Fox Terrier

The Fox Terrier has existed in England since the sixteenth century. There are two varieties, the Wire Fox Terrier and, the older of the two, the Smooth Fox Terrier. The breed is descended from dachshunds, beagles and ancient terrier breeds. Around 1810, the Fox Terrier was selectively bred for hunting fox (hence the breed's name), boar and badger. A standard for the two varieties was published in 1876 when the Fox Terrier club was formed. The Fox Terrier is now the most popular of the Terriers. The smooth variety is less common than the wire variety.

This rustic, hardy, fast dog is full of life, always on the move and possesses seemingly boundless energy. Courageous and bold, he has a strong, established personality. He is affectionate with his owners and gentle with children. He is a vigilant guard, barking to raise the alarm. The Fox Terrier is aggressive toward other dogs and therefore has difficulties living with other animals. Firm but gentle training is required.

The Fox Terrier can adapt to life in the city, but he requires considerable exercice to prevent him from becoming excessively nervous. This breed does not like to be tied up or closed in. Weekly brushing is sufficient for the smooth variety. The wire variety requires brushing two or three times per week and professional grooming three times per year.

Head:Elongated. Flat skull. Slight stop. Nose bridge tapers toward the nose. Strong jaws covered with a rough coat.
Ears:Small, v-shaped, folded and hanging forward against the cheeks. Erect ear is a disqualification.
Eyes:Small, round. Dark color.
Body:Compact. Muscular neck without dewlap. Clearly pronounced withers. Chest well let down. Ribs moderately sprung. Croup not sloped. Short, horizontal back. Powerful, muscular loin.
Tail:Set high, of fair length, carried gaily but not over the back and not curled. Typically docked.
Hair:Two varieties :Wire hair : Dense, very hard texture, approx. 1,9 cm (0,7 in) long on the shoulders and 3,8 cm (1,5 in) long on the withers, back, sides and hindquarters. Coat on the jaws is very rough. Short, softer undercoat.Smooth hair : straight, flat, smooth, hard, thick and abundant.
Coat:White is the predominant color; solid white, white with tan, black or black and tan markings. Brindle, blue, slate gray, red, or liver markings not permitted.
Size:Dog : 39,3 cm (15,5 in) or less.Bitch : slightly shorter than dog.
Weight:Dog : approx. 8 kg (18 lb).Bitch : approx. 7 kg (16 lb).
Group:Terriers