Which Fox Terrier variety achieved formal AKC recognition before the other variety?

Answer

The Smooth Fox Terrier in 1885.

The historical timeline of formal recognition shows a clear order of precedence between the two coat variations. The Smooth Fox Terrier achieved recognition from the American Kennel Club significantly earlier, documented as receiving official status in 1885. In contrast, the Wire variety, despite having rough-coated ancestral stock existing concurrently or slightly earlier, was recognized later by the same organization, specifically in 1911. This indicates that the smooth version reached the required standardization benchmarks for formal registration earlier in the United States.

Which Fox Terrier variety achieved formal AKC recognition before the other variety?
evolutionDogTerrierWire Fox Terrier