meet the...Fox Terrier
Breed Summary
Breed Group Group 6: Terrier Breeds
Sub-group :
Origin Country England
Weight Males: 16-18 pounds. Females: 15-17 pounds.
Height Males: 15-16 inches. Females: 15-16 inches.
Other Name(s) Fox Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier
Breed Type Pure
click here for FULL BREED STANDARD
Origins
Small terrier-type dogs have been described in England as far back as 54 BCE. The Romans wrote of hunters using small dogs to dispatch quarry in their dens and burrows. In the publication titled Of English Dogges, Dr. John Caius gave record of terriers that were black and tan with rough hair. During the 18th century, there were many terrier varieties used for hunting different quarry throughout England, and each region seemed to have its own type of terrier. Some small terriers were kept around the home to keep the property free of pests. Other terriers were specifically used to accompany hounds that trailed larger quarry, such as foxes and badgers. During a hunt, these dogs were carried in baskets or boxes on the horses. When the hounds trailed an animal to its den, the terriers would be released to “go to ground” to extract the animal from its burrow or den. These dogs were typically stout terriers with shorter legs and heavier substance. The dogs used for fox hunting were simply known as “Fox Terriers.” They could be smooth coated, rough coated, or broken coated.
It wasn’t until the end of the 18th century that any terriers of white coloration were recorded. A dog named Pitch, reportedly a Greyhound-terrier cross, was owned by Colonel Thomas Thornton, and was painted by artist Sawrey Gilpen. It was this dog that many credit to be the ancestor of many white terriers found today. The white coat color found to be beneficial, as it helped to easily distinguish the dog from the quarry, as well as making him more visible. However, this cross added leg and diminished overall substance. While this added an element of refinement to the dogs, it also diminished their ability to go to ground and dispatch quarry such as fox or badger.
Eventually, the different strains of fox-hunting terriers were split, forming the Jack Russell, Parson Russell, and Fox Terrier breeds. It is believed that the Fox Terriers were further developed by crossing with the ancestors of the modern-day Beagle, Bull Terrier, Toy Terrier, Black and Tan Terrier (now called the Manchester Terrier), Pointer, and even the Dalmatian. By the end of the 19th century, a desired type was developed and set, and Fox Terriers were considered to be separate breeds. By 1876, the first official standard for each of the Fox Terrier breeds was produced.
Although the coat is the only major difference between the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier, and all Fox Terriers and Russell Terriers were at one point descended from the same group of dogs, breed enthusiasts claim that the two breeds were derived from completely separate strains. The Smooth Fox Terrier is believed to have descended from the ancestors of today’s sleek-coated Manchester Terrier (once called the Black and Tan Terrier), Bull Terriers, Greyhounds, and Beagles. The wirehaired is believed to have descended from rough-coated terriers from Wales.
Eventually, fox hunting in England declined, becoming largely a hobby sport. However, the Fox Terrier’s plucky personality and refined appearance found a new following—the dog show circuit. He is now a dog-show staple at all-breed shows, where they have won more best of show overall wins than any other breed in history.Breed Characteristics
Head: Somewhat dolichocephalic skull type, long, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is almost flat, long, and narrow in comparison to the length. It gradually tapers, decreasing in width, from the back skull to the nose. Light chiseling below the eyes prevents a wedged appearance of the head. Properly sized mature dogs (dogs over 18 months of age) will have a total head length that ranges between 7 and 7 ¼ inches in length. The brow ridges are somewhat smooth, never appearing prominent or protrusive. The entire head is comprised of elegant, almost parallel lines. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkle.
Eyes: Somewhat small to moderate in size, open-oval to round in shape, and medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. The eyes should impart a fiery and intelligent expression.
Ears: The ears are small to moderate in size, set high on the skull, and somewhat close together. The ears are V-shaped, and drop or button with a little lift at the base. The fold of the ear should fall slightly above the plane of the topskull. The tips fall forward, resting close to the brow or eye, preferably not hanging to the side of the head. The ears are never long, overly large, erect, semi-erect, or hound-like.
Muzzle: The muzzle is long, full, deep, and somewhat broad in comparison to the skull. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. Upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, never snippy or weak. The lower jaw is well-developed, forming a discernible “chin,” and it should never be concealed by the lips or recede.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black, or self-colored in nonstandard color varieties. The nostrils are well-opened. The end of the nose may be level with the end of the muzzle or may project outward just slightly.
Neck: Moderately long to allow for proud head carriage and strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Body: Compact, solid, short, and of good substance. The body is square and up on the leg. It should never appear rectangular or low-set. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: Set high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, often carried gaily or high when in motion or alert. It is never tucked. Tail may be left natural (preferred) or docked long. Natural tails are of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved. Docked tails are cut to 2/3–3/4 the original length, or level with the plane of the head.
