Description

The smooth Fox Terrier is, today, a trusted a ball o dog. These mid-sized terriers are renown for their determination and loyal demeanour. They are rather long lived and are very good with children and families. Foxies are very loving and can very often be found snuggling into the couch with a family member or chasing a ball or other toy in the house or yard, since they love to play.

The fox terrier is the oldest and largest of the British terriers. They were bred as early as the 18th century to harass the namesake fox along with other small game. Their affectionate nature and dedication to their human families makes them a particularly good companion dog for many urban dwellers.

One of the oldest breeds recognized by an official kennel club, the smooth fox terrier bas been recognized in Great Britain since the late 1870s. They are very well adapted to the task of hunting small animals in a temperate climate. In fact, they were bred to flush foxes in a very hound-like manner, going to ground and barking like mad. They also possess great stamina, as they were bred to keep up with very energetic foxhounds.

Smooth fox terriers are smart dogs, with lively, dark and intelligent eyes. Their coat is white, short all around, with brown or black markings around the face and back. Their heads are very tapered and come to a point. Ears are upright and folded over and they are very densely muscular, especially evident in their thick necks and strong jaws.

Though they can be aggressive with other animals, they are never aggressive with people and can be trusted with the human members of the "pack." There are several related dogs that are descended from the foxie and many of the "yapping" terrier breeds can trace this trait back to the fox terrier that was bred to harass prey animals with their barks, nips and yips.

Though not common today, the smooth-coat fox terrier continues to make a very good pet for many households that are keen to have a close associate that is good with the whole family.

Those who live in the country will want to make sure they're not too near roads if they intend to let their dogs range, since foxys are so fixed upon prey that they have leapt in front of more than one car while on the chase.

Coat Description

The Smooth-haired fox terrier has a coat that is soft to the touch, close and thick. They shed, but not excessively so. Dead and shed hairs should be removed with regular brushing, especially during moulting events in the late spring and summer.

History

One of the oldest terrier breeds, fox terriers were used to flush foxes by snarling and barking at them until they fled their dens. It is thought they are descended from the crossing of several different kinds of hounds including dachshunds, beagles, English hounds and foxhounds.

Though they are not very common today, the breed is significant since all other terriers in Britain are descended from the smooth foxie. They may be thought of as the missing link between hounds and terriers, possessing the characteristics of both.

Though there are two coat types for fox terriers, they are actually considered different breeds (with observably distinct characteristics) in many kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club that has made the distinction for over 20 years. Many now believe the two breeds are not closely related at all, with different parent dogs.

Grooming

Their coat is rather short and sheds, unlike other terriers. This means that grooming is a very simple affair for the smooth fox terrier. Usually only a quick brushing with a bristle comb every few weeks to remove the dead undercoat hear every week or two is necessary.

There is no need to visit a professional groomer, so most smooth fox terrier owners will find themselves performing most of the other grooming tasks, as well.

Fox terriers with smooth coats will require having their nails cut on a regular basis. While the animals that get out for regular walks on cement or asphalt tend to wear them down sufficiently, the rear nails and dewclaws should be regularly checked to make sure they're not curling around. This can be especially problematic on the dewclaws that can grow around and right into the leg.

It is important to get puppies used to having their paws touched and handled so nail trimming won't be such a major chore when they're larger. Positive reinforcement for good, calm behaviour is the best way to encourage this in fox terriers or, any other breed of dog. There is no point in punishing a dog for fussing over their nails. Thankfully, the smooth fox terrier has white nails so you can see and avoid the quick with far greater ease than a breed with black toenails.

Smooth fox terrier ears are folded over and should be checked every few weeks to make sure there hasn't been a build up of earwax on the outside of the ear canal. It is always a good idea to make sure the ears haven't taken on a foul, yeasty odour, as this can indicate an ear problem that will require medical intervention, such as ear mites.

Generally your fox terrier will only require a monthly ear cleaning. This is best accomplished with a gauze pad very gently wiping around the outside of the ear structure. Never, ever go digging inside your dog's ear canal with a q-tip. Since it's not your own ear, you could cause some serous damage to the eardrum, even causing wax to get pushed behind the tympanic membrane.

The tail is normally docked when they are very little, though some breeders who are interested in breeding a companion rather than a show animal, may choose not to. There is no medical reason this is done other than keeping the tail from getting caught in doors or knocking things off your coffee table.

Exercise

While the smooth fox terrier doesn't require excessive amounts of exercise, it is important that they receive some sort of organized exercise every single day, without fail. This is a breed that can immediately begin acting out if they're not sufficiently stimulated every day, mentally and physically.

They do love to run, but should always do so in a fenced yard since they will take off after any small creature in the underbrush, and you'll be hard pressed to call them off. This is especially dangerous near traffic, and smooth fox terriers that live in urban or suburban areas will need to be kept in the yard or on the lead no matter what.

As such, it is vitally important that you train your dog to walk on a lead from a very young age so they view walks on the leash as treat rather than a punishment of some sort.

Training

The smooth fox terrier is rather intelligent and can be among the most wilfull of dogs. As such, their training is often a matter of butting wills, and you must never let your foxie get the better of you.

It is vitally important you maintain consistency in training. If you want your dog to do something, he or she had better do it - never ever just give up or your fox terrier pup will soon realize you're a pushover and don't have to be listened to.

There should be no reason to holler at your smooth fox terrier. They generally want to please though they loose the ability to hear you or anyone when they're on the trail of prey. Training is best accomplished in this breed when done in a playful manner with positive re-enforcement, rewarding each correct act and simply ignoring the dog when it behaves badly.

Foxies hate to be shunned and turning your back on them, depriving them of attention, is the worst punishment you can dole out, though it's best to not take it too far, since they can become overwrought when they're left alone too long. A dog in this state cannot learn and should be sufficiently calmed down with exercise and attention before training can begin again.

Housebreaking is usually a matter of being very nearby during the process so you or another family member is ready to pick up any sign. Many owners have had good luck with crate training. As long as the crate is the right size and you give a lot of praise and love when they go outside, the process shouldn't be a major problem, since they're very clever dogs that don't have bladder problems.

Giving your dog ample opportunity to do the right thing while minimizing the opportunity to do wrong may seem like you're limiting your foxy's exposure to the world, but it is absolutely necessary if he or she is to be welcome elsewhere.

And socialization from a very early age, especially with other dogs and visitors to your home, is vitally important. As a breed, smooth fox terriers are prone to not getting along with other dogs, so the more dogs you give your pup a chance to meet, the more likely he or she is to accept other dogs and not try to dominate them all. Early training is indispensable in this regard.

Life :: 15-17 years, though some have lived to be 20.

Litter Size :: 4-7 puppies with the average being 5 puppies

Group :: Terrier, Terriers

Color :: The predominant smooth fox terrier coat color is white, though there is a significant amount of variation in the accent colors that may be present. This includes black, brown, tan, brindle or "liver" markings that may be found across the face, ears and back. The legs and underside are always white.

Hair :: Short

Size :: Toy/Small

Shedding :: Moderate Shed

Male Height :: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm)

Male Weight :: 15-20 pounds (7-9 kg)

Female Height :: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)

Female Weight :: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)

Living :: Smooth Fox terriers are small enough to adapt to apartment life as long as they get regular walks and trips to the park. They are capable of getting a lot of exercise in the home since they are so ready to play. They are ideally suited to suburban yards that are well fenced.