SMOOTH FOX TERRIER Breed Standards
The Smooth Fox Terrier began to be recognizable as a distinct breed during the 18th century in England. A 1790 painting by Colonel Thornton of his dog, Pitch, is perhaps the first recorded evidence of the breed. For most of their respective histories, the Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier have been thought to be different varieties of the same breed, but the current thought is that the two dogs actually developed along different lines. The Smooth is likely descended from the Smooth-Coated Black and Tan Terrier, Greyhound, Beagle and Bull Terrier.
Aside from the old terrier standby of exterminating rodents and other pests, the Smooth Fox Terrier was also used as a fox bolter. Accompanying a Foxhound pack, the quick little Fox Terrier would bolt after the fox, scaring it from its hole. In this line of work, dogs with white coats were preferred, as they were more easily discernible from the fox in the dark.
SKILLS: The dog must present a generally gay, lively and active appearance; bone and strength in a small compass are essentials; but this must not be taken to mean that a Fox Terrier, should be cloddy, or in any way coarse--speed and endurance must be looked to as well as power, and the symmetry of the Foxhound taken as a model. The Terrier, like the Hound, must on no account be leggy, nor must he be too short in the leg. He should stand like a cleverly made hunter, covering a lot of ground, yet with a short back, as stated below. He will then attain the highest degree of propelling power, together with the greatest length of stride that is compatible with the length of his body.
SIZE: Weight is not a certain criterion of a Terrier's fitness for his work-general shape, size and contour are the main points; and if a dog can gallop and stay, and follow his fox up a drain, it matters little what his weight is to a pound or so. According to present-day requirements, a full-sized, well balanced dog should not exceed 15½ inches at the withers-the bitch being proportionately lower-nor should the length of back from withers to root of tail exceed 12 inches, while to maintain the relative proportions, the head should not exceed 7¼ inches or be less than 7 inches. A dog with these measurements should scale 18 pounds in show condition-a bitch weighing some two pounds less-with a margin of one pound either way. Balance-This may be defined as the correct proportions of a certain point, or points, when considered in relation to a certain other point or points. It is the keystone of the Terrier's anatomy. The chief points for consideration are the relative proportions of skull and foreface; head and back; height at withers and length of body from shoulder point to buttock-the ideal of proportion being reached when the last two measurements are the same. It should be added that, although the head measurements can be taken with absolute accuracy, the height at withers and length of back and coat are approximate.
COAT: Should be smooth, flat, but hard, dense and abundant. The belly and underside of the thighs should not be bare. Color-White should predominate; brindle, red or liver markings are objectionable. Otherwise this point is of little or no importance.
CARE REQUIRED: The short coat of the Smooth Fox Terrier is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo when necessary.
CHARACTER: The dog must present a generally gay, lively and active appearance.
EXERCISE: The Fox Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: One of the most aggressive breeds, the Fox Terrier has a pronounced tendency to pick fights with other dogs, even large ones, and are not generally trustworthy with other pets.
TRAINING: This dog enjoys being part of the family and will become destructive without enough exercise and attention.
