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* Here is a photo of a typical representative of the Smooth Fox Terrier dog breed . You can send us photos of your animals by email, and we will post them on the website. Don't forget to send your pet's name.
Brief description of the breed
What is the actual country of origin?
Great Britain
What is the country of origin according to the FCI?
Great Britain
When did the breed appear?
1885
How long does he live?
from 13 to 15 years
How much does a male dog weigh?
from 7.5 to 8 kg
How much does the bitch weigh?
from 7 to 7.5 kg
What is the height (height at withers) of a male dog?
from 35 to 39 cm
What is the height (height at withers) of the bitch?
from 32 to 37 cm
How much does a puppy with documents cost?
from 20 to 60 thousand rubles
What is the price of a puppy without documents?
from 5 to 20 thousand rubles
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a popular breed of small dog that was bred specifically for one purpose - fox hunting. Now these dogs are rarely used for their intended purpose, but they still remain one of the most in demand. The secret of the high popularity of Foxes is simple - these pets are excellent companions, have a unique appearance, docile and friendly character.
Main characteristics
| Breed parameters | |
| Country of origin: | Great Britain |
| Weight of the breed: | male – 8.2 kg, female – 7.7 kg |
| Height at withers: | 35–40 cm |
| Temperament: | active |
| Wool: | short |
| Role in human life: | companion, hunting |
Mischievous and cheerful, the Fox has a strong character, so in training the owner is required to be persistent, moderately strict, and fair. The dog does not single out one person in the family, treating everyone equally well, but it still needs someone who will direct the raging energy in the right direction.
Video
* We invite you to watch a video about the Smooth Fox Terrier . In fact, in front of you is a playlist in which you can select and watch any of 20 videos about a given dog breed by simply clicking on the button in the upper right corner of the window. In addition, the material contains quite a lot of photos. By looking at them you can find out what a Smooth Fox Terrier looks like.
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History of the origin of smooth fox terriers
Fox Terriers are one of the oldest breeds. Its history begins around the eighteenth century. So, proof of this fact is a portrait of a fox terrier named Pitch, which dates back to 1790. It is known that Pitch belonged to Colonel Thornton. He painted a portrait of his pet. The ancestors of this dog are considered to be the extinct brown and black terriers.
Also, according to research, traces of beagle and bull terrier were found in the DNA of foxes. The Smooth Fox Terrier took the best qualities from each of its ancestors, so these dogs very quickly gained great popularity. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries they began to be actively used for hunting. Small and agile dogs deftly coped with catching cunning foxes.
Foxes showed the highest results in hunting, despite their modest external dimensions. They always pursued their prey with tenacity, quickly tearing holes and catching foxes. Today, dogs are bred for hunting and are used extremely rarely. The exception is England, where fox hunting still flourishes. Foxes are highly valued by the British. Every avid hunter has such dogs.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is the founder of many modern terriers. In addition, these small dogs are among the first participants in various exhibitions and competitions. The breed played a huge role in dog breeding. Fox Terriers became officially recognized in 1885. They have received recognition from the American Kennel Club. A year later, experts compiled breed standards.
History of the origin of the breed
The dog is a smooth fox terrier of British origin. The breed shares ancestry with the Bull Terrier, Black Terrier and Manchester Terrier. The first reliable known mention is a 1790 painting of Pitch, the pet of the English Colonel Toronton.
The dog was introduced to the United States as one breed with two varieties, smooth-haired and wire-haired. Traditionally, the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier were considered to be varieties of the same breed. Nowadays, more and more experts argue that these two breeds are not related to each other at all.
The first description of the Smooth Fox Terrier breed was made in England, but the first standardization was developed by the American Kennel Club in 1885. In Great Britain, the standard for the Smooth Fox Terrier was adopted in 1876. In 1984, the American Kennel Club adopted separate standards for the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers.
Smooth Fox Terrier - description of the breed
The Smooth Fox Terrier has a specific appearance:
- Height is less than average;
- Strong, athletic body;
- Well developed limbs;
- Acute hearing, sense of smell.
As you can see, nature has created the ideal hunter, because each of the above parameters must be inherent in him. Foxes look quite small. The height of a male dog rarely exceeds forty centimeters, and that of females is even lower. The dog's physique is athletic and slender. Weight ranges from six to eight kilograms. Despite its small size, the animal is very strong and strong.
