Smooth Fox Terrier
Also known as: Fox Terrier Smooth Fox Terrier
The Smooth Fox Terrier hails from England. The Smooth Fox Terrier comes from England. Individual Smooth Fox Terriers vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- England
- Other names
- Fox Terrier Smooth Fox Terrier
About the Smooth Fox Terrier
The Smooth Fox Terrier hails from England. Smooth Fox Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog breed. Known for its distinctive appearance and energetic personality.
Overview
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a breed of dog , one of many terrier breeds. It was the first breed in the Fox Terrier family to be given official recognition by The Kennel Club (circa 1875; breed standard 1876). It is well known, and although not a widely popular breed today outside hunting and show circles, it is extremely significant due to the large number of terriers believed descended from the breed.
Health
Some known health problems are deafness , luxating patellas and a variety of eye disorders such as lens luxation , distichiasis , and cataracts . Skeletal problems that can occur include Legge-Perthes disease and shoulder dislocations. Myasthenia gravis and idiopathic epilepsy have also been reported, as well as goiter . Ataxia is a hereditary condition in the breed. A mutation in the KCNJ10 gene, which has been identified in the Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier as the cause of one type of ataxia, has also been identified in this breed.
Origins
The Smooth Fox Terrier''s development as a breed is largely undocumented, but the dog has been known as a distinct breed in England since at least the 18th century; the first documented evidence of the Smooth Fox Terrier came in 1790, when a Colonel Thornton painted a portrait of his dog, Pitch.
Recognition
The Smooth Fox Terrier entered the show ring during the mid-19th century, making it one of the earliest entrants in such events. The American Kennel Club recognized the Fox Terrier in 1885; one hundred years later, the Smooth Fox Terrier was recognized as being a distinct breed from the Wire Fox Terrier. Conventional wisdom long held that the Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier are variations of the same breed; in recent years, however, an increasing number of experts have stated the opinion that the two breeds are not related at all. Whereas the Wire Fox Terrier is probably directly descended from the Rough Black and Tan Terrier of Wales, the Smooth Fox Terrier is thought to count the Smooth Black and Tan Terrier as its primary ancestor, with traces of Beagle and Bull Terrier thrown in as well. However, the two breeds were considered to be varieties of one breed and were occasionally interbred until the mid-1980s when the AKC changed them from varieties to separate breeds. All modern Smooth Fox Terriers trace back to wires many times, from Eng. Ch Watteau Chorister, through Eng. Ch. Lethal Weapon, Eng. Ch. Corrector of Notts and Eng. Ch. Cromwell Ochre''s Legacy back to Dusky D''Orsay. Bred by Mr. Francis Redmond, Dusky D''Orsay''s sire was a Wire, Dusky Collar, and her dam a Smooth, Eng. Ch. D''Orsay''s Donna. Through Dusky D''Orsay, all modern Smooths trace back to several famous Wires, including Ch. Cackler Of Notts and Meersbrook Bristles. The Smooth Fox Terrier''s historic profession is fox bolting. A fox bolting dog will accompany a pack of foxhounds and "bolt" after foxes, driving them out from their hiding spots and into the line of sight of the larger dogs and men on horses. Smooth Fox Terriers with white coats were less likely to be mistaken for the fox in close combat situations, and were therefore more highly prized.
Temperament
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a highly energetic dog, and thus not recommended for first time dog owners. As the breed was originally bred to go after small animals, they also have a high prey instinct, they are very friendly dogs and do not mind strangers if introduced and exposed to people from a young age. Without appropriate early exposure, however, loud barking may ensue.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Smooth Fox Terrier?
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog with a short, smooth coat. It has a distinctive fox-like head, erect ears, and a bushy tail. Adult Smooth Fox Terriers typically weigh between 13-17 pounds and stand 14-15 inches tall at the shoulder. They are known for their intelligence, energy, and friendly temperament.
Is the Smooth Fox Terrier a good family dog?
The Smooth Fox Terrier can make a good family dog for active families with older children. However, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They can be wary of strangers and may require socialization from an early age. Early training is also essential to establish good behavior.
What health problems do Smooth Fox Terriers have?
Smooth Fox Terriers are prone to various health issues, including deafness, luxating patellas, eye disorders (such as lens luxation, distichiasis, and cataracts), Legge-Perthes disease, shoulder dislocations, Myasthenia gravis, idiopathic epilepsy, and goiter. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.
How much does a Smooth Fox Terrier puppy cost?
The cost of a Smooth Fox Terrier puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Smooth Fox Terrier puppy can cost between $800-$1,500. However, prices may be higher for puppies from top-level show lines or with specific breeding goals.
Where do Smooth Fox Terriers come from?
The Smooth Fox Terrier comes from England. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Smooth Fox Terrier, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.