The Smooth Fox Terrier is a dog with an independent personality, relentless in its activities and simply a joy to have around the house and family. These dogs are always on the tip of their toes because they cannot wait to start something, whether it is hunting, playing or just sniffing around the yard or park. The breed has a short back and powerful legs, perfect for going into fox holes and flushing the animals outside. This is the reason why this breed came into existence - in the 17th century the farmers needed a small dog that can chase vermin and small animals off their property and protect their livestock.
They will not stop once they get the scent of the animal. They will dig, bark, growl and lung until the animal will leave its hideout and run away. The Fox Terrier, known in the old times as the English Terrier was developed by crossing Dachshunds, English Hounds, and later Fox Hound and Beagle. They came in both wirehair coat and smooth coat. The coat type was an adaptation to the environment, for a rough country the wirehair coat was less vulnerable to damage. Now the two type of coat represents two different breeds.
The standard for the Smooth Fox Terrier was established in 1876 but until 1985 when it was recognized by AKC, it was thought, in USA, to be the same breed as the Wirehair Fox Terrier but with a different coat. Their historical profession was fox bolting, which means, that together with a hunting party of large dogs and people on horses, they will “bolt” the fox and will drive it out of the hole for the party to hunt it on open field. This is the main reason behind the white coat of the dog, so it will not be mistaken for the fox by the hunting party in close combat situations.
They are a medium size dogs with a height of 14-16 in (36-41 cm) and a weight around 15-20 lbs (7-9 kg). They have an abundant and dense, smooth and flat coat. The color of the short haired coat is white with markings of brown or black. They shed their coat twice a year. Grooming is a process they enjoy very much, not because of the grooming itself, as for the time and attention given by the owner. Part of the grooming is also teeth brushing, after all, a dog’s bite are very important for its health. They can live up to 15 years due to their general healthy life.
This breed is very cheerful, enthusiastic and playful. They enjoy having fun with the entire family and especially with children which will entertain their free and creative spirit. Due to their independent nature and curiosity of everything around them, it is important to be properly trained, kept in a close environment or on a leash while on walks. They tend to wander off to explore if something raises their curiosity. The Smooth Fox Terrier has the body and the intelligence to perform many adorable tricks for the entertainment of the entire family and friends.
