Foodle Dog Mix Breed Information Center – The Fox Terrier Poodle Cross

The Fox Terrier Poodle Mix, or Foodle, is a cross between either a Smooth Fox Terrier or a Wire Fox Terrier and a Toy Poodle.

Foodle FAQs

Our readers’ most popular and frequently asked questions about the Foodle.

• What is a Foodle?
• How much exercise does a Foodle need?
• What is the life expectancy of a Foodle?
• How much does a Foodle cost?
• What is the size of a full-grown Foodle?

Foodle: Breed At A Glance

• Popularity: Poodles are ranked 7th, Wire Fox Terriers are ranked 101st, and Smooth Fox Terriers are ranked 123rd out of 193 breeds by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
• Purpose: Companion
• Weight: 4 to 18 pounds
• Temperament: Lively, athletic, and intelligent

Foodle Breed Review: Contents

• History and original purpose of the Foodle
• Fun facts about Foodles
• Foodle appearance
• Foodle temperament
• Training and exercising your Foodle
• Foodle health and care
• Do Foodles make good family pets?
• Rescuing a Foodle
• Finding a Foodle puppy
• Raising a Foodle puppy
• Foodle products and accessories

History And Original Purpose Of The Foodle

The Foodle is the offspring of the Toy Poodle and the Fox Terrier.

Seeing as they are a newer generation crossbreed, the origin of the Foodle is still relatively unknown.

For that reason, the best way to dig into their past is to uncover the roots of the parent breeds.

Origin Of The Fox Terrier

Originating in Britain during the 1700s, the Fox Terrier began as a renowned foxhunting dog.

They were utilized for their small stature, outgoing nature, and keen instincts to run foxes from their dens for their master.

This smart and funny breed, known for its quirky personality, has even excelled in show business, with a slew of movies and television shows rocketing the breed to stardom during the 1930s and 1940s.

However, did you know there are two Fox Terrier breeds? That’s right! There’s the Wire Fox Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier.

In spite of being similar in every other way except for their coat, the Wire Fox Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier have long been considered two separate breeds in the UK, with the US following suit and dividing the two in 1985.

Today, the Fox Terrier breeds continue to be adored family pets, talented show dogs, and successful hunting dogs.

Now, what about the Poodle?

Origin of the Toy Poodle

The tiny Toy Poodle is a descendant of the German Standard Poodle, that was originally bred as a duck hunting dog nearly 400 years ago.

Despite being incorrectly referred to as a “French Poodle,” the Poodle breed did not become famous in France until after their working days.

Their fancy pompoms, which were cut to protect them as they swam through frigid waters after prey, became a fashion statement among nobles.

Highly intelligent and very showy, this entertaining breed also excelled in circus life, as well as strutting their stuff in street performances.

The Standard Poodle has been around for hundreds of years, but the Toy Poodle was not created until the breed reached America in the early 20th century.

Bred primarily for companionship, the Toy Poodle thrives in city life and is the ultimate lap dog.

Intelligent, highly social, and very entertaining, the Poodle is currently one of America’s favorite dogs, ranking in at number 7 out of 193 on the AKC’s list of America’s most popular dog breeds.

Fun Facts About Foodle

Law & Order: SVU star Richard Belzer was noted to have a Fox Terrier Poodle mix named Bebe.

There is also a Foodle name Diane Keaton, who is the CEO and inspiration behind a quilting company in New York City!

Foodle Appearance

As with all crossbreeds, determining an exact size, weight, and coloring for the Fox Terrier Poodle mix is nearly impossible.

However, we can guesstimate the potential appearance of a Foodle by comparing the purebred parents.

Fox Terrier Appearance

Weighing in at 15 to 18 pounds and standing 15.5 inches tall, the Fox Terrier is a small breed with a big personality.

They are a sturdy breed with round eyes and triangular ears that fold forward, and they will have either a wire coat or a smooth coat.

Although Smooth Fox Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers are considered different breeds, other than coat texture and head shape, their breed standards are basically the same.

Coat Texture and Colors

As the name suggests, the Wire Fox Terrier has hair that is harsh and wiry to the touch. And although there is no breed that is truly hypoallergenic, the Wire Fox Terrier barely sheds.

The Smooth Fox Terrier, on the other hand, has a shorter, smoother coat that sheds seasonally. They also have a more V-shaped head than the Wire Fox Terrier.

Both the Wire Fox Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier have coats that come in the same four color combinations:

• White
• Blue Belton
• Tri-Color
• White and Chestnut

Toy Poodle Appearance

Toy Poodles are tinier than Fox Terriers, weighing 4 to 6 pounds and growing no taller than 10 inches.

