fox terrier

either of two English breeds of small terriers having either a long, wiry coat or a short, flat coat, formerly used for driving foxes from their holes.

[1815-25]

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Well-known breed of dog developed in England to drive foxes from their dens.

The wirehaired variety was developed from a rough-coated black-and-tan terrier; the smooth-haired variety was developed from the beagle, greyhound, bull terrier, and a smooth-coated black-and-tan terrier. Both are sturdy, with a tapered muzzle and folded, V-shaped ears. They stand about 15 in. (38 cm) high and weigh 15–19 lb (7–8.5 kg). Predominantly white with black or black-and-tan markings, fox terriers are noted for their bold, energetic nature.

Wirehaired fox terrier

Sally Anne Thompson/EB Inc.

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▪ breed of dog

 breed of dog developed in England to drive foxes from their dens. The two varieties of fox terrier, wirehaired and smooth-haired, are structurally similar but differ in coat texture and in ancestry. The wirehaired, or wire, variety was developed from a rough-coated black-and-tan terrier, the smooth from the beagle, Greyhound, bull terrier, and a smooth-coated black-and-tan terrier. At one point the two varieties were crossed, but this practice was discontinued. Both varieties are sturdily built, lively looking dogs with tapered muzzles and folded, V-shaped ears. They stand about 15 inches (38 cm), weigh 16 to 18 pounds (7 to 8 kg), and are predominantly white with black or black-and-tan markings. Fox terriers are noted for having bold, energetic, and spirited natures.

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