Description

Smooth fox terriers have short white coats with black or brown markings on their face and back. They heads are pointed and their ears stand straight up and then fold over. They are very muscular and they have thick necks and strong jaws. Their dark eyes display their spunk and intelligence. Many breeders dock the tails of smooth fox terriers to ¼ their length.

Historically, the smooth fox terrier was used to hunt fox. They worked with foxhounds by keeping their noise to the ground and barking to lure fox from their hiding places.

Smooth fox terriers not only have great stamina and hunting skills but they are also smart and affectionate dogs. They live long lives and enjoy being part of the family. They are particularly good with children and are not aggressive with humans. Occasionally, they may show aggression toward other animals.

Coat Description

The smooth fox terrier sheds, particularly during the late spring and summer. Its coat is soft and thick and is easy to care for with periodic brushing. It is white with brown or black markings.

History

The smooth fox terrier is thought to be derived from a mix of different kinds of hounds. Historically, they were used to bark at fox until the fox left their dens.

Although, they are no longer a common breed, the smooth fox terrier is one of the oldest breeds of terrier. As such, they thought to be the ancestor of all other terriers in Great Britain. They are a distinct breed form the wired hair terrier.

Temperament

The smooth fox terrier is an energetic dog who is eager to exercise and play. In order to prevent unnecessary barking, chewing and other bad behavior, it is important to give foxies lots of exercise and attention. As part of the terrier family, foxies enjoy running especially after moving objects such as balls, toys and children. Since they will run after just about anything, they should be kept on a lead and they should not be allowed to run loose unless they are within a secured fenced area. Even within a fenced yard, they need to be carefully watched because they will try to dig their way free or capture any small animal that slips through the fence.

Smooth fox terriers love their families and require lots of attention and affection. They love children and will accept attention from anyone who offers it. However, they can become jealous when affection is given to other pets. So, smooth fox terriers do best when they are the only dog in the family.

Foxies can be aggressive and need to be closely watched when they are with other animals. They like to be the alpha dog in every situation and will fight any animal, even dogs much larger than themselves. Smaller animals such as cats and household pets like hamsters and rabbits are in particular danger from this hunting breed.

Smooth fox terriers are known for their loud and often unwarranted barking which helps make them good guard dogs. They can be obstinate and difficult to train. With proper training and affection, these behaviors can be minimized and the foxie can be a cherished member of the family.

Health Problems

Luckily, the smooth fox hound has very few health problems associated with the breed. The only significant problem is that white dogs white have a high rate of deafness.

Grooming

A professional groomer is unnecessary for the smooth fox terrier because grooming the coat of a smooth fox terrier is very easy. The fur is short and sheds. In order to maintain a clean and healthy coat, all that needs to be done is to brush the foxie every week or so. You can bathe and shampoo your foxie as necessary.

Foxies’ nails should be cut regularly. It is a good idea to train foxies to tolerate nail cutting when they are puppies. This will lead to an easier grooming job for both you and your foxie through adulthood.

The foxie has cute little ears that fold over. The ears should be regularly checked and cleaned with a gauze pad. If an abnormal smell is detected, then the foxie should be taken to a vet for proper care.

Exercise

The smooth fox terrier requires a little exercise each day. If the foxie becomes lazy or bored then it will begin to bark excessively or exhibit other bad behaviors. The foxie can be exercised indoors or outdoors.

One of the smooth fox terrier’s favorite things to do is to run. To keep both the foxie and other animals safe, it is very important that they be kept on a lead or in a very securely fenced yard. The foxie will enjoy running after a toy or ball that you through. Organized exercise such as chasing a ball satisfies both the foxie’s need for exercise and for your attention. Performing tricks or participating in agility competitions may also be fun for a foxie.

Training

It takes a determined handler to train the intelligent and stubborn smooth fox terrier. Given the natural intelligence of the breed, it is vitally important that the handler be consistent with every command that is issued.

Foxies respond well to gentle and consistent training. There is no need to be harsh or punitive. Foxies want to please their handlers. Good behavior should be rewarded and bad behavior should be ignored. If the handler removes his attention from the dog, the Foxie views this as a severe punishment.

House training requires dedication but can easily be accomplished either with the crate training method or by picking up on your foxie’s physical signs. Your foxie should train quickly with a consistent approach that offers much praise for a job well done.

Further, early training should include socialization with other people and animals. This will help the foxie feel secure and less threatened by visitors and lead to better behavior throughout its life.