History

In developing the Terriers we know today breeders crossed ancient Dachshunds, the English Hound, and later the Fox Hound and Beagle. One of the oldest Terriers, the Fox Terrier was used in the 18th century to hunt foxes in England. Its job was to harass fox out of its hole. The dog would snap and growl and lunge at the hiding fox until it bolted. They were also very useful ratters. Today the Fox Terrier is primarily a companion dog. The first standard for the Smooth Fox Terrier was established in 1876. The Wirehaired and Smooth Fox Terriers are sometimes regarded as the same breed, although the breed has been separated in the United States since 1984. Some of the Fox Terrier's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdogging, agility and performing tricks.

Appearance

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a balanced, well-proportioned terrier with a distinctive head that has a tapering muzzle, fiery dark eyes, and folded v-shaped ears set well up on the head, but not prick. It is a sturdy dog in that it is well-muscled and exhibits endurance, but should not appear in any way coarse or cloddy.

A male Smooth Fox Terrier should be no taller than 15.5 inches at the shoulder, with females proportionally less, and a male in show condition should weigh approximately 18 lbs.The tail should be set well up on the back and be straight or slightly curved, but not carried over the back or curled like an Akita's.

Its coat is hard, flat, and abundant. This breed does shed somewhat. In color they should be predominantly white—some are even all white—but typically with markings of black and tan, black, or tan. Red, liver, or brindle are objectionable and disqualifying faults in the show ring. Heads are usually solid colored, but a variety of white markings are permissible, including half or split faces, blazes, or color only over the eyes and/or ears.

Temperament

Smooth Fox Terriers make excellent family pets. Because this is an intelligent and active breed, they must be kept exercised, and interested, and a part of the family. They are affectionate and playful. They have well-developed hunting instincts. Left to their own devices and deprived of human companionship, undesirable behaviour may be exhibited, including chasing of small animals, barking, and digging. Like most terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers become bored, destructive, or escape artists if ignored.

Grooming

Grooming the Smooth is relatively easy as they are clean little dogs. A rubber grooming mitt or stiffish brush used twice a week will remove any dead and loose hair reducing the amount of hair that is shed. If the coat becomes wet or muddy it does not take long to dry. It is then easier to remove the dirt from the coat when it is dry.

Exercise

60 - 80 minutes per day.This dog should have lots of exercise, they are full of energy and like nothing better than a long walk. They do well in agility and fly ball games. They should be kept on a lead near traffic as they do have a tendency to chase cats, only because they love to play chasing games. They can live with cats in their own home but outside they will chase them.

Health

Deafness can be a problem in mostly white dogs. Smooth Fox Terriers may be susceptible to nasal drip, lens luxation, distichiasis, cataracts, Legg-Perthes, and shoulder dislocation.