Description: Fox Terrier
The Fox Terrier, an energetic and intelligent breed, encompasses two main types: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. Originally bred for fox bolting during hunts in England of the 18th century, this breed exhibits courage and tenacity, along with a sharp, alert demeanor. Usually standing about 15.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 15-18 pounds, the Fox Terrier has a distinctive appearance marked by its pointed ears and predominantly white coat with black and brown markings. Known for their playful yet stubborn nature, they bond closely with families but may require careful socialization with other pets and young children.
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Properties
The Fox Terrier, a breed with a rich history and vibrant personality, comprises two main types: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. Though originally bred for fox bolting during hunts in 17th century England, their role has significantly evolved, embracing the life of beloved family pets.
Both the Smooth and Wire varieties exhibit hallmark traits of intelligence, courage, and a vivacious demeanor, with their appearances diverging primarily in their coat types. The Smooth Fox Terrier features a sleek, straight coat that's predominantly white with black and brown markings. In contrast, the Wire Fox Terrier showcases a dense, wiry coat with similar color patterns, which requires regular grooming to maintain its crisp texture.
The breed's stature is small yet sturdy, typically weighing between 15 to 18 pounds and standing about 15.5 inches at the shoulder. They are characterized by their V-shaped ears, which fold forward, and their dark, alert eyes exude a keen expression that reflects their perceptive nature.
Fox Terriers are quintessentially energetic and require ample exercise to satisfy their high energy levels. They thrive in environments where they can explore and play. Without sufficient physical and mental stimulation, they can develop behaviors seen as problematic, such as excessive barking or digging. Therefore, they are best suited for active individuals or families who can ensure they are engaged and well-exercised.
In terms of temperament, Fox Terriers are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent watchdogs. They are generally friendly but can be a bit reserved with strangers, displaying a discerning aloofness until familiar. Early socialization and training are critical in curbing their tendency towards stubbornness, ensuring they grow into well-adjusted adults.
Health-wise, Fox Terriers are robust, with a life expectancy of approximately 12 to 15 years. They are, however, prone to certain genetic conditions like cataracts and patellar luxation. Regular visits to the vet for check-ups and preventative care are advisable to maintain their health.
Overall, the Fox Terrier is a delightful companion for those who appreciate an active, alert dog with a personality big enough to fill any room. Their indomitable spirit and charming demeanor have earned them a loyal following among dog lovers around the world.
Appearance
The Fox Terrier is an energetic and charismatic breed, recognized primarily in two varieties: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. Both types share similar physical dimensions and personality traits but differ significantly in their coat type.
The Fox Terrier typically stands about 15.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 15 and 18 pounds. Its body is compact and well-muscled, with a short back and a deep chest, giving it a sturdy and balanced appearance. This breed is distinguished by its keen expression, alert carriage, and an aura of self-assured tenacity.
The head of the Fox Terrier is one of its most distinctive features, characterized by a long, narrow shape and a flat skull. The eyes are small, dark, and full of mischief, while the ears are V-shaped and fold forward close to the cheeks, adding to their alert and intelligent expression.
In terms of coat, the Smooth Fox Terrier features a dense, flat coat that should be predominantly white in color with black, tan, or brown markings. The coat is smooth to the touch and requires regular brushing to keep it clean and shiny. On the other hand, the Wire Fox Terrier sports a distinctive rough, broken coat with a characteristic beard and eyebrows, giving it a more rugged appearance. The wiry coat is primarily white with similar markings and requires more grooming to maintain its textured look, including regular stripping to remove dead fur.
The tail of the Fox Terrier is typically docked in countries where this is legally permitted, and it is carried high, reflecting the breed's inherent vivacity and alertness. The legs are straight and powerful, with small, round feet that turn neither in nor out, supporting their agile and lively movements.
Overall, Fox Terriers are built for stamina and agility, suited to active pursuits and regular exercise. Their appearance reflects their role as determined and fearless hunters, bred originally to chase foxes out of their hiding holes. Their lively demeanor and striking looks make them not only effective working dogs but also delightful companions and competitive show animals. Their compact size and distinctive features combined with their bold and energetic nature make them a favorite among dog enthusiasts who appreciate breeds with strong personalities and physical resilience.
History
The Fox Terrier, a breed with a storied history, traces its roots back to 17th century England, where it was developed to flush foxes out of their hiding spots during fox hunts. This breed is actually divided into two types: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. Although they share a common ancestry, the two types have distinct differences in coat type and breeding history.
The development of the Fox Terrier was centered around the need for a dog that could enter fox burrows and drive the fox out while remaining small enough to follow the hunt and not too aggressive to do harm. Their keen sense of smell, endless energy, and indomitable spirit made them ideal for this task. Recordings of similar dogs used for hunting date back to the 18th century, but the specific breed type was refined in the 19th century. Many believe that the Fox Terrier was developed from a mixture of other breeds, including the Beagle, Bull Terrier, and Old English Terrier.
By the late 1800s, the Fox Terrier had become incredibly popular, both as a hunting dog and as a family pet. This popularity soared even more when the breed started gaining recognition in dog shows. The Fox Terrier was one of the first breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885, and it won several prestigious awards at early Westminster Kennel Club shows.
Throughout the 20th century, the Fox Terrier remained a symbol of energy and playfulness, attributes that helped it transition into a beloved companion animal and a star in various films and shows. The character of 'Asta' in 'The Thin Man' film series, a Wire Fox Terrier, is one popular example that brought significant attention to the breed.
Today, the Fox Terrier is celebrated in various breed clubs globally. Its legacy continues as a versatile dog, excelling in various roles beyond the hunting fields like agility, obedience, and showmanship. While not as commonly employed in active hunting, their legacy as eager and energetic partners in adventure solidly remains. Both the Smooth and Wire types of the Fox Terrier continue to delight families with their intelligence, courage, and loving nature.