The Toy Poodle has long ears and, much like the Fox Terrier, a long tail that is often docked.

Toy Poodle’s dense, curly coat comes in many colors:

• Apricot
• Black
• Blue
• Brown
• Cream
• Sable
• Silver
• Tan
• White
• Blue Belton

Foodle Appearance

Considering the above information, your Fox Terrier Poodle Mix will not grow to be over 15.5 inches tall and could weigh anywhere from 4 to 18 pounds.

Remember, it is all going to depend on genetics and chance, and whichever purebred parent your Foodle crossbreed takes after most.

If you are able to meet the parents of your potential pup, their coat color can give you an indication of what you might expect in your Fox Terrier Cross Poodle pup.

Foodle Temperament

It’s likely the Foodle is going to be a smart and funny dog, since both the parent breeds are. But let’s see what other traits might they inherit from them.

Fox Terrier Temperament

The Fox Terrier has a quirky disposition and a winning personality. They are known for their spunk and lively spirit, and this little dog is said to be childlike-in-manner with an affinity for play and excitement.

Because they are extremely active, they will be more suitable for families with children who are over the age of five.

Smaller children could excite this breed, that enjoys playing rambunctiously. They will often chase after youngsters and can sometimes nip out of excitement.

While not an aggressive breed, Fox Terriers were bred for hunting and have an incredibly high prey drive. For this reason, they should not be left unsupervised around smaller household pets like cats, rodents, or birds.

However, Fox Terriers do well with other household dogs.

Though they are rather intelligent, the Fox Terrier does have a tendency to bore easily and can become stubborn if they do not want to do something.

Poodle Temperament

While the Poodle was also bred for hunting, the Toy Poodle was created to be a family companion.

Because they still have a high prey drive, and although they are small, they are likely to chase after smaller animals instinctually.

The Toy Poodle is very affectionate and enjoys being around family. However, their small size may not make them suitable for very young children who could accidentally harm them.

As one of the world’s most intelligent dog breeds, the Toy Poodle aims to please and loves nothing more than entertaining their family.

Despite their proud look and fancy coat, the Poodle enjoys being a dog and loves getting messy!

Foodle Temperament

Considering the Poodle and the Fox Terrier are both active, intelligent, and fun-loving breeds, you can expect for your Fox Terrier Poodle Cross to share the same traits.

This breed has a lot of personality and can be comical at times. They enjoy being around their family and are generally good with older children and other dogs.

Due to both parent breed’s histories as hunting dogs, it is likely your Foodle will inherit a strong prey drive and may not do well around other small animals. It is also the reason they should be kept on a leash when out of the house as they may have a strong urge to chase things.

If your Fox Terrier Cross Poodle takes more after the Fox Terrier parent, they could also have a tendency to dig. And the Foodle could be a bit stubborn, like their Fox Terrier parent, or eager to please, like their Poodle parent.

With a mixed breed, your dog’s personality and temperament will all be left up to chance and genetics!

Training And Exercising Your Foodle

Foodle Training

As far as training your Foodle, if they inherit the Poodle parent’s zest for showmanship, you can expect training to be a breeze. However, if they are more like the Fox Terrier parent, there is a chance they could become easily bored and stubborn if they’re not enjoying themselves.

Remember to keep training consistent, fun, and interesting to maintain your dog’s attention. With the Fox Terrier in them, they may wander off and start doing their own thing if they get bored.

Furthermore, always use positive reinforcement, as well as the treat-based reward system with this breed. The Fox Terrier side of your pet may not respond well to harsh treatment.

As with any dogs, we recommend early socialization and obedience training to reduce anxiety in your Foodle and to better ensure they are adaptable and well-rounded in any setting.

Foodle Exercise Requirements

Both the Poodle and the Fox Terrier breeds are active dogs that will require a certain amount of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

However, the Foodle is a smaller dog, so a brisk walk, a romp in the yard, or even some play in the home should be enough to meet their exercise needs.

Since the Foodle dog comes from a pair of rather brainy breeds, they will need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise to keep them out of trouble. Teaching them new tricks, offering them doggy jobs, or even providing them with some doggy puzzles will help keep them sharp and entertained.

Both parent breeds also excel at canine sports and thus your Foodle could too. This might be a great way to exercise your dog’s mind and body, as well as strengthening your bond with them.

Foodle Health And Care

Determining things like lifespan and what types of health issues they may be prone to can be difficult with a crossbreed such as the Fox Terrier Poodle.

For that reason, we recommend looking at the lifespan and any health issues that could potentially come from both the purebred parents.

