Smooth-haired Fox Terrier: Breed description and character

Smooth-haired fox terrier, also Fox Terrier (Smooth), is a British breed of hunting dogs that was bred in the 19th century in Ireland. In these terriers, often called "gentlemen among dogs," endless loyalty to their owner is combined and boundless courage, excellent scent and artistry. Representatives of this breed, created for the normal hunting for badgers, raccoons and foxes, today in most cases live in urban apartments, and in forests and fields have never been in their lives. That's just hunting instinct is not a hindrance: any fast-moving object (for example, a bird, cat or even a dog) can become a subject of persecution.

Progenitors

There is no exact information about exactly what breeds were chosen to make a smooth-haired fox terrier as a result. Dog experts say that they have the blood of white English, black and tan and smooth-haired black and ter terriers, spaniels and greyhounds, bull terriers and beagles, a bulldog.

Why is it called?

In cynology there are many breeds in which the word "terrier" is present. With their external dissimilarity, they are all distant, but relatives. And the ancestors of such breeds were bred in the British Isles.

Fox Terrier is a common name for a group of hunting dogs, which includes two main varieties: smooth-haired and wool-haired. "Fox" in English means "fox", and "terrier" (the modified Latin word terra) is translated as "land". Thus, a fox terrier is a breed designed for underground (normal) fox hunting.

History of the breed

The first information about the Fox Terriers dates back to 55 BC. E., when the Roman legionaries who arrived on the British Isles, saw these hunting dogs. In the written sources of the 11th century, preserved to this day, there are many mentions of northerners or underground terriers. Images of such dogs allow us to talk about their great similarity with modern fox terriers.

By the XVII century, as a result of the selection of hunting dogs by temperament and working skills, various breeds of terriers, including nornids, such as smooth-haired fox terrier, began to be made out.

For the first time this breed was represented at the English dog show in 1861. Approximately at the same time, five fox terriers were identified, considered to be the founders of the smooth-haired modern species. In 1875, British hunters organized the English fox terrier club, and the following year the first standard of this breed was compiled and adopted, which turned out to be so successful that it has been used with minor changes so far.

Especially popular fox terriers began to be used in British aristocratic circles during the reign of Queen Victoria. Representatives of this breed were popular not only in high society, but also among ordinary inhabitants who began to earn money, breeding such popular dogs.

By the end of the XIX century puppies of smooth-haired fox terrier were exported to various European countries, primarily to Russia, Germany and Austria. Most of the exported animals were from reliable breeders, such as Francis Redmont. A significant contribution to the improvement of the breed was made by German breeders, who paid much attention to improving the hunting skills of the Fox Terriers.

History of the breed in Russia

In the 60s of the XIX century from England to St. Petersburg was introduced the first representative of this breed. She was crossed with a bull terrier, and from the appeared puppies one was presented to Prince BD Golitsyn, who later became a fan of the Fox Terriers.

The first Russian dog show, at which four representatives of this breed were demonstrated, was held in 1889, and in about ten years there were about 50 exhibits. In Russia, many nurseries are being organized, and in 1900 the Russian Society of Foxtier Fans and Dachshunds was established.

Today, most of the smooth-haired fox terriers are companion dogs and family favorites, in which they do not seek to develop hunting characteristics. However, there are enthusiastic hunters who own pets with remarkable working qualities.

Appearance

As already mentioned, there are two varieties of this breed: the coarse and smooth-haired fox terrier, the description of which differs only in the characteristics of the wool: stiffness and length. In the FCI cynological association, these species are considered separate breeds, for which different standards are used.

Smooth-haired fox terriers have a muscular, strong, dry and proportional physique. Their back is short, with a strong backbone, but the dog should not look shapeless and clumsy. The neck is muscular and long, extending to the shoulders. The thorax is not wide, but deep. Dogs in the rack should look like a stringed string.

Unusual docked tail pointing upwards (unlike other rocks it does not wiggle, it shakes). He is quite strong, which in case of danger allows him to retrieve the dog from the hole for him. The skull is flat enough, tapering to the nose with a poorly marked transition from muzzle to forehead. The strong jaws tightly close and have a scissor bite. Eyes dark, usually round, but the ears are small and triangular.

The smooth-haired fox terrier should have a straight, dense and smooth coat. Color is preferable to white, but it is possible to combine with black and red marks. Reds or tiger inclusions are undesirable. The weight of males varies from 7.5 to 8 kg, and the bitches vary from 7 to 7.5 kg.

Character

Fox Terriers are active, intelligent, friendly, but rather stubborn dogs, which can cause some difficulties during training. This little dog with a temperament ready to play and frolic at any time. Lightning fast response and very fast, rapid movements allow it to react instantly to any action of the owner or other animals, but negatively affect the development of calm behavior and endurance.

People who can not ensure long and active walks, as well as representatives of the older generation (with reduced motor activity) should not start a dog like a fox terrier smooth coat. Reviews of the owners say that the pets of this breed do not tolerate insufficient attention to their person, and other animals can be jealous of their master.

Foxes are sociable and quite pleasant in communication, but it is worth noting such a feature of them as a complete lack of tolerance for what they do not like. Even the owner can get into "disgrace" if he did, according to the dog, an inappropriate act. A rare fox terrier in a healthy state will calmly react to physical punishment and will not resist such violence.

Representatives of this breed are very addicted to the process of chasing and at such a moment they simply do not hear the cries and other signals of the owners. That is why it is recommended to take the fox-terriers on a leash, so as not to lose the dog or to prevent her injuries in the conditions of the city.

Do not start a dog of this breed, if you have very young children. Indeed, foxes are very fond of children, that's only if the child causes the dog to hurt during the game, then he can respond and bite, not figuring out whether it was done specifically.

Mating characteristics

Modern cynological standards, according to which the coarse and smooth-haired fox terriers are considered different breeds, forbid them to knit among themselves. If you are planning to breed this breed, then you'd better go to a club or nursery, where you will be prompted when and how the mating is going on. Fox Terrier smooth-haired is not particularly difficult dog in this respect, today it is quite easy to find a suitable pair for your pet.

How much is?

Immediately mention that pedigree dogs with a pedigree and a full package of documents are expensive, within 400-500 US dollars. Fox Terrier smooth coat, whose price is below 10 000 rubles, is sold usually without a pedigree and any documents. In case you buy a cheerful companion and a pet of the family, which you do not plan to exhibit, then you can do without official documents.