When we think of foxes in the UK, the image of the iconic red fox (Vulpes vulpes) roaming the countryside or sneaking through city streets often comes to mind. But historically, the diversity of foxes in the UK was richer than most people realize. In fact, mentions of the cur or common fox, mountain or hill fox, and mastiff fox were common in British hunting history and folklore, revealing a more complex relationship between foxes, people, and landscapes.
The Corgi or Cur Fox: A Commoner's Reputation
The cur fox, often described in old hunting records, was considered particularly cunning and the most common variant of the red fox. Hunters regarded these foxes as exceptionally elusive, with a reputation for wreaking havoc on livestock, especially poultry.
What made the cur fox stand out wasn't just its tenacity towards poultry and livestock but also its connection to European imports. As the demand for fox hunting grew in popularity across Britain, hunters occasionally imported more hardy foxes from the continent. These European foxes were believed to be tougher and more challenging quarry, which led to them being bred and introduced into the wild to strengthen local populations.
The Mountain or Hill Fox: A Highland Critter
The mountain or hill fox was another term used in historical British hunting lore, referring to foxes living in the more rugged and elevated regions of the UK, such as Scotland, Wales, and the Lake District. These foxes were adapted to the harsh, windswept environments of mountains and hills, often being more agile and resilient than their lowland counterparts.
The larger size and darker coloration of the mountain fox distinguished it from the foxes of the lowland forests. Hunters who pursued these animals in the highlands faced extreme terrain and weather, making it a more dangerous and prestigious pursuit. Despite their tenacity, these foxes were prized less for their pelts and more for the sport of the chase. Their ability to survive in such harsh environments symbolized the rugged beauty of the British countryside.
Historically, these hill-dwelling foxes may have played a vital role in keeping the population of mountain hares and other wildlife in balance. However, as human encroachment increased, the foxes' role in the ecosystem was diminished, and they were increasingly hunted for sport rather than any functional purpose.
The term “greyhound fox” is often used in historical hunting contexts to describe a type of fox reputed for its speed and agility, traits that are closely associated with the characteristics of the silver fox. This nomenclature might be indicative of the silver fox’s equivalent or a similar breed due to their comparable physical attributes. The silver fox, a domesticated variant of the North American red fox, shares notable physical traits with the greyhound fox, such as a streamlined body and swift movement, which would make it a suitable candidate for this designation.
Historical references to the greyhound fox highlight its impressive speed and hunting prowess, characteristics that align with the silver fox's refined build and agility. This similarity in physical traits and performance in the field suggests that the greyhound fox could indeed be a historical equivalent or precursor to the silver fox, reflecting the evolution and adaptation of fox breeds over time.
The Bulldog or Mastiff Fox: The Terrier Type
The mastiff fox was perhaps the most mysterious and least understood of these historical foxes. Described as being stockier and more robust than the typical red fox, the mastiff fox was considered an even more elusive than other foxes. The name "mastiff" and "bulldog" likely comes from its presumed stockier size, comparing it to well-known breeds of stocky dog.
Theories abound about the origins of the mastiff fox, with some suggesting it was a stocky and well-fed variant of the native red fox that arose due to urbanisation. Others believe that the mastiff fox might have been a result of crossbreeding with foxes imported from Europe. This theory fits with the historical practice of importing foreign foxes to strengthen hunting stocks or to challenge local hunting parties with more formidable prey.
Fox Hunting and Imports from Europe
Fox hunting in the UK has a long and controversial history, dating back to the 16th century, though the practice didn’t become a formal sport until the 18th century. As fox hunting grew in popularity, the demand for robust, difficult-to-catch foxes increased. In response, landowners and hunters sometimes imported foxes from mainland Europe to introduce new blood into the population, particularly in areas where local foxes were dwindling.
European foxes, often larger and more aggressive than their British counterparts, were highly sought after. Some records suggest foxes were brought over from France and Germany to revitalize the hunting stock. These imported foxes, more accustomed to the challenges of hunting by wolves or harsher climates, were considered more difficult to pursue, providing a greater challenge for British hunters.
The practice of importing foxes also gave rise to concerns about the ecological impact. These foreign foxes sometimes outcompeted native ones, and the introduction of non-native foxes may have altered local wildlife dynamics. Though not fully documented, it's believed that some of the traits attributed to the cur and mastiff foxes may have come from these imported animals.
Decline of the Historical Fox Types
As fox populations were increasingly bred for hunting, and habitat destruction continued, distinctions between different types of foxes blurred. Modern conservation efforts, combined with the eventual decline of traditional fox hunting, mean that the specific traits of the cur, mastiff, and mountain foxes may have been absorbed into the larger red fox population or lost altogether.
Today, these names largely exist in hunting lore and historical texts, remnants of a time when the diversity of foxes in the UK was greater and more complex than most realize. The legacy of the cur, mountain, and mastiff foxes reminds us of how our relationship with wildlife has evolved over time, influenced by human intervention, sport, and changing landscapes.
The Need for Understanding and Conservation
Understanding the historical nuances of these fox types provides a broader context for ongoing discussions about wildlife conservation and fox welfare in the UK. We advocate for the regulation and protection of both native and non-native fox species, recognizing the need to balance the protection of our native wildlife with the responsibilities we have toward animals bred and kept in captivity.
As we look back on the history of foxes in the UK, we must also look forward, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and respect these incredible creatures in all their diversity. The cur, mountain, and mastiff foxes may no longer roam the hills and fields of Britain, but their legacy lives on in the foxes we continue to care for today.