The body of the Smooth Fox Terrier is proportionally built, the limbs are well developed. The legs are muscular. This dog can travel long distances in pursuit of its prey. He is maneuverable and fast. The animal's back is flat, its chest is deep. Thanks to their proportional, slender physique, dogs can easily climb even into deep holes where foxes are hiding from them.
The muzzle of the Smooth Fox Terrier is very intelligent, its gaze is always curious and understanding. The muzzle has an elongated shape and small size. The dog's eyes are small, round and dark in color. These dogs have a scissor bite. The teeth are very strong and tenacious. It is almost impossible to escape from the jaws of this little hunter. Fox Terriers cling tightly to their prey.
The animal's nose is painted black. Hearing and smell are excellent. Smooth Fox Terriers have a thick, coarse coat. The coat fits very tightly to the body, so the dog is smooth to the touch. The thick coat makes the animal resistant to various temperatures. The color range, according to the standards, is very poor. Coat colors are discussed in more detail in the next section.
Popular colors of smooth fox terriers
The Smooth Fox Terrier does not have an outstanding appearance. When creating this breed, the emphasis was on hunting qualities, and not on the external attractiveness of the dog. For this reason, the dog is quite small and has an inconspicuous color. The animal's coat is smooth to the touch, due to the fact that the hair fits tightly to the body. The Fox's fur itself is hard, straight and very thick.
According to the standards, true Smooth Fox Terriers can have only two color options: pure white and white with markings. In the latter variant, the markings may be brown or black. Any other shades in the color of this animal are not allowed. The presence of marks of other shades is considered a defect in the breed. Such a puppy will not be able to take part in exhibitions in the future.
Puppies with lush or curly hair are also considered defects of the breed. Dense and smooth coat is the calling card of the Fox Terrier. It not only distinguishes the dog from the rest, but also helps it penetrate even the narrowest fox holes during the hunt. The fox terrier's coat does not require complex care. The dog needs to be brushed and washed periodically, as the white fur is quite easily soiled.
Today it is difficult to say which color of the smooth fox terrier is more popular. Both white and three-colored ones sell equally well. However, in the past, white puppies with no markings were in great demand. This was dictated not by fashion, but by practicality. Such dogs were more noticeable and different from foxes, because when hunting, dogs with brown markings could accidentally be mistaken for prey.
Maintenance, care and nutrition
If you have purchased a Fox Terrier dog, do not delay raising and training the puppy. After all, the character and future behavior of the dog depends on this. Remember that this is a hunting dog, and if you are not “using it for its intended purpose,” then provide it with maximum freedom and space.
If you keep a dog in an apartment, then walk it at least 2 times a day for several hours. And if in a private house, then let him out into the yard or garden. Just before doing this, ensure the safety of other animals.
Dogs of this breed do not require special care. You just need to follow the basic rules:
- Brush your fur in a timely manner
- Regularly monitor the health of your dog's ears, teeth and eyes.
- As the fur becomes dirty, bathe your pet.
- Trim nails as needed.
You can feed your smooth fox terrier both food and natural food - the main thing is that the diet is balanced.
Photos of the Smooth Fox Terrier are simply mesmerizing, but before you buy a dog, think about whether you can raise it with dignity. After all, if you take into account the characteristics of this breed, then education is necessary not only so that the dog listens to you and knows commands, but first of all - for the sake of its own safety.
Character and habits of smooth fox terriers
As hunting popularity declined, Smooth Fox Terriers began to be perceived differently. People saw in them many positive character traits: devotion, kindness, loyalty. These dogs are very loving and quickly become attached to their owner and his family. Today, Fox Terriers are called the best family pets. And it’s hard to disagree with this!
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a real sweetheart. This is a cheerful, kind dog who gets along well with children. Such a pet is rarely in a bad mood; he is always ready to support his owner in any endeavor: be it a nap or a bike ride in a forest park. You can't get bored with this dog. He loves active games, long walks and easily gets along with other four-legged animals.
A distinctive character trait of the Fox Terrier is sensitivity. This dog is able to sense others, their mood and intentions. Such a pet will never become intrusive if he sees that his owner is tired or in a bad mood. In this case, the dog will sit quietly next to you or find something else to do. But we must not forget that Foxes also need attention.
