Description
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a very elegant, smart and stylish little dog dressed in a short white coat with black or brown markings. The breed has a flat, tapering, narrow skull, and ears that fold forward making "V" shaped flaps. The tail is normally docked to 1/4 its length and stands on top of the dog rather than hanging out behind. The Fox Terrier is blessed with many weapons of attack such as strong jaws, well-developed teeth, eagerness, physical strength, and above all, courage. It is a well-built, elegant dog - concentrating a lot of strength in a little space. The eyes are dark, small, deep set and extremely lively. The neck is thick and muscular.
Temperament
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a bold and energetic Terrier. They are enthusiastically playful especially with children. They are affectionate with the family and do not hide their jealousy. Cheerful and brave. They are ready to charge at all times. Scrappy and impulsive. This lovable dynamo is great at learning tricks. Amazing stories are told of the animal's loyalty and devotion. This dog enjoys being part of the family and will become destructive without enough exercise and attention. One of the most aggressive breeds, the Fox Terrier has a pronounced tendency to pick fights with other dogs, even large ones, and are not generally trustworthy with other pets. The Fox Terrier will also hunt and possibly kill other none K-9 animals, such as birds, if given the chance. If the Fox Terrier is properly socialized and introduced they can get along just fine with other dogs in the family. Keep this breed properly leashed or in a completely enclosed area, because the Fox Terrier likes to go off and explore. Fox Terriers like to bark and make good watchdogs, although the high-pitched barking can be annoying and may cause problems with neighbors. They may be too boisterous for elderly owners. They are willful and need to be firmly obedience trained from an early age. Behavior problems may include dominance challenges, especially with meek owners; guarding objects, places and their own food from the owner, and excessive barking.
Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 14-16 inches (36-41 cm.) Bitches 13-15 inches (33-38 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 15-20 pounds (7-9 kg.) Bitches 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg.)
Health Problems
Deafness may be a problem in predominantly white dogs. Some minor concerns are post nasal drip, lens luxation, distichiasis, cataracts, Legg-Perthes, and shoulder dislocation. The Smooth Fox Terrier dog breed requires plenty of exercise and play if it is to be kept as a family pet. Like most terriers, it thrives on activity. Otherwise, Smooth Fox Terriers' instincts for hunting will emerge and will likely chase small animals, chew on anything, dig on any soil, and generally be a nuisance of itself.Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.
Living Conditions
The Fox Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Exercise
This breed needs to be taken on a daily, long walk or jog. If it is possible, they will love to run free in a safe area. Keep this dog on a leash if there are small animals around. The urge for these dogs to hunt is strong and they are likely to take off after cats and small dogs.
Life Expectancy
About 15 or more years.
Grooming
The short coat of the Smooth Fox Terrier is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin
In addition to working on farms, the Smooth Fox Terrier was also used in more traditional hunts where it was used to drive the foxes out from their underground holes towards larger dogs and their handlers.In the breed's early days, the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers were considered different varieties of the same breed. Many breeders even crossed them to add more white pigmentations to wirehaireds' coats. While some breeders may still continue this practice, the interbreeding has been discouraged for some time now.In developing the Terriers we know today breeders crossed ancient Dachshunds, the English Hound, and later the Fox Hound and Beagle. One of the oldest Terriers, the Fox Terrier was used in the 18th century to hunt foxes in England. Its job was to harass fox out of its hole. The dog would snap and growl and lunge at the hiding fox until it bolted. They were also very useful ratters. Today the Fox Terrier is primarily a companion dog. The first standard for the Smooth Fox Terrier was established in 1876. The Wirehaired and Smooth Fox Terriers are sometimes regarded as the same breed, although the breed has been separated in the United States since 1984. Some of the Fox Terrier's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdogging, agility and performing tricks.
Group
Terrier, AKC Terrier
