Fox Terrier
The Fox Terrier is a British breed of small, energetic dog developed to flush foxes from their dens. It has smooth-coated and wire-coated varieties.
Smooth Fox Terrier: A Fox Terrier variety with a short, smooth, dense coat. This variety preserves the breed’s sleek-coated form.
Fox hunting: The pursuit of foxes by hunters, traditionally with hounds and mounted followers. Fox Terriers were developed to assist this form of hunting.
British fox hunting: A tradition of pursuing foxes in Britain, historically involving hounds, horses, and mounted followers. The sport created demand for a small dog that could drive foxes from dens.
Earthdog sport: A dog sport that tests small dogs’ instincts for locating quarry in underground tunnels. It channels the Fox Terrier’s den-hunting behavior into a controlled activity.
Jack Russell Terrier: A small working terrier developed in England for fox hunting, known for its energetic, predominantly white coat. It shares fox-hunting roots but developed as a distinct working terrier.
Wire Fox Terrier: A Fox Terrier variety with a dense, wiry coat. Its rough coat distinguishes the other recognized variety.
Earthdog trial: A noncompetitive test of a dog’s ability to follow quarry-scent through underground tunnels. These trials reproduce den work without hunting live quarry.
Victorian era: The period of Queen Victoria’s reign in Britain, from 1837 to 1901. Fox Terrier breeding and exhibition became increasingly formalized in this period.
Agility dog: A dog sport in which handlers direct dogs through timed obstacle courses. The breed’s energy and quickness can suit fast-paced competition.
Parson Russell Terrier: A British terrier breed developed for fox hunting, with a longer-legged build than the Jack Russell Terrier. Its longer-legged type contrasts with the Fox Terrier’s established breed form.