Smooth Fox Terrier

Description: The Smooth Fox Terriers are an energetic, inquisitive, playful breed who love to run, chase and explore. Similar to the Wire Fox Terrier except for their coat, Smooth Fox Terrier is one of the oldest of the terrier breeds who were bred to dig down into burrow to flush out foxes or catch small animals. Easy dogs to live with, they enjoy being a part of a family. Type: Terriers

Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 16 – 18 lbs.

Colors: White with tan or black markings. White should be predominate. Coat: Dense coat of sleek short hairs which may not be thin anywhere on their body.

Temperament: Alert, determined, eager, trustworthy, affectionate. With Children: Yes, gets along well with children and is always ready to play. With Pets: Small pets such as cats may be fair game and they may try to dominate other dogs. Special Skills: Vermin hunter and family pet.

Watch-dog: Very High Guard-dog: Low

Care and Exercise: Smooth Fox Terriers require minimal coat care except during their twice a year shedding. Brush coat with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. Teeth and nails need regular attention. Exercise should consist of a daily walk on leash and free play in a fenced backyard or a romp in the park. Training: Learning very quickly, but they can be stubborn. Be consistent with training. Learning Rate: High, Obedience – Medium, Problem Solving – Very High

Activity: Indoors – Very High, Outdoors – Very High Living Environment: Apartment is adequate if given sufficient exercise but ideal is a home with a fenced backyard as they are an active terrier. Do not leave alone in the yard as they may bark and try to dig their way out. To own a Smooth Fox Terrier you need to be a confident leader who prefers an active, feisty breed, not a couch potato.

Health Issues: Lens luxation, cataracts

Life Span: 12 -14 years Litter Size: 3 – 6

Country of Origin: England History: The Smooth Fox Terrier first became noticed as a breed in the 1860’s. They were originally bred to hunt vermin. Their descendants are other terriers from the English counties of Cheshire and Shropshire with maybe some Beagle blood. Wires resulted from the breeding of a Smooth Fox Terrier and an unknown female with wire-hair. Both the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier share the same conformation and were recognized as the same breed until 1984 when the AKC approved separate standards.

First Registered by the AKC: 1885 AKC Group: Terrier Group Class: Terrier Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 3), KC (GB), UKC