It is better not to leave the dog alone for a long time. He needs to feel needed and loved, because otherwise the dog will begin to show bad character traits. A pet can instantly turn into a real “bully”. He will stop listening to the owner and will begin to spoil things and interior items. Also, negative traits may begin to appear if a new pet appears at home.
History of the breed
At the end of the 18th century, a breed called the Smooth Fox Terrier was developed. Then fox hunting in England became popular; hunters needed a dog that would help drive foxes and badgers out of their shelters.
Fox hunting is in the blood of foxes
There are few records of breeders on the development of the breed from that time. However, Smooth Fox Terriers have not changed much since then. Over several centuries, through crossing, the breed developed.
More white pigment appeared in the color, and the shape of the head acquired the classic shape that is characteristic of modern individuals.
These are noble and intelligent animals with a strong build.
Interesting! Fox Terrier Caesar was the favorite of the English King Edward VII. On the dog’s collar was the inscription “I am Caesar. I belong to the king." After the death of the king, in 1910, the grieving pet followed the funeral procession along with everyone else.
The dog was so attached to its owner that it followed the funeral procession along with everyone else.
In the 1920s, the Smooth Fox Terrier became one of the most recognized purebred dogs. As pets, they became popular in the 1930s with the detective film The Thin Man.
A television fox terrier named Asta played the role perfectly, and the breed's popularity soared.
Interesting facts about Smooth Fox Terriers
For a very long time it was believed that smooth fox terriers could be used exclusively for hunting foxes. In this matter they have no equal, because the breed was created precisely for this purpose. However, the possibilities of Fox are much greater. Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and acute hearing. They can successfully hunt other small animals. For example, raccoons and badgers.
The unique abilities of fox terriers do not end there. Today, these dogs take an active part in various rescue operations. In particular, they are used by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. Smooth fox terriers are real rescuers - they search for people under the rubble of buildings or land. Thanks to these small animals, hundreds of people have already been found and saved.
In England, smooth fox terriers fulfill their important mission. They are not only used for hunting, but also for charity. These dogs undergo special training and then collect donations for charitable purposes. The use of such small and cute dogs brings great results - the amount and number of donations has increased significantly.
Fox Terriers are not only useful animals, but also sporting animals. These dogs take part in various dog sports competitions and exhibitions. Thus, in the American city of Coronado, smooth fox terriers engage in dog surfing. They show excellent results in this sport and often become winners in competitions. This is not surprising, because foxes are small, strong and dexterous.
History of the origin of the species
The distant ancestors of the Fox Terrier breed have been known for more than two thousand years. Back in 55 BC, Roman soldiers, having landed on the shores of Foggy Albion, saw small dogs that local residents used to get game from holes. According to the description, they are very similar to a dog that would later be classified as a fox terrier.
A dog with given standards was bred by the seventeenth century - it was not only used for hunting, but also depicted in paintings.
This is interesting! Smooth-haired and wire-haired terriers, despite the similarity of names, are completely different and not even related breeds.
In the 1850s, the English breed was brought to the Russian Empire, and a few years later it became popular throughout Europe - Germany, Scandinavia, France, the Netherlands and other countries.
The breed was officially registered only in 1993, entering the FCI register.
Pros and cons of smooth fox terriers
The Smooth Fox Terrier has many positive qualities:
- Small dimensions;
- Courage;
- Fast learner;
- Devotion, fidelity;
- Activity;
- Good nature.
The list of disadvantages of the breed is much more modest:
- Frequent barking;
- Excessive emotionality;
- Need for long walks.
The small size of the dog makes it an ideal pet for living in an apartment. This dog does not need a lot of space, the main thing is to provide him with long walks every day. This last requirement is a significant disadvantage of the breed for many people. Foxes are very brave, they love to learn new things and do it almost instantly. The dogs exercise with great pleasure.
Smooth Fox Terriers are true family men. They adore their human family and honor every member of it. Dogs can quickly find a common language with both an elderly person and a small child. Children adore these pets, because Foxes are cheerful, playful and mischievous. Kindness is another feature of the breed. Foxes are animals with a “big” heart. They know how to love and appreciate good treatment.