Fox Terrier Health Concerns

The Fox Terrier is prone to some hereditary health concerns that could be passed down to Foodle offspring.

Eye Conditions

The Fox Terrier tends to have more eye issues than some other breeds. They are particularly susceptible to cataracts, glaucoma, lens luxation, and distichiasis.

• Cataracts often affect older dogs and are hallmarked by a cloudy or filmy look to the eye. They can impair vision and may eventually cause blindness. The severity can vary, and more severe cases may be treated with surgery.
• Glaucoma in dogs is much the same as in humans. The slow deterioration of the optic nerve causes vision loss and potentially blindness if left untreated. It can be painful for your pet as well. Symptoms include redness in the whites of the eyes, a bluish look to the corneas, squinting, and watery eyes. If you notice these signs in your dog it is an emergency and you should visit your vet right away.
• Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) is an eye condition that occurs when the fibers that hold the lens in place start to breakdown. The fibers can eventually break and the lens falls out of place. If it falls forward it can interfere with circulation and lead to another optical condition called secondary glaucoma. Treatment is on a case by case basis, but surgery is sometimes needed to remove the fallen lens.
• Distichiasis is when additional eyelashes grow in the margins of the eyelid. This condition can occur on the upper or lower lids and often occurs in both eyes. It irritates the eye, causing redness, inflammation, discharge, and pain. Distichiasis can also cause ulcers on the eye. Treatment can include removing the extra lashes.

Joint Problems

Fox Terriers are prone to a couple of joint-related issues:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Both of these conditions cause a deterioration of the affected joint and can lead to arthritis.
In the case of elbow dysplasia, a piece of the bone may have broken off and is floating around inside the joint.

Symptoms include lameness in the front leg(s), stiffness, limping, and external rotation of the paw of the affected leg.

Treatment can involve medication, weight management, and exercise limitations. It can also require surgery to remove the bone fragments.

In the case of hip dysplasia, the hip socket does not fit together correctly, and consequently, there is a lot of friction and grinding within the joint.

Symptoms include lameness in the hind legs, difficulty running, jumping, or climbing stairs, looseness in the joint, decreased range of motion, and a swaying gait.

Treatment often involves anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, exercise restrictions, and weight management.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar Luxation is another joint problem that can affect Fox Terriers. It occurs when the kneecap slips out of place. It can vary in severity, occurring occasionally or frequently.

The signs of patellar luxation include occasional skipping as the dog runs and hind leg lameness.

Treatment can often involve surgery, especially in cases where dislocation occurs frequently.

Legg-Calvé -Perthes Disease

This disease can affect dogs as young as 6 to 9 months old. While the condition is not totally understood at this time, it is believed to be caused by decreased blood flow to the hip.

This lack of sufficient blood leads to a brittle femur (thigh bone) which can fracture quite easily. It causes lameness in the back legs and pain.

Surgery is often required.

Heart Disease

Like many breeds, the Fox Terrier is prone to heart disease. In fact, this is the leading cause of death in older Fox Terriers.

Heart disease is the result of a weakening or deformation in the heart valves that allow a backflow of blood in the heart. This puts more strain on the heart.

Pulmonic Stenosis is another heart condition common to this breed. It is caused by a partial obstruction of the blood flow between the lungs and the heart. Similar to the effect of heart disease, this puts additional strain on the heart.

Signs of pulmonic stenosis include difficulty breathing, coughing, and stunted growth. In more severe cases the dog may faint or run out of energy during bouts of exercise.

If the condition is severe it is usually treated surgically.

Deafness

This is a breed that is prone to hereditary deafness. Research has found that this type of deafness is more often found in animals with white pigmentation.

It has been found to correlate in other dog breeds as well as other species, like cows, cats, and horses. If your dog seems to have healthy looking ears but isn’t responding to you, check with your veterinarian.

Despite this list, Fox Terriers are known to be a healthy breed with a long lifespan. And many hereditary conditions can and should be screened for.

Be sure to use a breeder that can show you proof of health testing. There are currently no testing schemes for Fox Terriers.

Toy Poodle Health Concerns

The Toy Poodle and the Fox Terrier have some overlapping health issues. These include hip dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and patellar luxation.

There are a few more health concerns that are common to the Toy Poodle:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Poodles are genetically predisposed to PRA. This is a degenerative eye disease that leads to blindness.

It tends to present anywhere from 3 to 9 years of age and results in total blindness in 1 to 2 years.

PRA is not painful, and it is difficult to detect early on. Night vision is affected first, resulting in night blindness.

There is currently no cure for this disease.