Movement: The movement is lively, springy, effortless, efficient, and energetic. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: The Fox Terriers are friendly, intelligent, and courageous. Like most terriers, they wear their hearts on their sleeve. When they’re happy you know they’re happy, and when they’re not . . . well, you know that, too. They are active, lively, energetic, and game for almost anything. They are wonderful companions and bond strongly. While, like many terriers, they can be independent and resilient, they can also be sensitive and easily offended, especially by other dogs. Some Fox Terriers will have little trouble with getting along with other dogs, however, some will simply not tolerate other dogs well. Therefore, it is recommended that strict socialization and obedience training be implemented early on to prevent or curb dog-aggression from developing. They are also notoriously poor housemate choices for other small animals, which may set off their prey-drive instincts. If you are planning on keeping a Fox Terrier with other small animals, it is recommended that you provide constant supervision. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 6: Terrier Breeds
Proportions: The body is somewhat square to off-square in proportion, with length of the body measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump being equal to, or just slightly greater, than the height at the withers. The ideal height to length ratio is between 1:1 to 10:9. The back, measured from the withers to the root of the tail, is shorter than the height at the withers. The length of the head and the length of the back are equal. Females may be slightly longer. The body is well-put together, with sturdy substance, and medium bone. The Smooth Fox Terrier is bred for speed, endurance, and power; however, he must never appear racy and light (like that of a Greyhound), nor cloddy (like that of a Bull Terrier).
Head
General Appearance: Somewhat dolichocephalic skull type, long, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is almost flat, long, and narrow in comparison to the length. It gradually tapers, decreasing in width, from the back skull to the nose. Light chiseling below the eyes prevents a wedged appearance of the head. Properly sized mature dogs (dogs over 18 months of age) will have a total head length that ranges between 7 and 7 ¼ inches in length. The brow ridges are somewhat smooth, never appearing prominent or protrusive. The entire head is comprised of elegant, almost parallel lines. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkle.
Expression: Alert, plucky, inquisitive, fiery, and intelligent.
Stop: The stop is shallow, yet apparent. Dogs should never appear dish-faced from too much stop, nor should they appear egg-headed from an overly filled stop, as seen in Bull Terriers.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is 1:1, with the topskull being equal to the muzzle.
The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel.
Muzzle: The muzzle is long, full, deep, and somewhat broad in comparison to the skull. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. Upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, never snippy or weak. The lower jaw is well-developed, forming a discernible “chin,” and it should never be concealed by the lips or recede.
Lips or Flews: Lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black, or self-colored in nonstandard color varieties. The nostrils are well-opened. The end of the nose may be level with the end of the muzzle or may project outward just slightly.
Cheeks: The cheeks are smoothly muscled, and never chiseled or coarse.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, white teeth. Bite may be level or scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth as a result of routine work is not to be penalized.
Eyes: Somewhat small to moderate in size, open-oval to round in shape, and medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. The eyes should impart a fiery and intelligent expression.
Ears: The ears are small to moderate in size, set high on the skull, and somewhat close together. The ears are V-shaped, and drop or button with a little lift at the base. The fold of the ear should fall slightly above the plane of the topskull. The tips fall forward, resting close to the brow or eye, preferably not hanging to the side of the head. The ears are never long, overly large, erect, semi-erect, or hound-like.
Body and Tail
General Description: Compact, solid, short, and of good substance. The body is square and up on the leg. It should never appear rectangular or low-set. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderately long to allow for proud head carriage and strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Topline: Straight and level from withers to croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat and level, or slightly arched, yet supportive. The back is never long, swayed, or roached.
Croup: Flat and level with the back.
Underline: Slight tuck-up present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, often carried gaily or high when in motion or alert. It is never tucked. Tail may be left natural (preferred) or docked long. Natural tails are of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved. Docked tails are cut to 2/3–3/4 the original length, or level with the plane of the head.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: Forequarters are always in balance with the hindquarters. Forequarters are well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are long and approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: Elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of moderate bone, and parallel to one another.
Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: Upper thigh and lower thigh are long, equal in length, strong, sturdy, of moderate bone, and well-muscled.
Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: Angulation of hindquarters is always in balance with angulation of forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: Short, straight, flat, smooth, hard, dense, of a fine texture, satin-like, and smooth to the touch. Slight ruff may be present on the neck and shoulder.
Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes two color varieties of the Fox Terrier breed: the standard color and nonstandard color variety.
Standard coat color variety: Solid white or predominantly white body with tan, black, black with tan point markings on the body and especially on the head.
Nonstandard coat color variety: Brindle, red or liver markings
Movement
The movement is lively, springy, effortless, efficient, and energetic. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
The Fox Terriers are friendly, intelligent, and courageous. Like most terriers, they wear their hearts on their sleeve. When they’re happy you know they’re happy, and when they’re not . . . well, you know that, too. They are active, lively, energetic, and game for almost anything. They are wonderful companions and bond strongly. While, like many terriers, they can be independent and resilient, they can also be sensitive and easily offended, especially by other dogs. Some Fox Terriers will have little trouble with getting along with other dogs, however, some will simply not tolerate other dogs well. Therefore, it is recommended that strict socialization and obedience training be implemented early on to prevent or curb dog-aggression from developing. They are also notoriously poor housemate choices for other small animals, which may set off their prey-drive instincts. If you are planning on keeping a Fox Terrier with other small animals, it is recommended that you provide constant supervision. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
