About the painting - by Daniela Ria:

Fox Terrier with a dress taken from 1620 “Antoine Van Dyck” – Great Britain – The breeds were established to assist in fox hunting. The term Fox Terrier was generic until the latter part of the 19th Century. It referred to a group of dogs of varying type which were bred for the hunt. These dogs were often called "foxies" regardless of type or size. The first Fox Terrier, a dog called "Foiler" or "Old Foiler", was registered by the Kennel Club circa 1875-6, and the breed began the process of standardization.