Smooth Fox Terriers

Appearance:

Body: Short, strong and sturdy with a level back, deep chest, well laid back, sloping shoulders, and powerful, slightly arched loins.

Coat: Straight, flat, dense, abundant, and smooth.

Color: Predominantly white with black and/or tan markings, or all white. Also seen in red, liver or brindle.

Ears: Small, v-shaped and folded forward.

Eyes: Small, round and dark with dark rims; expressively bright and intelligent.

Feet: Round and compact with hard, rugged pads, and moderately arched toes.

Head: Long with a flat, narrow, tapering skull, slight stop, tapered muzzle, well developed jaw, and black nose.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, lean, and strong. Hindquarters are muscular with long, powerful thighs, straight legs, and well bent hocks.

Neck: Moderately long, tapering out to the shoulders, and gracefully curved.

Size:
Weight: 15 - 20 pounds
Height: 12 - 15.5 inches

Tail: High set, docked and carried erect.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Can be difficult to train
Love to dig
Can be aggressive with other dogs; may challenge them to fight

An attractive breed, the Smooth Fox Terrier is small, intelligent, muscular, and sturdily built. His ancestors are believed to be the smooth-coated black-and-tan terrier, the Bull Terrier, the Greyhound, and the Beagle which clearly explains his looks, stubborness, speed, agility, and scenting ability.

AKC Standard says, "He should stand like a cleverly made hunter, covering a lot of ground."

With his strong-willed, fearless attitude, investigative nature, and limitless energy, the Smooth Fox Terrier can be a lot of dog to handle. He is best suited for an experienced dog handler who appreciates his intense demeanor and has the leadership to gain his respect, the patience to accept his stubbornness, and a kind but firm approach to obedience training.

He should be kept on a lead or in a securely fenced in yard to prevent him from chasing prey out into traffic or other harmful situations.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Terrier Group

Originally bred in England and used to hunt fox. The foxhounds would chase the fox to his den and hold him there. Once the hunter arrived the Smooth Fox Terrier would bolt the fox from the den so the hunter could make the kill.

Today he is primarily used as a companion and family pet.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: A highly energetic dog in need of vigorous daily exercise.

Grooming: Brush one to two times weekly.

Health

Life Expectancy: 13 - 14 Years

Possible Problems:
Cataracts
Legg-Perthes - deterioration of the femur (thigh bone)
Luxating Patellar - dislocation of the knee caps
Shoulder dislocation

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes
OFA - for the hips

Country of Origin

England