Fox Terrier Smooth

In my own words

 

Wow, I’m tired. I’ve been playing in the garden for ages. I don’t get tired easily, as I am a very active dog, and I love exercising. Today though, the children managed to wear me out! I’m very good with children and their appetite for playing matches mine- giving you a bit of a break. Today they taught me a few tricks; I can’t wait to show them to you. I don’t like to dwell on it, but I’m super intelligent and learn tricks quickly and easily. The garden is a perfect setting for me as well; I’m best off the lead in a safe and fenced area as my tendency to hunt can lead me astray. I like chasing pesky birds and squirrels you see, which is why when we’re out on our daily walks I should be on the lead. I’m not totally unsociable though, I get on with other dogs just fine, and it’s just in my blood to hunt! I really enjoy my daily walks with you; they give some variety to my day as I can tend to get bored easily. I never get bored of you though – I’m such a charmer! Companionship is my forte; I’m a truly loyal and devoted friend of the family and relish company. Being left alone can make me bored and destructive, not that I’m threatening you!

Information essential about the Fox Terrier Smooth

 

Kennel Club Group:  Terrier

 

Size: Medium

Weight Male 15 – 20 lb. (7 – 9 kg) Female 13 – 18 lb. (6 – 8 kg)

Height Male 14” – 16” (36 – 41 cm) Female 13”–15” (33 –38 cm)

Popularity:

 

Considered to be one of the oldest terriers, this breed originated in 18th century England as a foxhunter and ratter. Though not as popular as other terrier breeds, they are well known and established. Today the Smooth Fox Terrier is primarily a family companion and show dog.

Famous Smooth Fox terriers include Skip from the book ‘My Dog Skip’ by Willie Morris and Nipper the mascot of music and technology giant HMV in the UK.

Breed History:

 

One of the oldest English terrier breeds, Smooth Fox Terriers were developed in the 1800s to drive foxes out of their dens once the Hounds had chased them in. For almost a century, Smooth Fox Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers were categorized as the same breed. However, they have very different origins: The Smooth Fox Terrier derived from the working terriers of Wales and Durham, while the coarse-coated Wire Fox Terrier—bred for rougher terrain—has the Beagle and the Greyhound in its family tree. Official standards for each breed were established fairly recently—in 1984.

 

The Fox Terrier was developed by crossing ancient Dachshunds, English Hounds, and later the Fox Hound and Beagle. It is one of the oldest terrier type dogs, originating in the British Isles in the 17th century. They were used by farmers who needed dogs to help get rid of the animals that would prey on the farmers stock, such as fox and rats and other small vermin. The Fox Terrier would find the animal in the ground relentlessly, digging, barking, growling and lunging until it harassed the animal out of its den where the hunter could then kill it. The Fox Terrier came in both a smooth coat and a wirehaired coat and was considered the same breed for many years. The Wirehaired Fox Terrier was bred by crossing in the rough coated Black and Tan Terrier, for use in rough country, its coat being less vulnerable to damage than that of the Smooth Fox Terrier. The first standard for the Smooth Fox Terrier was established in 1876, separating it from the wirehaired dogs. However they are still considered the same breed with different coat varieties by some clubs, but have been separated in the United States since 1984. Both the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wirehaired Fox Terrier were recognized by the AKC in 1885. Some of the Fox Terrier's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdog, agility and performing tricks.

 

Character:

 

Combining a winning combination of beauty and brains, the Smooth Fox Terrier is a bold and daring terrier. Accompanied with their intelligence, this makes them able to learn tricks and train well. However, do not let your guard down as the Fox Terrier can easily develop Small Dog Syndrome and decide to take over at the first show of meek or shy behaviour. They believe that they are in charge and therefore look to defend their alpha position. Some examples of this behaviour include – dominance challenges, guarding objects or places from the owner, excessive barking, jealousy, separation anxiety, destructiveness, dog aggressiveness, growling, snapping, biting, untrustworthy with children and sometimes adults. All this behaviour is influenced by who is around them and how they are treating them and can be rectified once the dogs’ instincts are met. They will from then on need a stable, firm and consistent routine with rules and limits as to what they are and are not allowed to do, along with daily exercise in order to keep them active.

