Thoughts from our former President Pam Bishop (dec.) on Fox Terriers at the Beach

The ocean is a fabulously interesting place, but for dogs, it’s best experienced from the beach. While Fox Terriers are highly skilled swimmers, the ocean differs from a pool in that it has waves and currents and undertows, water movements which are designed pull to the bottom and “ruff” you up a bit. If lucky, a person or animal may be spit back out onto the sand; if not, you may be carried far out with a random rip current.

Beyond currents and large waves, there are creatures in the ocean that may be curious and dog friendly–pretty colorful fishies, dolphins, otters, turtles. But more concerning are larger hunters–barracuda, orcas, sharks and jellyfish! Yipes! Granted, most of the time these critters stay in deep water, but they’re more unpredictable than a sleep-deprived, menopausal mom and can show up just about anywhere! 

There are other beach perils you may not always think about. Kelp is fun to bite, with crunchy little bubbles of salty goodness, but chomping on too many of them can cause a whale of a tummy ache. And the problem with just wading in the water is that you can’t always see the bottom. Lots of weird stuff hides in the sand–prickly underwater cactus’y things called urchins, crabs that pinch your toes, and don’t even get me started about stingrays and eels! 

The beach can be a great place to play with your critter without ever having to get in the water.  Here are a few options:

>> Running along the water’s edge and trying to dodge the waves 
>> Sniffing and rolling around in the super stinky stuff that washes up in clumps may be amusing
>> Bark at and chasing off the seabirds–beach neighbors may appreciate it
>> Playing hide and seek with the harmless little ghost crabs in the sand
>> Digging to a heart’s content — the tide will take care of the cleanup

If getting in the water is required, have your FT don a life jacket and accompany humans on appropriate flotation devices – like a surfboard or kayak or boat, and keep your FT on a leash. Just like the buddy system for people, buddy up with your FT: if you come across a toothy sea creature who wants to get acquainted, you will have an early chance to get out of harm’s way. 

Originally published in the Sept/Oct 2014 Edition of “All Things Fox Terrier,” page 10. Edited for republication in 2025 by Deb Angus

Photos found on FaceBook (Fox Terrier Rescue UK, Zbelsourdos Wire Fox Terrier Kennel), Instagram (WiryBeau) and Pexels by Vitalii Odobesku.