Smooth Fox Terrier

Smooth Fox Terrier - Breed Profile:

Origin: England
Colors: White with black or tan markings
Size: Small
Type of Owner: Experienced
Exercise: Regular
Grooming: Very little
Trainability: Easy to train
Combativeness: Not generally dog aggressive
Dominance: Moderate
Noise: Average barker

Physical characteristics

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a small lively dog with a short back, deep chest, and powerful loin. The front legs are perfectly straight. The flat skull is moderately narrow, with a stop noticeable slightly more than that in the Greyhound. The eyes and eye rims are dark. They are moderately small and set rather deep. The moderately thick ears are small and V-shaped. They fold forward close to the cheeks instead of hanging by the side of the head like in the Foxhound. The jaws are strong and muscular. The nose is black. The tail is in good proportion to the head.
Smooth Fox Terriers weigh 13 to 20 pounds. Their height is 13 to 16 inches. Females tend to be smaller.

Temperament

Smooth Fox Terriers are active, lively, playful and friendly. Cheerful and enthusiastic with children. Affectionate and loveable, they are very devoted and loyal to the family, and truly enjoy human company. The strong hunting instincts may make these dogs hunt rabbits and birds if there is a chance, so keep the dog properly leashed. Well-socialized and properly introduced individuals should not have problems with other dogs. Exercise the dog well, both physically and mentally. If the owners are too meek and low-spirited, Smooth Fox Terriers will take over the household and start setting their own rules for the rest of the pack. In this case, they are very likely to develop the "small dog syndrome" and various types of unwanted behaviour. Firm and consistent human leadership should prevent this.

Coat and grooming

The short coat of Smooth Fox Terriers is flat, dense, abundant, and to groom. It comes in predominantly white colour with black or tan markings. Brindle, red or liver markings are objectionable in show dogs.

Health

Deafness is often a problem in Smooth Fox Terriers. Other health concerns include post nasal drip, lens luxation, distichiasis, cataracts, Legg-Perthes disease, and shoulder dislocation. The lifespan is over 15 years.

Other interesting facts

The Smooth Fox Terrier was originated in the British Isles in the 17th century. The breed was used by farmers to hunt vermin. The dogs used their keen nose, remarkable eyesight and stamina to drive fox and other quarry out from their underground dens.