Fox Terrier: bathing, clipping and coat care

The Fox Terrier has a wiry coat. See how we care for it in the salon, how often to visit and what to do at home.

SizeSmall
Weight7–9 kg
Height36–39 cm
CoatWiry
SheddingLow
Fox Terrier
Photo: Rachel329 · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Breed facts

FCI groupGroup 3: Terriers
OriginUnited Kingdom
Weight7–9 kg
Height36–39 cm
Life expectancy12–15 years

Temperament

Cheerful, active and fearless, with plenty of energy.

History

Bred in 19th-century England to follow foxes into their earths.

Fun facts

It was one of the most popular terrier breeds at 19th-century dog shows.

The Fox Terrier coat

A wiry, harsh coat with a softer undercoat. It needs its own techniques to keep texture and colour.

There are two varieties: smooth-haired and wire-haired (which benefits from hand stripping).

What we do in the salon

To keep the texture of a wiry coat, hand stripping (manual removal of dead hair) is ideal. When a more practical option is preferred, we clip, knowing the coat will become softer and may change colour over time. Includes bath and conditioning.

Recommended services

  • Hand strippingabout 2 h
  • Clipper & scissor trimabout 2 h
  • Bathabout 1 h

How often?

Bathevery 4 to 6 weeks
Cut / upkeepHand stripping 3 to 4 times a year, or a clipper trim every 6 to 8 weeks.

Special attention

This breed comes in several sizes or varieties: when booking, tell us your dog’s size and coat type.

Care at home between visits

  1. Brush once or twice a week with a firm-bristle brush.
  2. Avoid very frequent baths, which soften the coat.
  3. Wipe the beard and muzzle after meals.
  4. Agree with the salon on the best time for hand stripping.

Frequently asked questions about the Fox Terrier

Does the Fox Terrier shed a lot?

It sheds little. Even so, the coat can tangle or build up, so it should be brushed regularly.

How often should I bring my Fox Terrier to the salon?

In general, a bath every 4 to 6 weeks. Hand stripping 3 to 4 times a year, or a clipper trim every 6 to 8 weeks. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.

How long do a bath and a clip take?

When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.

What is hand stripping?

It is the manual removal of dead hair, which keeps the texture and colour of a wiry coat. That is why it is the recommended technique for these breeds.

Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.