These Terriers have been for a number of years, and still are, exceedingly popular, chiefly, we believe on account of the following reasons:—(1) Their size renders them easily and conveniently kept; (2) their gameness makes them good for destroying vermin, such as rats, etc. ; (3) making excellent house dogs, and are smart, active companions, and as such suitable for both sexes.

Section E Fox Terriers The Fox Terrier 54

At most shows the Fox Terrier classes are better filled than those devoted to any other variety.

There is very little reliable information as to how and when the Fox Terrier sprang into existence, as it is hundreds of years since Terriers were written about, though very little can be gleaned, as the word at that time had a very ambiguous meaning, consequently most of such records become speculative when discussing the probable origin of any given type of Terrier.

Rawdon B. Lee, in his book on the Fox Terrier, gives numerous extracts from various ancient writers with reference to the early history of the Fox-Terrier, but the information leaves one very little wiser, upon the earlier history of these game little Terriers. It is a problem that bears every possibility of remaining unsolved.

For the present purpose it is sufficient to know that the breed is with us in a very high state of perfection, and that this has been attained by selection within the last fifty years, or thereabout.

Whether these Terriers, as we find them on the show bench, are equal to the tasks usually imposed upon their predecessors, is another matter, and one that Fox Terrier men, in general, are not always inclined to discuss.

That there are any amount of game Fox Terriers on the show bench there is abundant evidence to prove, but we have no knowledge as to whether these constitute the majority.

The Fox Terrier Club, the Fylde Fox Terrier Club, and Fox Terrier clubs galore in other parts of the country have done wonders towards improving the show-bench qualities of the modern Fox Terrier, and still more to render him popular in almost all parts of the globe.

Mr Scott's Smooth Fox Terrier Millgate Jof.

Mr Scott's Smooth Fox Terrier Millgate Jof.

Champion South Cave Leger (Property of Mr A. Jowett).

Champion South Cave Leger (Property of Mr A. Jowett).

Smooth Fox Terrier Duke of Doncaster (Property of Mrs Bennett Edwards).

Smooth Fox Terrier Duke of Doncaster (Property of Mrs Bennett Edwards).

There are two varieties—the Smooth and the Wire-haired, but of the two the Smooth are in greater demand, requiring much less attention to their toilet.

Fox Terriers are very easy to rear, are hardy, usually of good constitution, pleasant in the house, though not always reliable with children, more especially under provocation.

Puppies should be docked when they are two or three weeks old, and weaned about the fifth week. Before showing, we recommend washing on the previous day, adding a little blue to the water. Hard coats are greatly softened by washing.

The Fox Terrier Club's description leaving little to be desired as to the show points of the Terrier, the author has taken the liberty of reproducing it as issued by that body.