Characteristics of Fox Terriers

Although the fox terrier is now a relatively rare breed, reports DogTime, its history dates back to 17th century England. Originally bred to enter foxes' dens to flush the quarry out during fox hunts, the dogs possess a toughness and agility that have become their trademarks. Fox terriers have garnered more Best-in-Show awards at Westminster Kennel Club shows than any other breed, continues DogTime. The breed is divided into two groups, smooth fox terriers and wire fox terriers (referring to the texture of their coats).

  1. Physical Characteristics

    • Fox terriers love to eat and can easily become overweight, but the breed standard holds that mature males weigh about 17 to 19 lbs., with females at 15 to 17 lbs. Like other terriers, they have a lifespan of up to 15 years. According to the American Kennel Club, both types of fox terriers have predominately white coats with black and tan markings. As with other mostly white dogs, deafness is a common defect. Though they are generally hardy, eye problems like cataracts and lens luxation sometimes afflict the breed.

    Temperament

    • Friendly and playful, fox terriers make good family pets. At the same time, the alertness rooted in their hunting past contributes to their skills as a guardian of the home. One of their major assets, superior intelligence, can lead to willfulness and easy boredom. These dogs require daily exercise, as well as toys and puzzles for mental stimulation, advises DogTime. Today, their hunting days are virtually over, except in the hunt country of the eastern United States, where fox terriers occasionally still perform their traditional role. The vestige of this breeding is seen in pet terriers prone to dig in the yard.

    Smooth Fox Terriers

    • In 1875, these sleek and elegant dogs became the first of the fox terrier group to be recognized by England's Kennel Club. White smooth fox terriers were sought by hunt clubs because they were less likely to be mistaken for a fox. Among the group's greatest contributions has been its genetic part in the establishment of many other terrier breeds, including Jack Russell Terriers (also known as Parson Russells), toy fox terriers and rat terriers. The American Kennel Club cites its easy-to-maintain coat as the main advantage over wire-haired varieties. In the 1920s, the popularity of smooth fox terriers soared when RCA chose one, Nipper, for its head-cocking logo.

    Wire Fox Terriers

    • A decade after Nipper's appearance, Nick and Nora Charles' dog Asta in "The Thin Man" movie series brought recognition to wire fox terriers. These dogs are thought to have a different lineage than their smooth counterparts. They are likely descended from rough-coated black and tan terriers from Wales or the Derbyshire and Durham regions of England. Since their coats kept them less vulnerable to injury, wires were favored when hunting in rough terrain. Their main advantage over smooths, according to the American Kennel Club, is their minimal shedding.