FOX TERRIER Breed Standards
The two types of Fox Terrier, Smooth and Wire, look quite similar but actually have quite different origins. The Terrier is an ancient breed, and was described by the Romans as a fox hunting dog. The black and tan terrier known then developed into the Wire Fox Terrier, while the Smooth Fox Terrier is a hybrid of several breeds, among them the Greyhound, Beagle and Bull Terrier. Records exist of the Smooth Fox Terrier in its present form from the middle of the 19th century, and the Wire Fox Terrier was then crossed with the Smooth in order to arrive at a lighter coat color. These dogs were traditionally trained to go down foxholes to catch foxes which had been run to cover, and for this reason they are small, fierce dogs which enjoy burrowing and are very energetic
SKILLS: The dog must present a generally gay, lively and active appearance; bone and strength in a small compass are essentials; but this must not be taken to mean that a Fox Terrier should be cloddy, or in any way coarse--speed and endurance must be looked to as well as power. The Terrier, like the Hound, must on no account be leggy, nor must he be too short in the leg. He should stand like a cleverly-made hunter, covering a lot of ground, yet with a short back, as stated below. He will then attain the highest degree of propelling power, together with the greatest length of stride that is compatible with the length of his body. Weight is not a certain criterion of a terrier's fitness for his work--general shape, size and contour are the main points; and if a dog can gallop and stay, and follow his fox up a drain, it matters little what his weight is to a pound or so. N.B. -Old scars or injuries, the result of work or accident, should not be allowed to prejudice a terrier's chance in the show ring, unless they interfere with its movement or with its utility for work or stud.
SIZE: According to present day requirements, a full-sized, well balanced dog should not exceed 15 1/2 inches at the withers--the bitch being proportionately lower--nor should the length of back from withers to root of tail exceed 12 inches, while, to maintain the relative proportions, the head should not exceed 7 1/4 inches or be less than 7 inches. A dog with these measurements should scale 18 pounds in show condition--a bitch weighing some 2 pounds less--with a margin of 1 pound either way. Balance - This may be defined as the correct proportions of a certain point, or points, when considered in relation to a certain other point or points. It is the key-stone of the terrier's anatomy. The chief points for consideration are the relative proportions of skull and foreface; head and back; height at withers and length of body from shoulder point to buttock--the ideal of proportion being reached when the last two measurements are the same. It should be added that, although the head measurements can be taken with absolute accuracy, the height at withers and length of back are approximate, and are inserted for the information of breeders and exhibitors rather than as a hard and fast rule.
COAT: The coat should be smooth, flat, but hard, dense and abundant. The belly and underside of the thighs should not be bare. COLOR - White should predominate; brindle, red or liver markings are objectionable. Otherwise this point is of little or no importance.
CARE REQUIRED: The short coat of the Smooth Fox Terrier is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: Given a small yard, these dogs will get enough exercise running around by themselves. But if you live in an apartment, you will need to take them for regular long walks or romps in the park. If it is possible, they will love to run free in a safe area. Keep this dog on a leash if there are small animals around. The urge for these dogs to hunt is strong and they are likely to take off after cats and small dogs.
EXERCISE: The Fox Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Fox Terriers like to bark and make good watchdogs, although the high-pitched barking can be annoying and may cause problems with neighbors. They may be too boisterous for elderly owners. They are willful and need to be firmly obedience trained from an early age.
