GROUP: Terrier    SIZE: Small/Medium    ORIGIN: United Kingdom

The Fox Terrier is respected and loved for his intelligence, courage and loyalty. According to the well known breed authority of the nineteenth century, Hugh Dalziel, many admirers claimed the Fox Terrier was the only true terrier.

ORIGIN
The origin of the Fox Terrier is somewhat of a mystery. Rawdon Lea and other writers suggest that crosses of the White English Terrie Black and Tan Terrier, Beagles, Bulldogs, Italian Greyhounds and Fox Hounds were used to produce early Fox Terriers. Most breeders agree that the present day Fox Terrier can be traced back to Old jock, born in 1859, Belvoir joe, Old Trap, Old Foiler and Old Buffer.

The Fox Terrier was developed in England for hunting and was highly sought after. This tenacious terrier would go into earth to bolt the fox, enabling the hunt to continue. Fox Terriers were also used to hunt badger and vermin.

In 1876 the Fox Terrier Club of England issued the first breed standard. A separate standard for the Wire Fox Terrier was adopted in 1913.

GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Fox Terrier, although bred as a working terrier is a composite of balance, quality and symmetry. Moving with absolute soundness, he carries himself with grace and pride. The Smooth Fox Terrier can be all white, white with tan, black and tan or with black colour markings. Wire Fox Terriers are predominantly white, with black, black and tan or tan markings. In the wire variety the coat is dense, very wiry — with correct grooming it is shorter on the shoulders, longer at the withers, back, rib and quarters with softer undercoat. Back and quarters are harsher than the sides. Hair on the jaws is crisp with sufficient length to indicate strength to the foreface and leg hair is dense and crisp.

SIZE
Smooth Fox Terriers are medium sized dogs, with bitches smaller than males. Dogs 7.3 — 8.2kg, bitches 6.8 — 7.7kg. Wire Fox Terriers stand up to 39cm, weighing 8.25kg, bitches slightly less.

TEMPERAMENT
The Fox Terrier is affectionate and protective, a dog suited for the normal sized backyard. They are easy going and love to play games, swim and take their place in family activities. They are suited to inside or outdoor life.

CARE AND GROOMING
Both Smooth and wire haired types of Fox Terriers enjoy regular brushing and baths when needed but the Wire coat needs special attention — called “stripping out”. Seek advice from a reputable grooming parlour or breeder on how to strip the coat. Fox Terriers have few health problems.

---