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Pet Insurance for Fox Terriers

Find out all about Fox Terriers and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 19th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500–$3,000

Height

35cm - 38cm

Weight

7kg - 8.5kg

Personality

Lively, intelligent, bold

Coat length

Short, smooth

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

13 - 15 years

Fox Terrier (smooth coated)

Overview

The Fox Terrier, known for its feisty and energetic nature, comes in two varieties: Smooth and Wire Coated. Both originated in England in the 18th Century, and were bred to flush out foxes during fox hunts – thus their nick-name, Foxies. The Smooth Coated Fox Terriers were bred to have mainly white coats so they could easily be distinguished from foxes. They are closely related to Jack Russells, Miniature Fox Terriers and Rat Terriers. 

The Smooth Coated Fox Terrier has a dense, flat coat that sheds little and requires minimal grooming. Fox Terriers are known for their intelligence, agility and high energy level. They are highly active and thrive in homes with owners who can provide lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Fox Terriers enjoy tasks like agility and obedience, but do not enjoy being left alone and can develop destructive behaviours like digging and barking excessively if bored. 

Common diseases and conditions of Fox Terriers

  • Legg-Perthes Disease: Fox Terriers may be prone to Legg-Perthes disease, affecting the hip joint. 
  • Myasthenia Gravis: This is a neuromuscular disease that often affects the muscles around the eyes and face.
  • Skin Allergies: They are prone to develop skin allergies triggered by grass seeds.  

Breed-specific issues:

Their high energy levels require regular exercise, and they may have a strong prey drive, so should not be left alone with smaller pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs. They tend to enjoy chasing cats, and can become quite yappy dogs if not given sufficient mental stimulation.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Fox Terrier?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Fox Terriers

What's the difference between a Jack Russell and a Fox Terrier?  

While both breeds share similarities, they are distinct. Jack Russells are generally smaller and more robust, while Fox Terriers are slightly larger and sleeker. Their personalities and energy levels can also differ, with Jack Russells often being more intense and active. 

Are Fox Terriers good with children?

Smooth Coated Fox Terriers can be good with older children, but they may be too energetic for younger children, with a tendency to bark and jump on children. They also have a strong prey drive, so should not be trusted with smaller pets.  

 
 
Do Fox Terriers require a lot of exercise?

Yes, Fox Terriers are highly energetic dogs with boundless energy, and so they need regular exercise. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are important for their well-being. 

How do Smooth Coated Fox Terriers differ from Wire Coated Fox Terriers?

The primary difference is in their coat. Smooth Coated Fox Terriers have a short, sleek coat, while Wire Coated Fox Terriers have a rough, wiry coat. Wire Coated Terriers tend to be slightly larger than their smooth-coated cousins and have more elongated muzzles. 

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Fox Terrier (smooth coated)

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