Addison’s Disease

This disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce a sufficient amount of adrenal hormones. It is a serious condition as these hormones are important for sustaining life.

Signs of this condition can include gastrointestinal issues, poor appetite, and lethargy. Their heart function can be affected If the dog becomes stressed, and it can sometimes cause arrhythmias or even heart failure.

Testing can be done to confirm a diagnosis. Treatment generally involves daily medication.

Sebaceous Adenitis

This is a skin condition that results from inflammation in the sebaceous gland that prevents hair from re-growing. Hair texture and color can change, and in some cases, it can lead to alopecia.

Signs including crusting on the skin, change in hair texture, and hair loss. Management of the condition can involve topical and oral medication.

Seizures

Poodles have a higher than average likelihood of suffering from idiopathic seizures. These are seizures of an unknown cause but are believed to be hereditary.

Medication is often used to help manage this condition.

Recommended Testing Schemes for Toy Poodles includes:

• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• PRA Optigen DNA test
• Patellar Evaluation
• vWD DNA test

Foodle Health Concerns

Your Fox Terrier Cross Poodle could inherit any condition common to either parent. However, they are more likely to develop a condition that is common to both parent breeds.

That means your Foodle could be most at risk of hip dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes, and patellar luxation. That said, it is still important to be aware of all the conditions they could inherit, as well as the signs and symptoms.

Since the Foodle is a crossbreed, you may want to consider early health screens. This is a great way to prevent or prepare for any inheritable health conditions your dog may be predisposed to.

Foodle Life Expectancy

The Fox Terrier has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, while the Toy Poodle has a lifespan of 10 to 18 years.

With mixed breed dogs, life expectancy is generally the same as the parent breeds. The Foodle has two parent breeds with a long lifespan, so you can reasonably expect the same from their offspring.

Foodle Grooming

Grooming your Fox Terrier Cross Poodle will depend on the coat they inherit from their parents.

If your dog is a cross between a Toy Poodle and a Smooth Fox Terrier, there is a chance they could shed. However, if they are a cross between a Wire Fox Terrier and a Toy Poodle then they should hardly shed at all.

Still, both the Poodle and the Fox Terrier require regular brushing and trimming to keep their coats manageable and free from mats and tangles.

You may need to do frequent brushing to keep their hair from matting with more of a Wire Fox Terrier type coat or Poodle coat. A Smooth Fox Terrier like coat will require weekly brushing with a hound glove or thick brush.

Your Foodle will also need their nails trimmed regularly to avoid breakage and their ears cleaned and trimmed to keep infection at bay.

Do Foodles Make Good Family Pets?

Foodles can make excellent family pets for homes with older children. Especially active families with an enclosed yard where they can run and play.

This breed will do fine in a home with other dogs but may see other small pets, like cats, birds, or rodents, as prey.

Rescuing A Foodle

Adopting a rescue is a great alternative to purchasing from a breeder. It can be much cheaper and your furry friend may even come housebroken!

Newer crossbreeds like a Fox Terrier Cross Poodle are unlikely to have their own specific breed rescue, however, parent breed rescues tend to take in any related mixed breeds as well.

Take a look at our list of rescue societies at the bottom of the page.

Finding A Fox Terrier Poodle Puppy

There are many resources to go through to get a Foodle puppy. Therefore, it’s important to do your research and make sure you are going through a responsible source.

If you are looking to adopt your Foodle from a shelter, one of the benefits is going to be the price. Adoption fees are much less than breeder fees, typically running anywhere from $50 to $100, with the added bonus of shelters covering the initial vet cost.

On the other hand, if you would prefer to get your Foodle pup from a breeder, you may be paying anywhere from $500 to over $1000. The price depends both on the breeder and if the parent breeds are show quality.

Reputable Breeders

One of the benefits of going through a breeder is that you will have the opportunity to ask questions about any health or temperament issues with the Foodle’s parent breeds or previous litters. You can even ask for references from previous litters.

You should also note that reputable breeders should be able to provide certificates proving their puppies have health screened and are cleared to go home with you. They should be happy to answer all of your questions and may even have some for you to ensure their pup is going to an appropriate home.

Avoid pet stores and online advertisements. There are a lot of unethical breeding practices out there as the designer dog business can be a lucrative one.

Store bought and puppy mill dogs are often unhealthy and can be more challenging in temperament. Furthermore, supporting these poor breeding practices also supports them to continue.

