The Flat-Coated Fox Terrier is an active and energetic dog. A hunter of short stature but with a huge personality, this dog can be a great pet that will fill our daily life with life. However, it is also a special dog that needs a lot of physical activity, so it is not suitable for any type of family.
This dog, originally from England, has its origins as foxhunterand perhaps for that reason its main name is " fox" (fox in English). In general, we talk about a friendly and social dog with whom we must actively work on education and physical stimulation.
In this file on our site we will detail with you some of the characteristics of the smooth-haired fox terrier dog, such as its intrepid character or the care it will require. Read on and find out if you should adopt this wonderful dog:
History of the Smooth Fox Terrier
The fox terrier is one of the oldest terriers and apparently already existed in the middle of the 19th century in England. Like many other terriers, this breed was used by English farmers to kill foxes and rats, which were the plagues that plagued England at the time.
According to many authors, the wire-haired fox terrier, sister breed to the smooth-haired, originated simultaneously, but from different crosses. Over time, however, the two varieties were crossed and considered the same breed until the mid-1980s. Only then were these two varieties recognized as separate breeds, as we know them today.
Today the Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier is much less popular than its cousin the Wire-Coated Fox Terrier, and its use as a hunting dog is virtually extinct. Today it is a somewhat unknown companion dog, but loved by those who are lucky enough to have known it.
Characteristics of the Smooth Fox Terrier
The dynamism and tremendous energy of these dogs are reflected in their appearance. Despite their small size, these terriers' hunting past is evident in their strong, compact and agile body, which is neither coarse nor heavy.
The alert expression of the Smooth Fox Terrier is accentuated by the shape of the skull, which forms a rather pointed snout, by the round, small dark eyes, and by the small ears in the shape of " V".
Their short, smooth, flattened, harsh, and dense coat differentiates these dogs from their closest phylogenetic relatives: the wire-haired fox terriers. The predominant color is white and it can be solid (complete white) or with spots. The spots can be tan, black, or black and tan.
Formerly the tail of smooth-haired fox terriers was amputated in show dogs. Apparently, this custom served to prevent damage to the tail during hunts, and remained a reminder of the functionality of this breed. Fortunately, today tail docking is prohibited in many countries and the FCI standard for smooth-haired fox terriers accepts whole dogs, that is, without docking the tail.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog, but the FCI standard does not provide parameters for its height. However, the weight is indicated in the breed standard. The weight of males is between 7.3 and 8.2 kilograms, while that of females is between 6.8 and 7.7 kilograms.
Smooth Fox Terrier Character
These terriers are very curious, active and alertdogs that demand a lot of exercise and company. The smooth-haired fox terrier is perhaps one of the most hyperactive dog breeds that demand physical and mental activity.
Due to the demand for exercise, both physical and mental, and companionship, these dogs are not suitable for just anyone They can be excellent pets for those who can meet their needs and know how to handle them, but they can be a terrible problem for sedentary owners and inexperienced in handling dogs.
One of the qualities of the temperament of these fox terriers is that they tend to be very friendly with the people who make up their families. Consequently, they can be good pets for families with large, responsible children. However, they are reactive dogs that can respond very negatively to mistreatment from young children and adults.
On the other hand, smooth-haired fox terriers are very reactive dogs towards other dogs and other animals if their training is not done well. This makes them generally lousy pets when there are other dogs or other pets in the same house.
Two behavioral characteristics of these dogs that many people find undesirable are barking and digging in the garden. Certainly, Smooth Fox Terriers tend to be noisy animals and it is practically impossible to prevent them from digging holes in the garden.
Smooth Fox Terrier Care
Coat care is relatively simple, as all you need is regular brushing to keep the coat looking good. However, these terriers shed regularly, so they are not a good choice for people with allergies.
Fox terriers need a lot of exercise and company, so it is not recommended to leave them alone for long periods. When they get bored they tend to destroy everything they find and dig in the garden. To have one of these dogs it is necessary to have enough time available to train and exercise them properly. Also, sturdy dog toys are a must. One of the most popular and useful is the kong.
Although they can live in an apartment, it is necessary to take them out for a walk every day. Preferably, walks should be long to allow them to exercise and socialize. For those who have a smooth-haired fox terrier, it can be very useful to participate in dynamic dog sports, such as agility or canine freestyle. In this way they help their dog to better control and channel her energies.
Smooth Fox Terrier Education
Dog obedience training and early socialization are essential with this breed. The former allows for some control (depending on the level of training), while the latter allows terriers to relate better to other dogs and people. If these dogs are not socialized early, they tend to become sullen animals and can even be very reactive with other people and pets. For the same reason, socialization should be one of the priorities in all puppy education.
On the other hand, we must point out that the smooth-haired fox terrier has a natural predisposition to obedience, especially if we regularly use positive reinforcement. Devoting time and effort to teaching him different commands and practicing different activities will culminate in a happy, sociable and obedient dog: mentally he althy.
Smooth Fox Terrier He alth
The smooth-haired fox terrier does not present, as a breed, significant hereditary problems. However, depending on the breeding lines, it may have a greater or lesser propensity to develop some diseases. These diseases include: deafness, shoulder dislocation and cataracts.
It is important to detect any disease promptly, for this we will visit the vet twice a year, we will correctly follow his vaccination schedule and we will deworm him with the appropriate regularity. All these details are very important to keep in mind in order to maintain good he alth of the smooth-haired fox terrier.
