Fox Terrier Dog Breed Information
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13 to 14 years
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Expensive *
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Star
Superstar
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Rare
Easy to get
Introduction
One of the most feisty, mischievous, energetic and buoyant dog breeds in existence, Fox Terriers are a delightful breed of dogs. Smooth Fox terriers or Foxies as they are popularly known as are handsome, happy and stylish with a high spunk that makes them highly inquisitive with a “whoever may care” attitude. Fox Terriers are one of the happiest breeds in the entire canine world, and that happiness and joy of life is reflected in their eyes. Though blessed with a good temperament, their feisty nature may not make them excellent pets for first time owners or families with small children. If you are a proud owner of this happy breed or if you are planning to get a Smooth Fox terrier as a family pet, you are making an exciting decision. We bring to you all the aspects that you will have to keep in mind before getting a Smooth Fox Terrier so that you are able to provide an environment that develops a healthy dog and a long lasting companionship.
History
Fox terriers have a rich ancestry behind them. When fox hunting became a popular sport in England, the hunters wanted a breed that could enter fox dens and charge the fox out of their hiding places, and so the Fox terriers were bred. While the breeders were not able to keep a record of the breeds, Smooth Fox terriers are considered to be a blend of black & tan Terrier, Dachshund, English Hound, Beagle and a Foxhound. For the longest period of time, Smooth Fox terriers were used by farmers to take care of their farms and protect them from foxes, rats and other small vermin that may destroy the crops. Fox terriers would find the animals in the ground and dig till they reached near the animal and then would start barking or growling till the animal decided to come out of hiding where the hunters / farmers would kill them. The first Fox Terrier to be recognised by the American Kennel Club was in 1885 but it was only in 1985 that the Smooth and Wire Fox terriers were recognised as two separate dog breeds. The first standard for a Smooth Fox terrier was established in 1876.
Unique Aspects
One of the most unique aspects of a Smooth Fox Terrier is it’s tail. Unlike other dogs, the tail of a Smooth Fox terrier does not wag but quivers. The tail of a SMooth Fox terrier is straight and strong enough to pull them out of trouble. The other unique aspect of a smooth fox terrier is it’s high energy levels and inquisitiveness. A smooth fox terrier is extremely alert and will react to the smallest of the noise making them excellent guard dogs.
Fun Trivia
The Smooth Fox Terrier looks adorable with its black face and white body (the most common color). These comical dogs can make quiet a sight but there exceptional energy and stubbornness has not found many takers in the celebrity world.
Movie Character
The Smooth Coat Terrier has been part of a few movies but we could find only one that has their notable presence, it is ‘The Single Man’. This feisty breed has garnered the celebrity status elsewhere though. Nipper, the mascot for HMV and RCA was a Smooth Coat Terrier. Snitter was a protagonist in the novel of The Plague Dogs. Other than this Titina travelled with Umberto Nobile on Airship Norge and Airship Italia. Then there was Dash, a smooth fox terrier that accompanied Sir Aurel Stein in his global archeological expeditions.
Celebrity Smooth Fox Terrier owners
It seems that the celebrity world at home and abroad has not yet caught to the fancy of the Smooth Fox Terrier. Nonetheless we have a small list of some celebrities who were the proud parents of this breed. It includes Ellen Terry, Herbert Hoover and Willi Moris the famous author who based the book ‘My Dog Skip’ on his own Smooth Fox Terrier.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs
Height: 16-20 Inches
Weight: 6-9 Kg
Life Span: 13 to 14 years
Pros
- Perfect size for apartment and condominium living
- Excellent pets for the family make faithful companions
- Easy to groom does not require much maintenance
Cons
- Not one of the easiest breed to train, they will need persistence
- Need early socialization with other pets and children
- Regular exercise is a must for this energy bundle, not the perfect choice for those hard pressed for time