Description and Purpose
Fell terriers are types of small working terriers developed in the Fell (hilly) country of northern England and used as hunting dogs. They may be crossbred or purebred. Fell terrier types are typically small, usually under 15 lbs/6.5 kg, and with a narrow chest, so as to fit into the underground tunnels of the animals they hunt. Fell terriers are long legged, with a rough textured coat, often red or black in color. The tail traditionally is docked. Crossbreeding with other hunting dogs causes their appearance to vary.
Fell terriers are bred for hunting ability and gameness rather than to a standard of appearance (breed type). They hunt in packs so must get along well with other dogs. The Fell Terrier was originally developed to hunt the large Fell fox that was believed to cause serious losses for sheep stockmen. The dog needed long legs to follow hunters through heavy snow, and a narrow chest to follow the fox in a stony underground den. In the hunt, a terrier follows the red fox underground into its den, where it either kills the fox, bolts it or holds it until the hunter (terrierman) digs the dog and fox up.
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