Chilean Fox Terrier
chih-LAY-un FOKS TEH-ree-er
Chile· Chile
The Chilean Fox Terrier is a small, energetic ratting terrier developed from British Fox Terrier stock.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Small
Exercise needs
1 hour per day
Home size suited to
Any
Grooming frequency
Minimal
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Moderate
Lifespan
13-15 years
Town or country
Either
Garden size needed
Small or larger, securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Chilean Fox Terrier
Fox Terriers brought to Chile by British immigrants and railway workers in the nineteenth century were bred locally for generations as farm ratters, adapting to Chilean rural life. Over time the breed developed its own distinct type, known locally as Fox Terrier Chileno, valued for tireless vermin control.
- Region
- Chile
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate Chilean farmland
- Original job
- Ratting and vermin control on farms
The long read
About the breed
Its long history as a farm vermin controller shaped a quick, tenacious and highly alert dog with strong hunting instincts.
It makes a lively, loyal companion for active owners but needs consistent exercise and occupation, being prone to chasing and digging without an outlet.
Today it remains a well-loved farm and family dog across Chile, with growing efforts to formally document and preserve the local breed.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Chilean Fox Terrier greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Chilean Fox Terrier is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Chilean Fox Terrier's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1880s
British imports
Fox Terriers arrived in Chile with British immigrants and railway engineers.
1900s
Farm adaptation
The breed became widespread as a farm ratter across rural Chile.
1900s-2000s
Local divergence
Generations of local breeding produced a distinct Chilean type.
2016
National recognition efforts
Chilean cynological groups began formal documentation of the breed.
2020s
Ongoing standardisation
Work continues toward wider recognition of the Chilean Fox Terrier.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact, athletic body with a level topline.
- coat
- Short, smooth and dense.
- ears
- Small, folded forward, V-shaped.
- eyes
- Small, dark, keen expression.
- head
- Flat skull with a moderately long muzzle.
- size
- 30-38cm at the withers
- colour
- White with black and tan markings.
- temperament
- Bold, energetic and alert, with a strong prey drive.
- general appearance
- A small, alert, sturdily built terrier resembling its Fox Terrier ancestors.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Chilean Fox Terriers added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Chilean Fox Terrier
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Chilean Fox Terrier illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Chilean Fox Terrier Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Chilean Fox Terrier illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Chilean Fox Terrier Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Chilean Fox Terrier illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Chilean Fox Terrier Mug
Ceramic mug with the Chilean Fox Terrier illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
LED Reflective Lead Light
Rechargeable clip-on light for dark walks.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Chilean Fox Terrier video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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