Fox terrier

wirehaired fox terrier

   The fox terrier is a small frisky dog originally bred to chase foxes out of burrows after hounds had driven the foxes inside. Today, fox terriers are popular as pet and show dogs. There are two breeds of fox terrier: the English and the American, which was developed from the English. The English fox terrier stands about 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs about 17 pounds. It has straight front legs and a long head with a tubular appearance. The ears are V-shaped and are folded downward toward the cheeks. Its upright tail is shortened soon after birth so that it will be 4½ inches long when the dog is fully grown.
   There are two varieties of English fox terriers: the  smooth-aired and the wirehaired. Both types have a hard wiry coat, which is primarily white with tan or black and tan markings. However, the coat of the smooth-aired fox terrier is shorter and flatter than that of the wirehaired. English fox terriers cannot be raised in packs but must have separate kennels because they fight with one another.
   American fox terriers are among  the most popular of purebred dogs, particularly in the midwester United States, where they are the most familiar house dog. They range in weight from 3 to 20 pounds. Their coat is shorter and smoother than that of the English fox terrier, and they have a dainty appearence. They also tend to be more affectionate and less inclined to fight than the English breed.