Don’t let the above behaviours scare you, with the right firm handed owner and when socialized early, the Fox Terrier will be affectionate, devoted and loyal to the family.

 

 

Temperament:

A happy dog with a playful disposition, the Fox Terrier does especially well with children. Though seemingly independent and strong willed, the Smooth Fox Terrier will thrive on companionship and attention, and do not do well if ignored or if they are left alone for extended periods of time

 

Because of their strong hunting instincts, the Fox Terrier will also hunt and possibly kill other non-canine animals, such as rabbits and birds, if given the chance. Keep this breed properly leashed or in a completely enclosed area, because the Fox Terrier likes to go off and explore.

 

This is a relatively dominant, very high energy dog that can become stressed and frustrated without the proper type and amount of exercise both mental and physical. They not only need their bodies exercised but their minds as well. It is paramount you are this dogs 100%, firm, and consistent pack leader.

 

Regarded as one of the most aggressive breeds they are not suited for homes with other pets. They are wary of strangers and make excellent watchdogs. Smooth Fox Terriers are not recommended for the novice, apathetic, or sedentary owner.

Conformation:

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a medium sized dog. The skull is flat, moderately narrowing to the eyes. The stop is slight. The muzzle gradually tapers to the black nose. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The eyes and eye rims are dark in colour. The small V-shaped ears drop forward close to the cheeks. The neck is thick and muscular. The legs are straight. The tail is high set and is usually docked by 1/4, leaving 3/4 of the original length. Note: the practice of docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe. The flat, smooth coat should be dense and abundant. The coat is predominately white with black or brown markings

Colour:

 

The coat of the Smooth Fox Terrier is dense, short, flat, and smooth. It is also quite abundant and covers not only the entire body, but the stomach and underside of the thighs as well. The colour of the coat is predominately white with black or brown markings. This breed is an average shedder.

Training:

 

Best approached with unfaltering patience and sense of humour, this breed requires early intensive and extensive socialization and obedience training. The Smooth Fox Terrier is wilful, will challenge authority, and attempt to be dominant. They are prone to excessive barking. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods but must have an experienced owner and handler. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, consistency, and patience. The Smooth Fox Terrier displays talent in agility, fly ball, tracking, and hunting. Smooth Fox Terriers will surprise you by jumping extremely high. They also are escape artists that enjoy a good dig!

 

EXERCISE:

In order to be happy indoors or without a yard, the Smooth Fox Terrier will need sufficient exercise. They need to be taken for a walk or jog daily in order to be fulfilled. They will gladly run free, but make sure the area is safe as the dogs’ instinct to hunt is strong and they may chase small animals.

 

ACTIVITY:

Boisterous and playful, the Smooth Fox Terrier requires daily physical exercise and mental stimulation. They benefit from and enjoy securely leashed walks, family play sessions such as ball and Frisbee, and a safely fenced area to freely romp and run in. Smooth Fox Terriers will become destructive and bark incessantly if bored or lonely. They will do okay in an apartment provided they are given sufficient exercise, attention, and stimulation. Bold and fearless, Fox Terriers may confront larger dogs. Also, being natural hunters, they have the tendency to chase birds and squirrels. Always keep them on a leash for their own protection and, if possible, allow them to occasionally run free in a controlled environment.

 

 

Care:

 

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, blowing the coat twice a year.

Health:

 

Though generally healthy, deafness may be a problem in predominantly white dogs. Some minor concerns are post nasal drip, lens luxation, distichiasis, cataracts, Legg-Perthes disease (deformity of the hip joint), and shoulder dislocation. Fox Terriers also enjoy eating so be sure to monitor his food intake, and make sure he doesn’t overeat. With proper care and love, the Smooth Fox Terrier can live for 12-15 years.

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