The
Fox Terrier Club.....since
1876
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Breed Information: Smooth Fox Terrier General Description - Temperament - Grooming - Exercise - Trainability - Ailments - Feeding - Puppies - Show Points - History - Further Information
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a member of the terrier group, originating from Great Britain. Smooths were originally used for locating the position of foxes in their tunnels and in killing vermin. Today they are still used as hunters but more commonly as companions. Commonly referred to as 'Smooths' General Physical Description The Smooth is a small active and lively terrier. They have a long, lean head and a short back. Their coats are flat, smooth and dense. Weight & Height Range Dogs 39cms 7.3-8.2kgs, bitches slightly less than the dog 6.8-7.7kgs Dogs and bitches should measure no more than 39cms at the withers. Dogs weigh between 7.3-8.2kgs and bitches should ideally weigh between 6.8-7.7kgs. Character & Temperament: In
general the Smooth is a friendly, devoted and affectionate dog with lots of
personality. They are a good watchdog and can be protective if they feel a member of their family is in danger or being threatened. Smooths get on well with children and do make ideal family pets. They have to be socialised from an early age especially with cats and any other household pets. Keen gardeners may find that this dog digs up their plants rather quickly as digging is one of their favourite pastimes if not corrected, but as with many other breeds, with initial training this is not a problem. They may be troublesome with other dogs if not properly socialised. Colour The Smooth Fox Terrier can be solid white, white with tan, black, or black and tan markings. White should predominate.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. Coat preparation for a show will generally involve some additional trimming and a bath. Exercise Requirements Smooths should have lots of
exercise, are full of energy and like nothing better than a long walk.
Intelligence & Trainability The Smooth is an intelligent terrier but can be a bit stubborn like most terriers. Training is relatively easy but owners must be consistent and firm. They like to bark and dig so must be trained to stop these actions on command. They can be quite dominant over other dogs so should be properly socialised as puppies. Smooths are not easy to obedience train. Ailments As a breed the Smooth is a hardy dog that doesn’t suffer from many health problems and any problems they do have tend to be as individuals and non-breed specific. The breed’s hardy constitution and known longevity has never led to the need for breed testing for clinical or hereditary defects. The breed is suitable for hot, sunny climates but thrives in cool climates. Age Expectancy About 13-14 years. Feeding The Smooth is not demanding in its feeding requirements. They do eat a lot considering their size but they are active little dogs. Cost would normally be up to £4.50 per week. Litter Size Average 4-6 per litter. Approximate price of a puppy: £450
The Smooth Fox Terrier should have a flat skull and a narrow head. The jaws should be strong and muscular with a complete scissor bite. The eyes should be small, round, dark and deep set.
The ears are V shaped and drop forward close to the cheeks.
The chest should be deep but not too broad, the shoulders long and sloping. The topline should be level with a short and straight back. The front legs should be straight when viewed from any angle and the back legs should be strong and muscular. The feet should be small, round and compact. Click Here - Kennel Club Breed Standard - Fox Terrier (Smooth) The tail should be high set and carried erect but not curling over the back. Tails are customarily docked by approximately one third, but this is now optional.
Click Here - Link to Council of Docked Breeds
The coat should be flat, smooth, dense and hard. The colours desired are solid white, white with tan, black, or black and tan markings. White should predominate. History The Smooth is thought to have come about from crosses of the Old English Terrier, smooth coated Black and Tan terriers of England, Bull Terriers, Greyhounds and Beagles.
Photo: Francis Redmond - a pioneer of the breed with some early Smooth Fox Terriers Later, devotees of both coats bred like to like and developed the Wire and Smooth Fox Terrier as we know it today.. The breed Standard for this dog was drawn up in 1876 by Officers of The Fox Terrier Club and there are few differences with today’s Standard. Now the weight for dogs is more clearly stated and docking, though customary, is optional. Would like more information on Smooth Fox Terriers? Here are some ideas
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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. A fully fenced in garden is recommended.
Photo: Typical Smooth Puppy
The neck is
muscular and of a good length. 
They were used
by hunters with the foxhounds to locate foxes when they went to ground by
barking and so pinpointing the position of the fox for the huntsman. They can be
traced back to the middle of the 19th century when both smooth and broken coated
were from the same origins and classed as one breed.