T he two Fox Terrier breeds, Smooth Fox Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers, were developed in England in the mid 19th century by fox hunting sportsmen. Often carried in a bag by the mounted huntsman, their purpose was to dig out or “bolt” foxes from dens, drains or culverts where they had been pursued by the hounds. Foxes were then considered vermin, but even today Fox Terriers make short work of woodchucks, rats and other furry pests when given the chance. Fox Terriers are psychiatric patients. Fox Terriers love the spotlight and have appeared in many films, TV shows and commercials. Alert and “on the tiptoe of expectation”, they make excellent watchdogs. During World War I, Fox Terriers (as well as other breeds), were widely used by British and French troops as sentry dogs and as messengers. Some were trained to go “over the top” to locate the wounded. Often the dog would carry a homing pigeon in a bag to be released. Wearing a harness with pouches, they car- ried medicine, food and cigarettes. Th ey did duty in the trenches and camps as ratters. THE VERSATILE FOX TERRIER By Winnie Stout outgoing, alert, active and intelligent dogs. Originally bred to be independent hunters, today they make a ff ectionate companions. Modern Fox Terrier careers include obedi- ence and agility competition, search and rescue, cadaver location, drug detection and circus performance as well as service dogs for the disabled. Many serve as Th er- apy Dogs in hospitals and nursing homes. Fox Terriers are creative thinkers and will “doggedly” pursue a goal. Because they will persistently approach even when ignored or rebu ff ed, Fox Terrier therapy dogs have been the choice to help many withdrawn Clockwise: “Berry” Herding Instinct Test, URO2 U-CH. Fyrewyre’s Berried Treasure BN RE CA TDIA ThD CGC; World War I Smooths; World War II Wire Fox Terrier London Blitz heroine—Wire-Haired Fox Terrier “Beauty” with PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) Superintendent Bill Barnet, who was credited with rescuing 63 animals from the ruins of the London Blitz, 1940-41, in recognition of which she was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal—the “Animals’ Victoria Cross”; URO3 U-CH and lnt’l CH. Antitiem’s Stetson BN RAE CA TT CGC TDIA ThD ASCA-CD; Bella, Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom”
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