There are two separate breeds of Fox Terriers. The Smooth Fox Terrier
was developed during the 1700s and used originally by the British to hunt
fox. Later it became a trick dog in circuses. The Wire Fox Terrier was originally
developed about twenty years after the Smooth, also to hunt fox. The Wire
Fox Terrier comes from the rough haired, black and tan terrier of Wales,
while the Smooth Fox Terrier is a cross between the smooth-coated Black
and Tan, the Beagle, the Bulldog and the Greyhound. The Smooth Fox Terrier
is considered to be the "gentleman of the terrier world."
These dogs are full of energy, irrepressible and pugnacious. As a companion,
they are affectionate and protective but need an owner with firm control
because of their hunting instinct. They need plenty of exercise.
The main characteristics of both breeds are the same (except for the coat).
The head is flat with a narrow skull. The ears are v-shaped and small. They
are set high on the head then fold over to lie close to the side of the
head. The muzzle is strong and the bite is scissor. The eyes are small and
round. The neck is long and muscular. The body is short with a level back
and deep chest. The legs are straight and parallel while the feet are round
with moderately arched toes. The tail is docked and carried vertically.
The coat on the Wire Fox Terrier is dense and wiry with a soft undercoat.
It has longer hair on the muzzle, eyebrows, legs and chest. The coat on
the Smooth Fox Terrier is straight, thick and lies flat against the body.
Both coats are basically white with markings of black, black and tan or
tan. The average weight of both types of Fox Terrier is between sixteen
and eighteen pounds while the average height is fifteen inches.
vmarcian@telusplanet.net of Edmonton, Alberta writes on 10/11/99:
As much energy as you could want... with an "off" switch!
I've owned one Smooth Fox Terrier and she has been a true delight. I originally
wanted a Jack Russell Terrier (love the antics and the high energy) but
Terra is ideal as much energy at play time as any Jack Russell but will
settle down when I put away her toys. Playfull, reasonably obedient, intelligent,
and well behaved!