Smooth Fox Terrier
White so the hunt would not mistake it for the fox it was sent to bolt. Smooth coated, and the energy is a constant rather than an occasional thing.
Overview
The Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier were one breed until 1985 and are now separate, differing in coat and in some head detail. Both were bred to bolt fox from earths for mounted hunts, running with the pack and going to ground when the fox did.
The Smooth is the older of the two and it was the more common until the wire coat became fashionable in the show ring.
Temperament
Bold, quick and relentlessly energetic. Smooth Fox Terriers are affectionate with their families and they are proper working terriers in every respect.
They dig, they bark and they chase, and the prey drive towards small animals is serious. They can be dog aggressive, particularly with the same sex. They are clever and independent and they need real training and real exercise.
Care and grooming
A short hard flat coat that needs a weekly brush. They shed more than expected for a short coat.
Primary lens luxation has a DNA test, and Legg Calve Perthes disease, patellar luxation and deafness occur. The breed is generally healthy. Twelve to fifteen years.
Living and exercise
An hour and a half a day plus mental work.
A fence sunk into the ground. They excel at earthdog and agility, and a Smooth Fox Terrier without an outlet becomes destructive and vocal.
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