Smooth Fox Terrier – Dog Breed Information

Smooth Fox Terrier are the most curious, muscular, impulsive and intense dog breed. There were originally bred to flush foxes out of their hiding places during the fox hunts. Today, this dog breed is counted among best family companions and show dogs. There are two types of Fox Terriers: the Smooth Fox Terriers are elegant, sleek, and intelligent, whereas the Wire Fox Terriers are happy, handsome, and quite stylish when groomed properly. This article comprises complete information about Smooth Fox Terriers. If you are planning to buy this intelligent dog breed, this article is a must read for you.

General Information

Description

Smooth Fox Terriers are a medium-sized dog breed. Their skull is flat and moderately narrowing to the eyes. The muzzle of this breed gradually tapers to its black nose. Their teeth meet in a scissors bite, and their eyes and eye rims are dark in color. The ears of this breed are small and V-shaped that drop forward close to the cheeks. Their neck is muscular and thick and legs are straight. The tail of this breed is high set and is usually docked by about 1/4, leaving 3/4 of the original length.

Origin

This breed of dogs was developed by crossing ancient English Hounds, Dachshunds, and later the Fox Hound and Beagle. It is one of the oldest types of terrier dogs that are originated in the British Isles in the early 17th century. This dog breed was used by the farmers who needed dogs to help get rid of the stray animals that would prey on their stock, such as rats, fox and other small vermin. The smooth fox terrier would find the animal in the ground, relentlessly barking, digging, growling and lunging until it harassed the animal out of its den where hunters could then kill it.

Health Problems

Smooth fox terriers are a hardy dog breed in general, with no major health concerns. However, some dogs are affected by deafness, post-nasal drip, distichiasis, cataracts, lens luxation, legg-perthes disease and shoulder dislocation. Not all the smooth fox terriers will get any or all of these diseases, but it is quite important to be well-aware of these diseases if you are considering this dog breed.

Grooming

The Smooth Fox Terrier has smooth and dense coats that shed very little. Their hair is so dense that you cannot part it with your fingers to see the skin. This dog breed needs only occasional brushing with a firm bristle brush in order to keep them looking neat. Further, regular baths are not necessary. You should give your puppy regular nail trims that will keep their feet in good condition and protect your shins from getting scratched.