FOX TERRIER

Fox terrier (smooth). well-known breed of dog developed in England to drive foxes from their dens. The two varieties of fox terrier, wirehaired and smooth-haired, are structurally similar but differ in coat texture and in ancestry. The wirehaired variety was developed from a rough-coated black-and-tan terrier, the smooth from the beagle, greyhound, bull terrier, and a smooth-coated black-and-tan terrier. At one point, the two varieties were crossed, but this practice was discontinued. Both varieties are sturdily built, lively looking dogs with tapered muzzles and folded, V-shaped ears. They stand about 37 to 39 cm (15 inches) and weigh 7 to 8.5 kg (15 to 19 pounds). Predominantly white with black or black-and-tan markings, fox terriers are noted for having bold, energetic, and spirited natures. See the Table of Selected Breeds of Terriers for further information.