Smooth Fox Terrier
dog Breed Profile
The Smooth Fox Terrier always portrays a lively and active appearance.
In this article
Dolicocephalic (long face)
Size
Weight
17-19 lbs.
15-17 lbs.
Height
14 in.
(at withers)
15 in.
Coat
Length
Medium
Color
White should predominate
Care
Exercise
20-40 minutes/day
Energy level
Very energetic
Longevity
10-13 yrs.
Needs
High
Traits
High
Low
Drooling
Low
Digging
High
Grooming Needs
Moderate
Social Needs
High
Club recognition
AKC Class.
Terrier
UKC Class.
Terrier
Prevalence
So-so
The Smooth Fox Terrier has a strong aptitude as a trick dog and has been shown around the world in performance troupes and circuses.
The Smooth Fox Terrier always portrays a lively and active appearance.
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Befitting of their strong hunting instinct, the Smooth Fox Terrier has a keen sense of smell, good eyesight and remarkable staying power to finish the job. This drive carries over to everyday life, whether playing a game of fetch or digging in the yard. The smooth is easily trained, but he needs a strong hand to control his desire to hunt. This breed is happiest when active and is best suited to a family who is on the go.
As a companion, the Smooth Fox Terrier is affectionate and protective. He makes a good watchdog with a tendency to be vocal.
Anyone who leads an active lifestyle and likes to take his dog along will be perfectly suited to this breed. The smooth fox terrier is friendly, energetic and outgoing. These dogs are wonderful companions for children and never tire of all sorts of games.
The coat of the smooth fox terrier is easy to keep looking neat. A daily brushing will keep it clean and prevent excessive shedding in the house. Daily exercise will naturally keep the smooth looking fit.
Smooth fox terriers originated in England during the 18th century. Until 1860, any dog that was quick, agile and small enough to bolt a fox from his hole was termed a fox terrier. It did not matter to the huntsman what style of Terrier was kept, as long as he performed his work. In the hunts, the dog was often carried in a bag slung over the shoulder of the terrier man.
Other times, the terrier followed along behind the other hounds. When the fox would go into the ground, the terrier was brought up to go into the hole and flush out the fox. In addition to hunting fox, the smooth has been successfully used to hunt and retrieve birds and track deer.
The smooth fox terrier is one of the most universally recognized purebreds. Although considered a sporting terrier, the smooth fox terrier is more often seen as a pet and show dog.
The breed also has a strong aptitude as a trick dog and has been shown around the world in performance troupes and in circuses. One of the most famous portrayals of the breed is in the painting His Master's Voice by Francis Barraud, which shows a black and white terrier peering into the horn of a phonograph. The rights to this painting were first acquired by the Victor Talking Machine Company and then in 1929 by RCA.
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