In addition, the advantages of the breed include its sharp mind, resourcefulness and excellent hunting qualities, inherent from birth. Smooth Fox Terriers have relatively few disadvantages. One of them is frequent and loud barking. If a dog is not trained correctly, it will be very loud. This may negatively affect your relationships with neighbors in your apartment or area.
Excessive emotionality is also not the best quality of the breed. These dogs show their emotions too vividly in response to any incident or event. Sometimes they can be too annoying. This behavior can also be corrected with training. Another disadvantage, as already noted, is the need to take long and active walks with your pet.
Kinds
There are two types of Fox Terriers: wire-haired and short-haired.
Wire-haired terriers have a hard, coarse coat, with a thick and soft undercoat shorter than the hair of the main coat.Smooth Fox Terriers have straight, smooth hair that fits tightly to the body; it must be present on the stomach and inner thighs.
The standard appearance of the Fox Terrier is white with red or black spots, or tri-color. According to the breed standard, Fox Terriers have a wedge-shaped head, small, deep-set eyes, and medium-length limbs. The front paws are spaced close together, the hind paws widely spaced.
Dogs' tails are docked.
The character of the Fox Terrier is very lively and excitable. The dogs are very smart, with developed intelligence and a sense of hierarchy, so the owner must show himself as a leader from the very beginning of raising a fox terrier puppy.
Dogs have pronounced hunter instincts, are curious, interested in everything, and restless. If the dog is not raised properly, such instincts can harm the environment in everyday life.
Fox will run around the house, damage furniture, dig holes in the floor, and bark loudly, so in addition to education, he needs to be given the opportunity to satisfy his interests as much as necessary while walking.
A distinctive feature of this breed is the need to bark even in well-mannered dogs.
Breeding Smooth Fox Terriers
Smooth Fox Terriers are a popular breed. They are rarely used for their intended purpose. People were able to recognize these dogs as sensitive and reliable companions. Breeding dogs of this breed is a very profitable and successful business. However, it requires a lot of investment: both monetary and physical. Puppies, their maintenance and care are labor-intensive work and it takes time. If you already have a bitch, then to breed Foxes you need to find a worthy pair for her.
When choosing a male dog, you should focus on the following nuances:
- Pedigree;
- Age;
- Colors;
- Height;
- Health status.
It will be nice if you can find a dog for breeding whose family includes famous dogs - winners of exhibitions or competitions. However, the services of such a manufacturer will cost an order of magnitude higher than others. The age, height and color of the dog should be as close as possible to the same parameters of the bitch. This will make it possible to predict the appearance of the offspring as much as possible.
And the last, but most important parameter on the list is health. The male and female must be healthy and free of genetic or any other abnormalities. Before mating, dogs should be taken to a veterinarian for a preventive examination. The doctor will give his recommendations, examine the animals and take all the necessary tests from them. Only after receiving the test results can you begin breeding.
On the day of mating, dogs should be in a good mood. There should not be many people in the room where the process will take place. It is advisable to carry out mating in the territory of the dog. Then the dog will feel more confident. After the first meeting, you can organize a second one for a guaranteed result. However, there is no need to rush. The second meeting should take place no earlier than five days after the first.
Caring for Smooth Fox Terriers
Caring for smooth fox terriers should consist of the following procedures:
- Combing;
- Bathing;
- Cleaning ears, teeth;
- Paw care;
- Vaccination, treatment against parasites.
The Smooth Fox Terrier does not require complex and burdensome care. This is a clean dog. The fur of such a pet does not absorb dirt. Caring for her includes washing and combing. You don't need to brush your dog often - once a week is enough. You should bathe even less often - once every two months. After bathing, the coat can be dried with hair dryers at a gentle temperature setting.
You need to take care of your fox's coat more often during the molting period. During this time, it is better to brush your dog once a day. Then less wool will fly through the air and settle on furniture and carpets. If your region has harsh winters, your Fox Terrier will need special warm dog clothing. A dog can freeze without clothes if the air temperature drops below -20 degrees Celsius.
Once a week you need to pay attention to your dog's teeth. This breed often has dental problems if they are not taken care of. You need to brush your teeth with a special dog toothpaste and a silicone brush. It is also recommended to buy dental treats for your pet. They prevent the formation of tartar. If there are already stone deposits, then the fox terrier should be shown to a doctor.
