Smooth Fox Terrier - Dog Breed Information

May 19, 2016

The Smooth fox Terrier is one among the fox terrier breeds and it is the first fox terrier breed to be recognized by the Kennel Club. It is known that this breed came into existence since 18^th century in England.

The Smooth Fox Terrier - Facts & Characteristics

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a popular breed because of its attractive characteristics. They are known as English Terrier earlier and later on they are called as Smooth fox Terrier; they are nicknamed as Foxie and SFT.

The Smooth fox Terrier is known as “the gentleman of the canine race”.
They are healthy dogs and one of the long living breeds.
They are very affectionate and loyal to the family they love.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is friendly with the children but proper socialization is necessary for them.
They don’t get well along with other smaller animals like rabbits, badgers etc as they have strong prey drive instinct.
They need proper socialization to get along with cats and other dogs. But it cannot be trusted even if it is trained.
They are not easy to train as they are stubborn and aggressive sometimes. But consistent training with innovative techniques keeps the pet enthusiastic and responsive to the training.
The Smooth Fox Terriers are not hypoallergenic dogs.
The price of a SFT puppy ranges from $600 to $700 USD on an average.

Appearance

The Smooth fox Terrier has a sturdy bone structure and well-built body. As they are fox terrier breed its physical appearance resembles a fox. They have prolonged muzzle, black nose and dark eyes on the face; the short ears droop down on the head.

The legs of the SFT are long, sturdy and straight; they have long body with a tail that is set high. They are single coated canines with short, dense and harsh coat hair. They come in combination of colours such as Black & white and brown & white.

The male SFTs are little higher and heavier than female SFTs; the male SFT is around 14-16 inches (36-41cm) tall and 15-20 lbs (7-9 kg) in weight. The female SFT is around 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) in height and 13-18 lbs (6-8 kg) in weight.

Also read:

Behaviour

The Smooth fox Terrier is lively, intelligent, energetic, playful and adventurous breed. They are very happy dogs and like to play with the children. They are very loyal and devoted to the owners. The SFTs are brave, fearless, aggressive and alert dogs.

They make good watch dogs and warn the owner at any strange incident. They are very good with children and they need proper socialization from very early age. They are good companion dogs and they are very friendly dogs. They like to hang out with the owner and like to accompany the owner in work. They are good working dogs and hunters as well.

Smooth Fox Terrier Health Issues

The Smooth fox Terrier is generally a healthy breed and they are prone to very fewer diseases. The most common diseases found in SFTs are eye problems like cataracts, lens luxation and distichiasis, Legge-Perthes, deafness, Patellar Luxation and shoulder dislocation. General checkups by vet and testing the pet before adopting help in maintaining the pet’s health.

Diet

As they are working dogs, the SFT need a high quality and healthy feed. The diet should contain solid food like meat, biscuits, dog food and milk food like milk and water. About 2 cups of feed may be sufficient for the SFT. Do not over feed the pet as it may result in over weight problem.

Smooth Fox Terrier Habitat

They can adapt to urban life and that too in an apartment. They are very active indoors and always need something to play. They are good diggers and dig the yard if a yard is present.

The exercise requirements should be attained as they need a lot of exercise. They are good working dogs and like to accompany in the farm. They can adapt to any type of environmental conditions but extreme weather conditions don’t suit them.

Life Style

They are very energetic and strong working dogs, so they need proper exercise to keep their body fit. Daily walk is compulsory for maintaining the SFT’s fitness. They like to run a lot and if sufficient place or yard is provided then it will do okay for them.

They like to play a lot with children especially in the yard. They dig holes in the yard and they can spoil the garden, so take care if you have a garden. They are good escape artists as they can jump on heights.

Predators

Do not unleash the pet on daily walks or in unsecured areas as they are good escapers. They are little aggressive and that may lead them into fights. Bigger animals, large dogs and dog thieves are hazards for them in unsecured areas.

Life Cycle

The Smooth fox terrier has an average litter size and it gives birth to 4 to 6 puppies in one litter. Pay attention towards the puppies as they are very tiny and sensitive.

Images, Pics, Photos and Pictures of Smooth Fox Terrier :

Life Span

The SFT lives about 12 to 15 years on an average but a healthy Smooth can live up to 19 years. So the life span of the Smooth depends on the environmental and health conditions of the pet.

Breeding

Professional breeding is recommended as this is a healthy process for breeding. After attaining proper physical maturity and fitness the pet can be taken for breeding. Make sure the pet is healthy and it is in good state at the time of breeding. Unhealthy breeding process affects the puppies’ health condition.

Grooming

The grooming requirements of Smooth Fox terrier are low and it can be maintained very easily. The dense hair on the coat needs only occasional brushing that is brush the coat once in a week with a bristle brush. Bathe the pet now and then or if the pet becomes dirt.

Brush the teeth regularly to avoid gum diseases and to remove the tartar. Trim the nails if they are grown and clean the ears and eyes in order to prevent untidiness. Keep the pet clean and tidy to prevent the pet from infections.

Also read:

Shedding

The Smooth Fox terrier is an average shedder and sheds moderate to low. Regular grooming helps to prevent the hair from heavy shedding and protects the coat’s texture.