Fox Terrier

What is fox terrier?

The fox terrier is a breed of dog originally developed in England to drive foxes from their dens. These spirited, energetic dogs are known for their bold nature and are characterized by a sturdy build, tapered muzzles, and folded, V-shaped ears.¹

There are two primary varieties, which are structurally similar but differ in their ancestry and coat texture:

• Wirehaired (Wire): Developed from a rough-coated black-and-tan terrier¹.
• Smooth-haired (Smooth): Developed from a mix of beagle, greyhound, bull terrier, and a smooth-coated black-and-tan terrier.¹

Typically standing about 15 inches (38 cm) tall and weighing between 16 and 18 pounds (7 to 8 kg), they are predominantly white with black or black-and-tan markings. While they share the terrier group’s reputation for being tenacious and vocal, they are also noted for being lively and spirited companions.¹²

What does the term ‘terrier’ mean in relation to hunting?

The term terrier is derived from the Middle English terryer and the Anglo-French chien terrier, which literally translates to “earth dog”. This name reflects the breed’s historical purpose: these dogs were specifically developed to hunt by digging into the earth to locate, confront, and often kill small game and vermin within their underground burrows.⁴²⁵

In the context of hunting, terriers are distinguished by several key traits:

• Tenacity and Temperament: Unlike many other hunting dogs that merely track or chase quarry, terriers were frequently required to make the actual kill. This necessity fostered a fearless, pugnacious, and highly energetic temperament.²⁵
• Physical Adaptation: To navigate narrow tunnels, many terriers were bred to be relatively small with short legs and sturdy, compact bodies. They typically possess long heads, strong jaws, and deep-set eyes, and those that worked underground often have strong tails that allowed hunters to pull them out of burrows.²⁵
• Versatility: While many were used for vermin control in barns and stables, others were utilized by the upper classes in foxhunting, where they were often carried on horseback to be “put to the ground” when needed.²⁵

How does the grooming process of ‘stripping’ work for wire-haired dogs?

The grooming process known as “stripping” is a technique used to maintain the coat of certain wire-haired dog breeds. Unlike standard clipping or shaving, which cuts the hair, stripping involves the manual removal of dead or loose hair from the dog’s coat to encourage the growth of a healthy, harsh, and weather-resistant outer layer.

This process is typically performed using a stripping knife, which is a specialized tool featuring a metal blade with a serrated edge. By gripping the hair between the blade and the groomer’s thumb, the dead hair is plucked out from the root. This method is essential for breeds with wire coats, as regular clipping can cause the coat to lose its characteristic texture and color, often resulting in a softer, duller appearance.

What are some other dog breeds that were historically used for hunting?

Beyond terriers, many dog breeds have been historically developed for specialized hunting roles, primarily categorized as hounds or sporting dogs.

Hounds

Hounds are generally classified by their method of hunting:

• Scent Hounds: These dogs track game by scent, either in the air or on the ground. Examples include the Bloodhound, Beagle, Basset Hound, and Dachshund.
• Sight Hounds: Developed to chase game by sight over long distances, these include the Greyhound, Saluki, Afghan Hound, and Borzoi.
• Specialized Hunters: Some hounds were bred for specific, challenging environments, such as the Rhodesian Ridgeback, which was historically used to hunt lions in Africa.

Sporting Dogs (Gun Dogs)

These breeds are trained to assist hunters by pointing, flushing, or retrieving birds on land or in water:

• Retrievers: Known for their powerful builds and water-repellent coats, such as the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
• Pointers and Setters: These dogs locate birds and signal their position to the hunter. Notable breeds include the Pointer, English Setter, Irish Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
• Spaniels: Originally used to flush game, breeds include the English Springer Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel.