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As you can probably tell from our web site, we love our Smooth Fox Terriers and are very passionate about Terriers in general. Our dogs are a big part of our lives and we welcome every opportunity to share our enthusiasm and interest with others. The Smooth Fox Terrier breed began to come into existence in the United Kingdom around the 1800's. They were principally bred to rid the areas of vermin such as rodents and the like. The upper classes used the Fox Terrier to chase foxes into their dens. After the Fox Hounds had hunted and exhausted the foxes, the Fox Terrier would go down the fox hole and be pulled out of the lair by his tail with the fox still in his jaws! Since this dog was bred and used across varying types of countryside and terrain, some bred him larger or smaller based upon the work the dog was to perform. As a result, the standard states the Smooth Fox Terrier should not exceed 15½" at the withers - a dog should be about 18 lbs and a bitch should be about 2 lbs lighter. Since the standard does not state a specific size and weight, there is room for variations of type. Smooth Fox Terriers should be predominately white, as the standard states. When a dog is hunting a fox in the woods, it is quite helpful to be able to distinguish between the hunter and prey, and the white-bodied Fox Terrier with tail held high in the air is an easy one to spot. Too much color could camouflage the dog with its surroundings or confuse it with the fox. Both tan and/or black coloration combinations are acceptable; however, brindle, red or liver markings are objectionable. Tan is genetically dominant in the breed; black is recessive. Overall, a good Smooth will exhibit a gay and lively personality and will be well-balanced and not extreme in any way. The ideal is to present a square profile from wither to rump and shoulders to floor. The head should be between 7"-7¼" long. Disqualifications include a mouth which is much undershot or much overshot and ears which are prick, tulip or rose. A cherry, white or spotted nose is also a disqualification. Smooths are a hearty breed having very few congenital or hereditary diseases. Life expectancy can be as much as 15-17 years. Grooming and maintenance are minimal due to the smooth coat. But in the show ring, a considerable amount of "barbering" and clippering takes place. Since there are no "furnishings," you can’t cover up or hide anything. What you see is what you get! A seasoned groomer knows how to make the right cuts and blends to make a nice curve or accentuate a nice neck and shoulder. As I have mentioned before, the attitude and personality of a Fox Terrier is happy, active and full of energy. In the show environment they are free-baiting and do not require hand-stacking - a good Smooth, like any good Terrier, shows himself! To quote the American Fox Terrier Club Illustrated and Amplified Breed Standard, "The Smooth Fox Terrier is the epitome of ‘what you see is what you get.’ If the handler must show the Smooth ‘hands-on,’ the essence of the breed is lost in that exhibit. Smooths portray the basic nature of the proud, ‘take me or leave me,’ I can do it by myself terrier. Judge them on their own merit. The handlers that make themselves observable to the judge do the exhibit worthy of notice no favor." The Scale of Points for the Smooth Fox Terrier allocates the majority to Head & Ears, Legs & Feet, and Coat & Hindquarters. While keeping that goal in mind, good breeders put strong emphasis on Shoulder & Chest, Back and Loin, and Symmetry, Size & Character which are where most of the balance of points are placed. One major distinction between the Scale of Points for Smooth Fox Terriers and that of Wire Fox Terriers is there are no points for movement and soundness for the Smooth. The Wire counterpart must also move well. Regardless of the point system or lack if it, good Smooth breeders breed for type as well as movement and soundness. Good movement is judged on the side by gaiting with balanced reach and drive in both front and rear, free and unencumbered. Coming and going, the dog should track true. In the show ring today, the trend seems to go for the all white body with a solid black head. This is a big departure from past trends when heavily colored tan and white dogs or multi-marked black and white dogs were highly prized. Looking into the show ring, outlines are an important part of the judging process - a good head and front makes a nice impression, but a nice long neck flowing into well laid back shoulders combined with good rear quarters and a high tail set are a sure combination for a major win. Add nice cat-like paws and good bone and substance and the breeders will be knocking on your door! These multi-talented dogs are adept to most any environment and situation. They love attention and will let you know it! And even though they love keeping to a routine, variety is the spice of life for the Smooth Fox Terrier. A ride in the car, whether daily or on a spontaneous whim, is just part of the enjoyment of a Fox Terrier’s life. This breed works well in Agility and Earthdog trials. As a matter of fact, some Smooth Fox Terrier fanciers have worked their Smooths in hunting trials and lure coursing. Obedience work will bring out the raised eyebrows, but in the end you will have a true Terrier: a companion and friend, obedient and loyal to the very end. Be sure to visit our Smooth Links page to learn more about the breed with which we are so smitten! Here are some helpful links to more information on Smooth Fox Terriers:
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and Ken Adcox.
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