Arthur Wardle (British, 1864-1949)

These are Wire-Haired Fox Terrier puppies, a breed whose original function was to go to ground after the fox, badger and smaller vermin. The exact origins of the breed are unknown although it is thought they derive from the old Rough-Coated Black-and-Tan Terriers of Wales, Derbyshire and Durham. The history of the modern Fox Terrier dates back to around the 1860s and in 1876, the Fox Terrier Club was formed. A committee was formed and a breed standard was compiled. By the 1880s the Fox Terrier Club became the biggest of all the speciality breed clubs. The popularity of the breed is reflected in the visual arts and Wardle in particular excelled at depicting them, as exemplified by the present work.