Dog breeds – Smooth Fox Terrier

Overview
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.

Character
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a well-proportioned, active, cheerful, and independent breed. They are elegant, eager, compact, and extremely courageous. This is a bold and daring breed that is not easily intimidated and possesses both beauty and brains.

Temperament
A loyal and deeply devoted breed, the Smooth Fox Terrier is also loving and affectionate. They thrive on companionship and attention and do not do well if ignored or are left alone for extended periods of time. This breed does best in a home with older considerate children. 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.

History
The smooth fox terrier’s ancestors are not documented, but the breed was certainly known by 1800 and was already popular before the advent of dog shows. It accompanied foxhound packs and dislodged foxes that had taken cover. Predominantly white dogs were preferred because they could be more easily distinguished from the quarry in dim lighting. Some speculation exists that the smooth and wire fox terriers arose from distinct backgrounds, with the smooth descending from the smooth-coated black and tan, the bull terrier and even the greyhound and beagle. The smooth fox terriers were among the first breeds to enter the show ring, classified initially with the sporting breeds. The two varieties were interbred extensively at one time, but the practice gradually declined. Because the two breeds had long since ceased to be crossed by the latter part of the 1900s, the AKC divided them into separate breeds in 1985.

Upkeep
The smooth fox terrier is energetic and cannot be ignored. As an active dog, it will do much to exercise itself given the room. It enjoys a vigorous game or walk, as well as an off-lead outing in a safe area. Even though this breed can live outdoors in a warm climate, it does better living in the house and playing in the yard. Smooth coat care consists of weekly brushing to remove shedding hair. In fact, the smooths shed more than the wires. Some training of the ears may be necessary as puppies for proper adult shape to develop.

Health
• Major concerns: none
• Minor concerns: lens luxation, distichiasis, cataract, Legg-Perthes, shoulder dislocation
• Occasionally seen: deafness, patellar luxation
• Suggested tests: eye
• Life span: 10 – 13 years

Form and Function
The smooth fox terrier is square-proportioned, standing over a lot of ground but with a short back. Its conformation combines speed, endurance and power, enabling it to gallop and stay with the horses and hounds during the hunt and to follow a fox up a narrow passage. The gait while trotting gets most of its propulsion from the rear quarters. The expression, like the attitude, is keen; the carriage is alert and expectant. The coat is flat, hard and dense, also with a short, fine undercoat.

Related Dogs
Airedale Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Australian Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Border Terrier
Bull Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Irish Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier.