The fourche terrier (pronounced "fush" rhymes with "push") is the a cross between a purebred West Highland White Terrier and a Yorkshire Terrier. As a hybrid dog the fourche terrier will have traits of both parent breeds which can result in physical and behavioral variations between fourche terrier puppies (even from the same litter).
| Type | Lifespan | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 12-15 yrs. | 7-12 in. | 13-22 lbs |
Below are some of the expected characteristics of fourche terriers:
Fourche terriers are intelligent family oriented dogs that are good with children as well as adults. Their small size makes them perfect indoor dogs and unlike other small dog breeds they do not bark frequently.
They are energetic playful dogs which are perfect for playing fetch or going for short jogs. They have a lot of energy for a smaller dog breed, so it's important they receive moderate daily exercise to prevent them from becoming hyperactive.
As a hybrid dog breed, the fourche terrier does not have an official history. While the breed's birth date is for the most part unknown, it is likely the breed originated between the 1980's and 2000's when crossbred dogs became popular.
Fourche terriers are small sturdy dogs with a dense coat. If left unclipped the coat can begin to resemble the coat of a sheepdog. The breed comes in several color variations, however the breed's hallmark is white patches of fur on the chest, beard, and toes.
The fourche terrier can come in a variety of colors as long as the dog has white fur on its chest, beard, and toes. Some of the most common colors include black and tan, black brindle, rust and black, and various tan shades.
Fourche terriers are small dogs and weigh less than 26 pounds and can be as tall as 11 inches from ground to shoulder.
The fourche terri is an intelligent dog which makes a great addition to any family. They are loyal and are great with children and adults. Unlike many small dog breeds, the fourche terrier does not bark frequently and is not yappy.
Fourche terriers do well with training and can be very obedient if trained properly. They are willing to please their owners and are usually eager to learn, but can be a bit stubborn at times. The breed responds best to positive reinforcement with a gentle attitude.
The fourche terrier is good with children (even younger children). However, children should still be supervised when around the dog so they don't over provoke him/her.
The fourche terrier's temperament towards other pets is unknown. If you have a fourche terrier please contact us with information regarding your experience with his/her pet friendliness.
Fourche terriers are slightly wary of strangers, but if approached correctly they should be welcoming of most people. Due to their friendliness and their quiet demeanor, fourche terriers don't necessarily make the best watch dogs.
Below are pictures of the Fourche Terrier dog breed.
The fourche terrier will need regular clippings and while its coat is low shedding, it will need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting. Even though it is a small dog, fourche terriers need daily exercise to hinder hyperactivity (which can lead to destructive behaviors).
The fourche terrier's coat is considered a no-shed/low-shed coat, but it will require weekly brushings to prevent tangles and matting. The fourche terri will also need its coat clipped as needed since it will continue to grow.
Even though fourche terriers are small dogs, they have a decent amount of energy. They will need a daily walk, however long games of fetch and other energy driven activities can be enough to satisfy the dog's daily exercise requirements.
The fourche terrier does best as an indoor dog. Left outside it's coat can quickly get matted. Since fourche terrier rarely bark they make great apartment pets. They are also friendly towards visitors so they make good companion dogs to bring with you.
Since the fourche terrier is mostly an indoor dog, its comfortable temperature range is similar to people's. However, since the breeds coat grows it can overheat in hot temperatures if left unclipped.
Fourche terriers are considered healthy dogs. Since they are somewhat uncommon it is hard to determine any health issues associated with the breed. However, as a hybrid dog they will be healthier than either of their purebred parent breeds since they will have more genetic diversity.
The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Fourche Terrier as a dog breed:
