All About
Smooth & Wirehaired
Fox Terrier Dogs
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The Fox Terrier, Smooth and Wire-haired
By: Stephanie Hetu
Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of which were first used
for hunting of some sort and so came up as aggressive and
lively), the Fox Terrier has a reputation for scampishness. That
is, the breed with the challenging personality that has been
identified throughout its history as being as foxy as the fox it
was once used to hunt.
In fact, beginning in the 15th century, the smooth-haired Fox
Terrier was favored by the British to go to ground for small game
animals. By the 18th century when the English made fox hunting
the ideal sport, the hunt masters (the one assigned to kill the
fox) chose terriers to be by their sides, though were dismayed
that the terrier's legs were too short to keep up with the
foxhounds. This generated a great number of hunt kennels, where
the smooth-haired Fox Terrier was bred, developed, and improved
upon to meet the hunt masters' needs and standards.
Like the smooth Fox Terrier, the wire-haired Fox Terrier, a
mid-18th century cross between the smooth Fox and the
rough-haired Black and Tan Terrier, was used in the hunt for fox
routing. Both varieties, with muscular, low-to-the-ground and
compact bodies, were energetic and game breeds (varieties that
became acknowledged as separate breeds, that is) that were the
ideal foxers for another hundred years.
Then, in the early 1900's, the attraction to both
varieties/breeds took on a very different bent: the Smooth Fox
Terrier was discovered by the general American public in the
1920's, on the logo for a recording company label, pictured
listening to "his master's voice." And the Wire Fox Terrier was
spotted in 1934, playing the role of Asta, Nick and Nora's impish
pet in the Thin Man.
Nipper, RCA Victor's Smooth Fox Terrier
See Also: History of Nipper
And the Fox Terrier personality (and reputation) was born. The
Smooth Fox Terrier is still today lively, playful, and a little
foxy. The Wire Fox, similarly, is full of peppery spunk and on
the hunt for play at all times. This may, as some have decided,
suggest a challenging way, but given both breeds' alertness, this
also means they are great watchdogs and even better as pets for
kids.
In fact, the Fox Terrier needs activity. So daily exercise and a
small bit of space to romp are ideal elements in the Fox
environment. Also ideal is an occasional bath for both the
smooth, flat, and hard and dense coat of the Smooth and the
dense, wiry, broken haired coat of the Wire; and frequent
brushing to prevent what little amassing hair from the shedding
that does occur.
The rest of the needs of the Smooth Fox terrier with staying
powers that outlast the best fox and the Wire Fox Terrier with
the hardy and cocksure personality are simple if you are up to
it, if you are up to the antics of two terrier breeds that are
always a surprise. Even to the Master.
For more really great info and lot's of fun stuff for
Terrier Dogs & Terrier Dog Lovers.....Please visit:
Happy Terrier Dogs A virtual Paradise for
Terrier Dogs
Reprinted with permission
Copyright © 2005
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