Breed Feature – Fox Terrier

FOX TERRIER

The Fox Terrier possesses good manners, intelligence and aristocratic bearing combined with beauty of conformation. He is an excellent companion, faithful and a first-class house guard and is one of the most popular breeds of the Terrier family.

HISTORY A quick overview of the ‘Fox Terrier’, both the Smooth Coated and the Wire Coated have a long history behind them – as stated in many articles published over the years. The breed originated in England where most Terriers were developed. The background of the breeding is not well documented however a combination of the Old English White, Manchester, Black and Tan Terrier, Beagle and Ruff Coated Terriers were involved. These breeds are behind a vast majority of other terrier breeds. Up until the latter half of the 1800’s any smaller sized dog that could ‘bolt’ a fox, was agile, quick and kept the mice and similar vermin at bay was called a Fox Terrier! The Fox Terriers were mainly vermin hunters and are still well known today for getting rid of mice, rats and any other vermin that happens to be either above or below the ground or anywhere within their territory. After doing the protective rounds of the property a Fox Terrier is quite happy to sit on your lap, sit in front of the heater on a cold night or in front of the cooling fan during a hot day. The breed is great with children and makes a great companion. The Fox Terriers became very popular around the 1800’s when fox hunting began. It was soon realised that a versatile hunting dog with Terrier instincts was needed – one that could go to ground and bolt the foxes out of their dens, yet small enough to pop in the saddle bags. They needed to be strong enough to tackle fox or whatever vermin they encountered either below or above ground, hence the statement in the Breed Standard which describes them as ‘Strength in a small compass’. This is when the breed started to develop to what we see in the Fox Terrier of today.

During this period of development the Fox Terrier could either have a smooth flat coat, a harsh wiry coat or somewhere in between. Over a period of time, through selective breeding, they have developed into two breeds with the same basic characteristics. Coat type and markings are the main variances of the breed.

The original Breed Standard was drawn up in 1876 by the Fox Terrier Club in the UK which held its first show in 1877 in UK. Some of the original paintings from this time can be seen on many Fox Terrier Club websites in England and around the world showing how the breed has evolved to the Some of the early Fox Terriers that had a major influence on the development of the breed include -

‘Pitch’ in 1790 Fox Terrier by Sawrey Gilpin (1793 – 1807), Cheroot born in 1886 and is a link between the working Fox Terriers of the early 19th century and the show dogs at the end of the century. Old Jock (1859), Grove Nettle (1862), Old Tartar (1862), Oxonian, Donna Fortuna, Result, more recent Fox terriers (Smooth) -Nornay Sadler (1936), Leathal Weapons (1943), Brooklands Black Ace (1952), Watteau Chorister (1954), Watteau Snuff Box (1962), Farleton Don Pedro just to name a few. Some of the top Fox Terriers (Wire) Oakleigh Topper (1880), Crackler of Notts (1898), Comedian of Notts bred and owned by Her Grace, the Duchess of Newcastle, Dusky Siren (1903), OLcliffe Captain (1912), Beau Brummel of Wildoaks, Crackley Straightaway, Harrowhill Huntsman Best in Show at Crufts in 1978.

The following article is a small trip down memory lane showing the slow change in style with the careful selective breeding of more than a century of passionate and devoted breeders. More than most other breeds, Fox Terriers have had a great number of famous identities since the beginning of dog shows, recording the breeding and development of Smooths and Wires with all the famous prefixes involved. Many of the famous judges of the past were Fox Terrier fanciers, the Fox Terrier Club (England) founded in 1876 is still one of the most respected clubs in U.K., where the first standard was drawn up. The Standard of Points, originally drawn up in 1876, is still printed as a guide these days and is well

worth keeping these points in mind when assessing a Fox Terrier. One of the most Famous English artists of the Smooth Fox Terriers was Mr Arthur Wardle with the famous oil painting of Francis Redmond’s Totteridge X1, in the late 1890’s plus many other famous Fox Terriers at the time.