Raising A Foodle Puppy

Puppies can be a handful, and an active Fox Terrier Cross Poodle pup is no different. Here are some tips to help you along:

• 9 Ways To Have A Successful Dog Training Session
• How To Stop A Dog From Digging
• Puppy Potty Training Schedule And Finishing Touches
• Puppy Training Stages

Foodle Products And Accessories

Here a few things that your Foodle might enjoy!

• Best Dog Leashes—Which One Is Right For You And Your Dog?
• Small Dog Beds
• Why Do Dogs Get Bored? Tips And Best Dog Toys For Boredom

Pros And Cons Of Getting A Foodle

Still trying to decide if a Fox Terrier Poodle mix is right for you? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this mix breed:

Cons

• Could be a shedder depending on the parent they take after
• May not do well with other small pets
• Not ideal dogs for homes with small children
• This is a dog that should stay on a leash or in a fenced yard to prevent them from chasing “prey”
• Weekly grooming needs, if not more often

Pros

• Adaptable to apartment living or to a house with a yard
• They have moderate exercise needs
• Good dogs for homes with older children
• Intelligent and lively dogs
• They could potentially shed very little

Comparing The Foodle With Other Breeds

The Foodle And The Whoodle

Another Terrier Poodle mix is the Whoodle, a Wheaten Terrier Poodle Cross. Similar to the Foodle, the Whoodle is a smart and highly trainable dog that can have a bit of a stubborn streak.

They are known to be good with children and generally friendly, loyal dogs. Whoodles require about the same amount of exercise as the Foodle and has similar grooming needs to a Wire Fox Terrier Poodle coat.

Their coat also tends to mat if not frequently brushed. Whoodles are a bigger dog than the Foodle, weighing between 20 and 45 pounds.

For more on the Woodle click here.

The Foodle And The Smooth Pom Terrier

The Smooth Fox Terrier crossed with the Pomeranian makes a Smooth Pom Terrier. This mixed breed is smaller on average than the Foodle, weighing 3 to 7 pounds and standing 7 to 12 inches tall.

This mix is high maintenance in the grooming department and sheds seasonally. They have a long-life expectancy like the Foodle, living up to 16 years.

Also, like the Foodle, they are known to get bored easily during training. And they are also known to be cuddly and loyal pets.

Similar Breeds

You may also want to take a look at these breeds if you are interested in the Fox Terrier Poodle mix.

• Bichon Poodle Mix
• Chocolate Labradoodle
• Japanese Chin and Fox Terrier Mix
• Miniature Cockapoo—Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Poodle Mix
• Smooth Fox Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier Mix
• Westiepoo—West Highland Terrier and Poodle Mix
• Wire Fox Terrier and Beagle Mix
• Mini Labradoodle
• Lagotto Romagnolo

For more Terrier Poodle hybrids take a look at these articles:

• Poodle Mixes
• Fox Terrier Mixes

Foodle Breed Rescues

US Rescues

• American Fox Terrier Rescue
• Doodle Rescue Collective
• Wire Fox Terrier Rescue Midwest

UK Rescues

• Doodle Aid
• Fox Terrier Rescue UK
• Doodle Trust
• Terrier Rescue
• True Friends Wire Fox Terrier Rescue

Canada Rescues

• Happy Tails Rescue
• Sugar Pine Doodles

Australia Rescues

• The Poodle Club Of Queensland

Please leave a comment below if you would like to join one of our listings!

Is a Fox Terrier Poodle The Right Dog For You?

The Foodle is a small dog who does well in many different home types. However, their Fox Terrier parent breed can be a bit rambunctious.

If you have a family with children under the age of 5, you may want to wait until your kiddos are older to get a Foodle dog. On the other hand, if you have no children or children over the age of 5, this may be a great addition to your family.

And if you are able to provide the adequate exercise, training, and TLC your Fox Terrier Poodle Mix needs to thrive, then this may be the perfect pup for you!

References And Resources

• American Kennel Club
• Lowell Acumen DVM, DACVD, MBA, MOA, The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, Second Edition, 2011
• Harlingen Veterinary Clinic. Accessed 2019. ”Wire Fox Terrier.”
• Howell, T. J. et. al. 2015. “Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports.
• Loft, K. Accessed 2019. ” Canine Sebaceous Adenitis.” The MSPCA–Angell.
• Priester, W. A. “1972. Sex, size, and breed as risk factors in canine patellar dislocation.” Journal of the Veterinary Medical Association.
• Sutter, N. B., and Ostrander, E. A. 2004.”Dog star rising: the canine genetic system.” Nature Reviews Genetics.
• Strain, G. M. 2015. ”The Genetics of Deafness in Domestic Animals.”Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
• UK Kennel Club

We have extensively revised and updated this article for 2019.