Once a month you need to clean your ears. To do this, you will need regular antibacterial wipes. It is better to remove hair from a dog's ears. It is also necessary to trim off excess fur between the paw pads. The claws are trimmed with a nail clipper a couple of times a month. Caring for a Smooth Fox Terrier must include vaccinations, treatment for parasites and monthly visits to the veterinarian.
Maintenance and care
Fox Terriers require regular grooming. Once a month, your dog needs to clean dirt from its ears with a cotton swab. The Fox Terrier's teeth need to be brushed with a special paste. If tartar forms, you should urgently go to the veterinarian. The animal's claws are trimmed with a nail clipper 3-4 times a month. After a walk, the fox terrier's paws should be washed with warm water and lubricated with a special lotion. Once a week, the dog should be washed in a warm shower using shampoo.
A dog's coat requires special care. It is recommended to pluck and comb hair 2-3 times a year. Trimming a fox terrier is a rather complex and responsible procedure, the implementation of which is best entrusted to a professional master.
You cannot shave the hair of a Wire Fox Terrier! Grooming your Fox Terrier can lead to the development of eczema and other skin conditions. After several inept grooming procedures, the dog's bright color will become dull and unattractive.
Diet of smooth fox terriers
For an active and lively smooth-haired terrier, the diet should consist primarily of protein. The dog should be given chicken, lamb, beef, veal. It is better not to offer fatty pork to your pet. Meat can be served either raw or boiled. Sea fish can also be a source of protein for the animal. You should give fish of low-fat varieties, without bones.
The rest of the diet should consist of fiber, plant foods and fats in moderation. The Smooth Fox Terrier can be given fermented milk products: cottage cheese, sour cream, kefir. They should have low fat content. You should also include various cereals, berries, and greens in your diet. All of the above products must be fresh and of good quality. In addition to them, you can give vitamins.
In order for a pet to remain active until old age and live a long and carefree life, the diet must be free of harmful foods. Smooth Fox Terriers should not be given: potatoes, smoked meat or fish, sweets, various canned foods, any dishes with a lot of spices, legumes, too fatty meat. These products can be harmful to your pet.
The Smooth Fox Terrier can also be fed with prepared food. This method is simpler. It is enough to replenish your pet’s feeder with a certain amount of dry food several times a day. Industrial food should be selected based on the characteristics of a particular dog’s body. When choosing food, it is better to listen to the opinions of professionals: breeder, veterinarian.
Diseases and health problems
Foxes are naturally strong dogs. They have high immunity and are long-lived. Such a dog, if fed properly and provided with good care, can live about fifteen years. At the same time, fox terriers get sick extremely rarely. However, there are some “breed” diseases that are diagnosed in Smooth Fox Terriers more often than others.
The most complex are genetic diseases. A Smooth Fox Terrier puppy may be born with a heart defect or disorders of the vestibular apparatus and visual organs. Such violations can vary in severity. They require immediate examination and treatment. Representatives of Foxes also have insulinomas and ectopia of the ureters. These ailments also require serious treatment.
Such dogs often suffer dislocation of the shoulder joint and are often diagnosed with cataracts. Some dogs suffer from dermatitis. For some, dermatitis manifests itself in a mild form and practically does not interfere with life. For others, it is severe, requiring diet and long-term treatment. Less commonly, Smooth Fox Terriers have food allergies to a specific food or group of foods.
In general, fox terriers rarely get sick and live a long time. The health of the animal largely depends on the owner. The owner must monitor the pet’s diet, take it to the veterinarian for preventive examinations on time, get vaccinated and treat it against parasites. It is also important to seek help from a clinic in a timely manner if your dog exhibits strange symptoms or a sudden change in behavior.
Character and temperament
You can highlight the striking features of smooth fox terriers in the list:
- Energy;
- Malice;
- Playfulness;
- Sociability;
- Hot temper;
- Sharpness;
- Jealousy;
- Vigilance;
- Fearlessness;
- Devotion.
These small dogs are very agile and do not miss a chance to chase a rat or an unfamiliar cat. They often sort things out with other dogs in fights, mainly with larger rivals.
However, without irritants, smooth fox terriers are sweet and timid creatures. They are very attached to their owner, love affection and praise. Such pets require increased attention and do not tolerate long-term separation from their owner.
Otherwise, they resemble a spring, which from time to time gives impetus to the boundless energy of small and nimble hunters.