The popularity of the Fox Terrier quickly grew and they soon became one of the most popular breeds around the world right up to the middle of the last century. They are still very popular although the numbers are far less. ‘The short-backed hunter covering a lot of ground, with bone and strength in a small compass.’ We still look for the alert expression on the tiptoe of expectation and the square outline with short back, quality bone in legs and feet and bang on tail set. It is interesting to look at Fox Terriers today and almost see the same outline, features and character as the original breed standard, however the breed has improved considerably in appearance since the early days but not lost any of his courage or ability to do the work he was called upon to do. The work he has been called upon to perform for many generations included, follow the fox to earth besides possessing activity, pluck, dash and stamina with a constitution strong enough to battle with the stable and yard life he had to lead. All this and still possess good manners, intelligence and aristocratic bearing combined with beauty of conformation. He is an excellent companion, faithful and a first-class house guard and is one of the most popular breeds of the Terrier family.

Breed information Smooth and Wire Fox Terrier By the Late Peter Luyten, Past President, Fox Terrier Club of Victoria

Both breeds have strong support from serious breeders, many of whom consistently import fresh blood when felt desirable, to keep the breeds winning in the top echelon at the world’s major shows. Popularity of both coats has drawn back from the period of the 1920s to the mid-1940s, during which period our grandparents made these breeds the most popular in the world. Wirehaired Fox Terriers in particular were registered in the U.K. by the Kennel Club in their tens of thousands, when King George’s faithful Wire accompanied his master everywhere and was even included in the marchers of his late owner’s funeral cortege. Smooths were kept in huge numbers in Australia and would make up more than 50% of all the entries at shows at Sydney Royal during the depression period of the 1930s. They were hardy, cheap to keep and kept down the vermin free of charge. Smooth Fox Terriers are a perfect model of balanced

conformation, vibrant good health, excellent stable character, ease of grooming, and ideal house dog size who will outplay any child, out jog any teenager on training manoeuvres, and be a source of pride and delight out walking or shopping with its master or mistress. The breed is free of almost any hereditary health problems, as serious breeders have excluded such problems from their breeding plans by severe selection. Should the showing bug bite you, you are one step ahead of most countries, as to supply and availability of top-class Smooth Fox Terriers. Foundation stock here is better and cheaper than any other country on earth. Many of the bloodlines here have been jealously guarded over many decades and the end results are superior in a number of kennels in Australia. Breeders from overseas, including the judges who visit here in assignments, attempt to take advantage of the excellent blood which is already here, and has been bred here in the last 50 years, based on the very best which England had to offer between the world wars, and with several imports from the U.K. since, the current results are amongst the best in the world, if judged best to best. Due to lack of numbers, we do not have the depth through the classes as we would like which only the Americans now have, largely as the result of importation from Australia plus Ireland and England in the last few decades. Some of these American dogs are now here doing sterling service refreshing certain kennels in Perth and Adelaide.

Many companion dog owners are currently rediscovering the Smooth Fox Terrier, as a medium sized moderate feeding cost, low upkeep, wash and wear and a dog who rarely needs to see a vet. Therefore, there is plenty of room amongst the exhibitor ranks to blossom into serious showies, with a great deal of enjoyment to be gained from a breed which is seriously considered by judges in the All Breeds ranks for general specials. Not as a glamour breed, but as a sound typical example of a respected breed, which overseas judges have admitted, are amongst the world’s best.

Wire Fox Terriers – The glamour of the Wire coat is nothing short of spectacular and many t op awards are garnered by this variety around the globe. They are immensely difficult to purchase, in the highest calibre, but when you breed one, or buy a great one, you will see your efforts rewarded. This breed traditionally is often considered in the Best In Show line up, and certainly despite its small numbers makes its presence felt in the group judging. Trimming aside, the breed is known for its longevity and fifteen is not uncommon. They are smart as paint, know how to get their owners to co-operate so they can live the life of Riley, and are widely admired where ever they go.

For people who love Dogs: Dazzling Paws Jewellery Hand-crafted from .925 recycled Sterling Silver

Chala Bags and more..

$69

Fox Terriers

$65

$52 $60

$65 $25 $52

Because we love our animals www.animales.com.au

Promoting PAWSITIVELY Healthy Choices Promoting PAWSITIVELY Healthy Choices Fun.Balanced.FitnessFun.Balanced.Fitness TRAX™ Peanut NEW TRAX™ - NEW Burst-Resistant Design Provides Safe Balance TRAX™ Donut Platform for Conditioning and Rehabilitation Exercises. Features TRAX™ Neuro Stimulation Bumps.

