fox terrier

noun

: a small, lively terrier of either of two breeds that was formerly used to dig out foxes, that weighs about 16 to 18 pounds (7.3 to 8.2 kilograms), and that has a flat moderately narrow skull, a long muzzle, small V-shaped ears which droop forward, straight forelegs, and muscular hindquarters:

Illustration of fox terrier

Illustration of fox terrier

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web More than 40 years later the couple still occupy the loft, with their 11-year-old wirehaired fox terrier Oscar. Christopher Bollen, Town & Country, 22 Feb. 2022 The record-breaking toy fox terrier died of natural causes at her home in Taylors, South Carolina, on Monday, said Guinness in a news release. Zoe Sottile, CNN, 7 Oct. 2022 After the previous title holder Pebbles, a 22-year-old toy fox terrier, died on Oct. 3, 21-year-old TobyKeith became the new World's Oldest Dog – again. Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2022 On Wednesday, Guinness World Records announced the toy fox terrier's death. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 5 Oct. 2022 The tiny toy fox terrier was born on March 28, 2000, according to the release. Zoe Sottile, CNN, 7 Oct. 2022 According to Guinness, Pebbles gave birth to 32 dogs across three litters with her late partner, Rocky, who was also a toy fox terrier. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 5 Oct. 2022 The film tells the real-life story of a fox terrier that accompanied her master on an expedition to the North Pole in an air balloon in the 1920’s. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 23 Sep. 2022 The 4-pound Toy fox terrier now holds the title for world's oldest living dog at 22 years, 59 days, as of Thursday, according to Guinness World Records. Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 26 May 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fox terrier.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fox terrier was in 1823

Dictionary Entries Near fox terrier

Cite this Entry

“Fox terrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fox%20terrier. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

fox terrier

noun
: a small lively terrier formerly used to dig out foxes and existing in smooth-haired and wire-haired varieties

More from Merriam-Webster on fox terrier

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