fox terrier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, semi-formal, informal (when discussing pets or breeds)
Quick answer
What does “fox terrier” mean?
A breed of small, energetic dog originally bred to drive foxes out of their dens.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of small, energetic dog originally bred to drive foxes out of their dens.
The term specifically refers to two distinct varieties of terrier, the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier, characterized by their alertness, intelligence, and distinctive white coats with patches of color.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The breed standard terminology is identical. The abbreviation 'FT' is used in both contexts in dog show circles.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes a spirited, classic, sometimes feisty companion dog. In the UK, may have stronger historical associations with traditional fox hunting.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency in general discourse, but standard within dog breeding, showing, and pet-owning communities in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “fox terrier” in a Sentence
[determiner] + fox terrier + [verb]the + fox terrier + of + [possessor]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fox terrier” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard. The word is not used as a verb.]
American English
- [Not standard. The word is not used as a verb.]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard. The attributive noun is used, e.g., 'fox terrier breed standard', 'fox terrier club'.]
American English
- [Not standard. The attributive noun is used, e.g., 'fox terrier energy', 'fox terrier temperament'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in niche contexts like pet supply, veterinary services, or dog show businesses.
Academic
Used in veterinary science, animal husbandry, and historical studies of dog breeding or hunting practices.
Everyday
Common in conversations about pets, dog breeds, and in contexts like animal shelters or parks.
Technical
Precise zoological/cynological classification: a breed of the Terrier group, with specific standards for conformation and temperament.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fox terrier”
- Misspelling as 'foxterror', 'foxterrior'.
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a fox terrier behaviour' instead of 'a fox terrier's behaviour' or 'terrier-like behaviour').
- Confusing the Smooth and Wire varieties as merely different coat styles rather than distinct varieties.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary difference is the coat. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a short, flat, hard, and dense coat. The Wire Fox Terrier has a dense, wiry, and broken coat that requires hand-stripping for show purposes. They are considered two distinct varieties of the same breed.
They can be, for active families. They are intelligent, playful, and loyal. However, their high energy, strong will, and potential for chasing small animals mean they require ample exercise, consistent training, and may not be ideal for homes with very small pets.
No, unless it is part of a proper noun (e.g., 'American Fox Terrier Club'). As a breed name, it is typically written in lowercase.
Fox terriers are generally long-lived dogs, with a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years, provided they receive proper care and nutrition.
A breed of small, energetic dog originally bred to drive foxes out of their dens.
Fox terrier is usually formal, semi-formal, informal (when discussing pets or breeds) in register.
Fox terrier: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɒks ˈter.i.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɑːks ˈter.i.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to the breed. The word 'terrier' itself can be used metaphorically for a tenacious person, e.g., 'He has a terrier-like grip on the argument.']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a fox trying to hide in its den, and a small, bold dog with 'TERRIER' written on its collar barking fiercely to drive it out—a Fox TERRIER.
Conceptual Metaphor
TENACITY IS TERRIER-LIKE (though this applies more to 'terrier' than the full compound).
Practice
Quiz
What was the original purpose of the fox terrier breed?