Fox Terriers have a bit of an independent nature, but they still bond closely with their families and love attention from them. They are loyal dogs that are affectionate, friendly, and playful. They are known for their lively and amusing antics. They also get along well with children. They have a high prey drive, so they will need extra socialization with smaller pets in the household.

If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Fox Terrier Mix. You can also meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of the temperament, behavior, and manners she is modeling for her puppies.

Although the breeder should be starting to train and socialize puppies, it is up to you to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home. This helps them grow into a well-balanced, well-mannered dog.

Fox Terriers are highly adaptable dogs that do well in apartments and larger homes. They are sensitive to heat and may require some winter dog products to stay warm when the weather gets cold. They don’t like to be left alone for long and, because of their high prey drive, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas.

As long as the other parent breed has similar adaptability, a Fox Terrier Mix should also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent breed will likely still have some other potential traits and quirks to add to the mix, so you do want to make sure you ask the breeder about them.

Mixed-breed dogs are sometimes healthier than purebred dogs, but it’s not a guarantee. They can sometimes “win the genetic lottery” and inherit none of the conditions common to the parent breeds. But, they can still inherit conditions common to one or both of the parent breeds.

From the Fox Terrier side, potential health conditions to be aware of include patellar luxation and heart disease. The other parent breed likely has potential health conditions to be aware of as well, so you need to ask the breeder about them.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing on issues to puppies. So, you should plan to ask about the health and genetic histories for both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about any health clearances or tests that have been done.

Although Fox Terriers are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly, they also have a stubborn streak and an independent nature. First-time dog owners can find this challenging, so puppy training classes are recommended.

The other parent breed could make a Fox Terrier Mix easier or more difficult to train. So, it’s not a bad idea to be prepared to enroll in classes or enlist the help of a trainer. Puppy training classes are generally a good idea anyway because they help reinforce training, offer socialization, and also strengthen the bond you have with your puppy.

A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or one that is some mix of both of them. Should a Fox Terrier Mix end up with a Fox Terrier coat, it will shed moderately year-round. Weekly brushing and a bath every 4-6 weeks is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great.

Regardless of coat type and care, you will also need to take care of your Fox Terrier Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting your dog’s nails once or twice a month is usually enough to keep them from growing too long. Depending on how quickly they grow, you may need to trim nails more often.

Weekly ear checks and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. Ears should be dry, clean, and free of debris or pests. If you see irritation, redness, excess or discolored discharge, or something else that is concerning, then you know it’s time to visit the vet.

Because many dog owners overlook dental care for dogs, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Starting good dental care early and practicing it consistently throughout your dog’s life can help make sure it’s not an issue for your dog. Using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing teeth every day is ideal for helping to prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

Although the Fox Terrier is a small dog, they are a high-energy breed that requires a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy. Long walks plus playtime and extra activity every day are usually enough, but these dogs will often be ready for more activity if you are.

The other parent breed can affect the range of potential activity levels for a Fox Terrier Mix, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Even if the other parent breed is a lower-energy breed, you will still need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog in a Fox Terrier Mix.

A fully-grown Fox Terrier usually stands 15-16 inches tall and weighs 15-18 pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, so you want to ask the breeder about them.

Also, pay attention to which breed is the mother as this can also have a big effect on size. Although it’s not a guarantee, you can meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown Fox Terrier Mix.

A Fox Terrier generally lives for 12-15 years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Fox Terrier Mix.