Fox Terrier, Foxie, SFT
Overview
The smooth fox terrier is square-proportioned, standing over a lot of ground but with a short back. Its conformation combines speed, endurance and power, enabling it to gallop and stay with the horses and hounds during the hunt and to follow a fox up a narrow passage. The gait while trotting gets most of its propulsion from the rear quarters. The expression, like the attitude, is keen; the carriage is alert and expectant. The coat is flat, hard and dense, also with a short, fine undercoat.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is friendly, alert, active, and lively without being high-strung. Through his keen expression and alert bearing, ears up and tail quivering, the Smooth Fox Terrier gives the impression of a dog ready to go anywhere and take on any task. The Smooth Fox Terrier is bold but not aggressive with people. They are affectionate with children but may be too active for some. Although seldom used for hunting now, the Smooth Fox Terrier retains a strong prey drive and will dig tirelessly after any underground vermin.
| Size | Small |
| Height | Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm)Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) |
| Weight | Male: 15-20 pounds (7-9 kg)Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Colors | Black Black and Tan Brown Red Tricolor White |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Classification | Purebred |
| Good Lapcat |
| Good In Apartments |
The Fox Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. These dogs are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. |
| Good With Children |
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Good With Dogs |
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| Good With Cats |
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| Exercise Needs |
This breed needs to be taken on a daily, long walk or jog. If it is possible, these dogs will love to run free in a safe area. Keep your dog on a leash if there are small animals around. The urge for these dogs to hunt is strong and they are likely to take off chasing a small animal. |
| Trainability |
Moderately Easy Training: The Smooth Fox Terrier should be obedience trained as a puppy. It requires a consistent approach and may challenge authority on occasion. |
| Affectionate |
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| Playfulness |
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| Grooming Requirements |
The smooth coat needs a minimum of grooming – just a quick brushing with a rubber hound glove or curry brush a couple of times a week to keep shedding under control. He’ll shed a little year-round and go through a seasonal shed in spring and fall. Other than that, just keep his ears clean and his nails trimmed. He's definitely meant to be a no-fuss dog. |
| Shedding |
Moderate Shedding: Expect this dog to shed regularly. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner. |
| Vocalization/Barking |
Occassional |