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Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier > Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier Breed Description

Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier Breed Description

by Dogs.net on August 12, 2010

Smooth Coated Fox Terrier Breed Description

Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier

Smooth Fox Terriers can best be described as having a bold, adventurous personality, independent and mischievous, feisty and alert. Their ability to be trained ranks high, as these dogs soak up all forms of obedience training and dog tricks. They are moderately friendly towards other dogs and pets, but reserved around strange people, making these terriers excellent watchdogs.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of the most active and energetic members of the Terrier Group. This dog absolutely craves action and will make the most of any space it has to run around in. Given this need to expend energy, they are best suited for families that are on the go and whom spends plenty of time outside.

A Brief History Of The Smooth Fox Terrier

Although there is no official documentation on the ancestry of the Smooth Fox Terrier, we do know that they were around during the late 1700s. The dog's area of origin is England and by the early 1800s they had become quite popular, even before having been seen in the show ring. In fact, they were one of the first breeds to ever enter a dog show.

The original function of the Smooth Fox Terrier was to chase away fox and hunt small animals. They would normally accompany a pack of Foxhounds during these hunts. At one point the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier were interbred, but that practice did not last long.

Interbreeding the two varieties had stopped long before the late 1900s and so were classified as two distinct breeds by the AKC in 1985. Today the Smooth Fox Terrier is still a moderately popular household pet and can be seen regularly competing at earthdog trials.

Upkeep Requirements For The Smooth Fox Terrier

This is one dog that absolutely must have daily exercise to keep up with its high energy levels. If left alone for too long they will find something to do, which typically leads to frustration and destruction. Therefore. owners of the Smooth Fox Terrier must enjoy spending quality playtime with their dog.

Smooth Fox Terriers can live outside in moderately hot or cold temperatures, so long as the weather is not extreme, but should sleep inside at night with the family. They are a devoted breed that needs to have constant human companionship. Grooming requirements call for a weekly brushing to remove dead hair. These smooth-coated terriers also tend to shed more than the wires.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Smooth Fox Terrier is between ten and thirteen years. There are no major health concerns noted in the breed. Minor heath issues that are seen include Legg-Perthes, cataracts, distichiasis, and lens luxation. Rarely seen is patellar luxation and deafness. Veterinarians suggest that Smooth Fox Terriers get specifically tested for eye problems.

British people started to think of the Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier as a distinct breed in the 1700's. The first portrait painted of this breed was commissioned by Colonel Thornton in 1790. The dog's name was Pitch. The Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier became more popular in theĀ  middle of the 19th century and hit the show ring.

The Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier had been considered the same breed, but two types. The current thinking is that they had variant breeding lines. The Smooth Terrier is thought to have developed from the Bull Terrier, Smooth-Coated Black and Tan Terrier, Beagle, and Greyhound.

The AKC gave the breed recognition is 1885. The smooth-Coated Fox Terrier Association UK was started in 1932. The RCA dog called Nipper was a Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier.

General Looks

This breed is proportioned squarely with a compact and muscled body. Its skull is narrow and flat. The ears are shaped like V's and fold over. The eyes are shaped like circles and colored darkly. It has a black nose. The docked tail rides high. The paws are rounded.

Is This Your Breed?

The Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier is good with kids. He needs walking and a place to run each day. The coat requires minimal grooming.

Coat

The coat is abundant, dense, smooth, hard, and flat.

Color

The main color is white; the marking colors are brindle, red, and liver.

Locomotion

The front legs swing as the clock's pendulum does as in moving parallel to the sides. The leg's move straight ahead. The propulsion is achieved by the quick springing of the hocks.

Personality

This is an affection, active, playful, energetic, quick, agile, impulsive, and happy breed. It is vigorous and curious and likes adventures. The Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier particularly likes chasing balls. When not in a secure fenced yard, it is best to have this breed on a leash. It is very alert to unusual noises and makes a good watchdog. It has very good eyesight and hearing.

This breed needs an active, consistent, firm, and confident owner to lead it.

It does not have a natural propensity to like other pets. If it is brought up with them, it can learn to get along with them.

Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier video:

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