K9FITbone™ ACTIVE PLAY

EVERYDAY™

Canine Conditioning Equipment

At FitPAWS®, we admire dogs and people who work with dogs. We admire the passion, the love, the hard work, the devotion, the belief that dogs will give their best…and

Regular and NEW Giant and Mini sizes that we can also give OUR best to dogs. fitpawsaustralia.com.au | sdpaustralia@outlook.com.au

TRAX™ Peanut NEW TRAX™ - NEW Burst-Resistant Design Provides Safe Balance TRAX™ Donut Platform for Conditioning and Rehabilitation Exercises. Features TRAX™ Neuro Stimulation Bumps.

K9FITbone™ ACTIVE PLAY

EVERYDAY™

Canine Conditioning Equipment

When asked about the character of the two varieties, I tend to compare the Smooth with a boy scout. Full of fun, energy, out for a giggle, and quite disarming in their boyish charm towards strangers. They tend to take life as it comes and don’t see the dark side of life at all. Their athleticism and self- confidence and honesty, plus their uncontrolled enthusiasm endear them to almost everyone except rats, mice, running cats and slow possums. They take persistence to train to leave poultry and small game alone, but the rewards are endless. They are quite patient to stay at home in the regular routine of the household going to work or school, and you will get the most excited welcome home. They have the capacity to amuse themselves given a few simple toys, and will let you know when strangers are about especially during the day.

The Wire I see more as a member of a serious military organisation such as the Grenadier Guards, especially at shows where they are preened and polished, and have the deportment as befits a colour sergeant on parade, they do not walk but march to display their tailored jackets plus leggings called &quote; furnishings & quote. Their attitude to other dogs is one of always being prepared to accept any challenge and rebuff any insults by physical intervention if needs be. After all, if you have spent many months having your coat and attitude nurtured to fever pitch and you know that you’re human is always there on the other end of the lead to back you up, in that knowledge you can chase all the demons from your patch, even if you are only there for the day. Making a good show of intense military training has after all bluffed many an adversary into giving up the fight before it began. Strategy and show is everything to these guys. If you like a game dog with a huge heart, a sporting attitude, unbridled enthusiasm and boundless energy, who lowers his colours to no-one, who is totally trustworthy with your kids try one on for size. You will no doubt discover the reason that in your grandfather’s era these were the most popular dog in the entire world.

Not only in the show ring the Fox Terrier is a versatile dog as you can see in agility, obedience, lure coursing, inground hunting and tracking.

So, has the Smooth Fox Terrier changed much in over a century? Well, it certainly is still capable of doing what it was bred for, but is now a much more streamlined dog. Breeders still need to remain vigilant and read the writings of our forebears and be prepared to return to the standard and be willing to appreciate something new at the next show. There have been so many wonderful dogs and breeders over the years that it is impossible to name them all in this article who have contributed significantly to the breed, we have named just a few of the major winning dogs. It is an exciting time in Australia with the recent imports in several states with breed numbers and breeders increasing which helps keep our wonderful breed in the forefront of the terriers. It is pleasing to see new breeder judges emerging and we certainly wish them well with a long and fulfilling career. *Above References and Snippets: Supplied by: the Secretary, Fox Terrier Club of Victoria Inc. and the Fox Terrier Club of Qld

Skull flat, moderately narrow,morderately chisselled under eye not to deep through jaw

Moderately Small Dark Eye

jaws, upper and lower, strong and muscular, scissor bite, Small, V-shaped, Fold of ear above level of skull

Shoulders long and sloping, well laid back, fine at points, cleanly cut at withers

Chest deep, not broad. Reaching to the elbow well filled when viewed from front but showing almost no forechest when viewed from side Neck Clean and muscular, of fair length Back short, level and strong

Loins Short & Powerful

Set on rather high and carried gaily, but no over back. As straight as possible.

Coat Straight, flat, smooth, hard, dense and abundant. Belly and underside of thighs

.Plenty of Shelf behind the tail

Strong and muscular, quite free from droop or crouch; thighs long and powerful, , good turn of stifle

Legs from any angle, straight showing little or no appearance of an ankle strong round bone throughout

Small, round and compact. Soles hard and tough

Movement parallel. Elbows move perpendicular to body, working free of sides, stifles neither turning in nor out and hocks not close. Good drive coming from well flexing hindquarters. hocks well let down

Colour: All White, White with Tan, Black & Tan or Black markings