In the Wire Fox Terrier,
dense and wiry, with a softer undercoat. In the Smooth, straight, smooth &
flat all over. Both breeds are mainly white with or without black, black &
tan or (in the Wire Terrier only) tan markings.
Dog: maximum 37 cm (15.5 in)
Bitch: Slightly less.
Flat skull, sloping downwards and roughly equal in length to fore-face. Slightly
tapered muzzle. Round, dark, eyes. Small V-shaped ears.
The Fox Terrier (Smooth illustrated) is by nature an energetic hunter. It
will soon get bored if it does not have enough exercise, so it is probably
a better pet for those who live in the country rather than town-dwellers.
Long shoulders, sloping steeply down from the junction with neck. Deep chest;
short, level back.ongish and muscular.
Front legs straight with very little sign of an ankle. Long, muscular thighs
and well-bent stifles. Round feet.
Set high and carried erect; traditionally docked.
A Fox Terrier was running with hounds in England by the end of the 18th century, but this was a generic name that covered almost any dog that went to earth. The distinction between the two modern breeds, that is, Wire and Smooth, arrived at the end of the 19th century, the difference being purely in the coat.It was a Fox Terrier that sat on record labels, listening to His Master's Voice, but it is not clear whether this contributed to the breed's enormous popularity in the 1920s or whether the dog was chosen because the breed was already so popular.
Nowadays usually regarded as a companion dog, the Fox Terrier nevertheless retains its terrier instincts and is completely fearless. You will never be plagued by rats or rabbits while this dog is around. Its readiness to defend itself or its family against any hint of a threat can be a problem and should be kept under control by early and firm training. It is a friendly, cheerful dog with children and ready to adapt to any environment, provided its family is near at hand.