FOX TERRIER

COUNTRY: Great Britain

WEIGHT: 16-18 pounds

HEIGHT: \5Vz inches

COAT: Smooth, but hard and dense

COLOR: White predominates; liver, brindle or red objectionable

GROUP: Terrier

Familiar throughout the world, the Fox Terrier most likely came from the same types that produced the Bull Terrier and smooth Black/Tan (Manchester) Terrier. Many other additions, including scenthounds and sighthounds, are probable. Colonel Thornton's "Pitch," recorded in print and on canvas in the 1790s, was of remarkably modern type. Packs with a bit more influence from one breed or another were used by various hunt clubs.

The breed was first exhibited as a sporting dog, due to its remarkable eyesight, keen nose and staying power. Hunters on horseback carried feisty working terriers in a sack or box until the larger foxhounds had driven the quarry to hide. Once the fox was driven into its tunnel, the terriers were loosed and went to ground, routing out the fox.

Francis Redmond is credited for establishing uniform type in the last quarter of the 19th century. The original standard drawn in England in 1876 has not been changed since, except for a two-pound drop in top weight for males. The dog remains unchanged as well, with his half-dropped ears and long docked tail.

The Wire variety is the same as the Smooth, except for his hard, wiry jacket. Although the rough coat was probably developed before the Smooth, the Wire made its debut into the show ring about 20 years after the Smooth. The rough variety was produced from crossing the Smooth Fox with broken-coated terriers. Reverend Jack Russell, who gave his name to another breed, was a devoted hunter and terrier man. Early Wires needed the elegance, narrow heads and predominance of white which the Smooth already possessed. The Reverend kept the rough-coat strain pure from 1815 to 1870, with one cross to the Smooth for improvement. Today both varieties are judged by the same standard except for coat.

Coat care on the Smooth variety is minimal, but the Wire needs to be "stripped" four times a year. Pet owners often have their Wires trimmed with electric clippers, rather than the time-consuming hand-stripping to remove dead coat.

Their personable and dapper appearance attracts attention whether the dog is in the show ring or playing in the park. Even non-terrier show enthusiasts recall the paragon of Fox Terriers, the remarkable Champion Nornay Saddler. The Fox Terriers are favorites in several countries, with the Smooth being the top terrier in Sweden and the Wire taking that honor in Belgium, Canada, Holland and Italy.

The terrier instinct of "going to ground" may erupt, leading to holes dug in a manicured yard. Given an outlet for their energy, they make sturdy companions for children and are good alarm and watchdogs.