run free in a safe area. It is important to keep this dog on a leash if there are small animals around; the urge for this breed to hunt is strong and it is likely to take off after cats and small dogs.
