When fox hunting became popular in England in the late 17th century, hunters found the need for a dog that could go to ground and bolt the quarry. Terriers, game and eager, were ideal for such a purpose but most of the early terriers were dark in color and too low on the leg to run with a pack of fox-hounds.
Hunters began to develop a longer-legged terrier, predominantly white in color so as not to be mistaken for a fox. Early fox terriers were primarily smooth-coated, but the wire coat persisted. By the end of the 19th century, smooth and wire-coated Fox Terriers were in great demand, both as companions and show dogs.
Although considered one breed for many years, the interbreeding of Smooth Fox Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers ceased in the early 1900s. Except for coat, however, the two breeds are essentially identical. Both theSmooth Fox Terrierand the Wirehaired Fox Terrier were recognized by the AKC in 1885. Some of the Fox Terrier's talents include hunting, tracking, watchdog, agility and performing tricks.