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), Fox Terriers have a unique reputation: for being some of the more scampish of the group. That is, Fox terriers are of the breed with the challenging personality that has been identified throughout their history as being as foxy as the foxes they once used to hunt.
In fact, beginning in the 15th century, the smooth-haired Fox Terriers were 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 ones assigned to kill the fox) chose terriers to be by their sides, though they were dismayed that the terriers» legs were too short to keep up with the foxhounds. This generated a great number of hunt kennels, where the smooth-haired Fox Terriers were bred, developed, and improved upon to meet the hunt masters» needs and standards.
Like smooth Fox Terriers, wire-haired Fox Terriers»mid-18th century crosses between the smooth Fox and the rough-haired Black and Tan Terrier»were 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 Terriers were discovered by the general American public»in the 1920»s»represented on the logo for a recording company label, a smooth Fox Terrier is pictured listening to «his master»s voice.» And not long after, the Wire Fox Terriers were spotted»in 1934»in one wily pup playing the role of Asta, Nick and Nora»s impish pet in the Thin Man.
And so the Fox Terriers» personality (and reputation) was born. The Smooth Fox Terriers are still today lively, playful, and a little foxy. The Wired Fox, similarly, are full of peppery spunk and on the hunt for play at all times. This may, as some have decided, suggest a challenging, stubborn manner, but given both breeds» alertness, this also means they are great watchdogs and even better as pets for kids.
In fact, Fox Terriers need activity and continuous stimulation/attention. So daily exercise and a small bit of space to romp are ideal elements in the Fox environment. Also ideal are 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 Terriers with staying powers that outlast the best foxes and the Wire Fox Terriers with the hardy and cocksure personalities 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.
