Smooth Fox Terrier

                                                            Smooth Fox Terrier

AKA:NA
Origin:England
Size:Small
Ease of training:Medium
Grooming:Low
Shedding:Medium
Exercise needed:Daily walks and runs
Energy level:High
Protection:High, makes an effective watchdog
Good with children:Yes, with gentle, older children
Health clearances:OFA, CERF
Popularity:102/155

Smooth Fox Terrier Temperament

Full of energy and character, the Smooth Fox Terrier is an alert and inquisitive dog with a real curious streak. These dogs need plenty of exercise, and thrive on play and physical interaction. However, they are agile, fast, and enjoy chasing so it is important that they have a safe and secure area in which to play and exercise when not on a leash. The Smooth Fox Terrier can be stubborn, independent, and wicket in terms of his sense of humor, and is best suited to those with experience of dog ownership who can be assertive and confident. The Smooth Fox Terrier can also be very possessive of his food and belongings, and is often manipulative if he thinks he can get away with it. These dogs are keen diggers, and also like to bark. His bark coupled with his excellent sense of sight and sound makes him an effective watchdog.

Although small in size the Smooth Fox Terrier is not afraid to stand up for himself, or even pick a fight. He can be bossy, quarrelsome, and even aggressive with other dogs of the same size, and will chase smaller animals including cats unless raised with them. These dogs do not like to be treated roughly or pestered, and are best suited to children that are gentle and older. Some will get along fine with strangers, whereas others may be reserved and even wary. Providing he receives consistent training from a confident yet patient owner, and has plenty of interaction and early socialization, the Smooth Fox Terrier can make an entertaining pet and companion.

Smooth Fox Terrier Appearance

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a small to medium sized dog with a sturdy build. He has an alert expression. The coat of the Smooth Fox Terrier is short, close fitting, and sleek. Coloring of the coat is white, and has black, tan, or black and tan markings. The Smooth Fox Terrier is around 14-16 inches in height for females, and around 15-17 inches for males. These dogs weigh in at around 15-18 pounds for females and around 18-20 pounds for males.

Smooth Fox Terrier Grooming

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a low maintenance dog, which is perfect for those that have little time to dedicate to grooming. An occasional brushing of his coat will help to keep it looking sleek and in good condition. These dogs are medium shedders, and his coat does seem to shed all over the place so this is not the right choice of allergy sufferers.

Smooth Fox Terrier Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Smooth Fox Terrier is 12-14 years. Some of the possible health problems to look out for with this breed, include: heart problems, Legg-Perthes, thyroid problems, luxating patella, digestive problems, and seizures. The parents of the Smooth Fox Terrier should have CERF and OFA certificates.

Smooth Fox Terrier History

The Smooth Fox Terrier originates from England, and worked alongside foxhounds to lure foxes from dens and to hunt vermin. Bred in the mid-1800s, the breed was paired with the Wire Fox Terrier until the mid-1980s, at which point they became recognized as a separate group. The Smooth Fox Terrier was registered with the AKC in 1885.