Fox Terrier
Breed Profile
Fox Terriers are two offshoots of the terrier dog type: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. Both of these breeds hail from the 19th century from a few dogs who are came from earlier varieties of British terriers and are related to other modern white terrier breeds. Moreover, a few breeds have diverged from these two main types of fox terrier and have become distinct breeds, including the Jack Russell Terrier, Miniature Fox Terrier and Rat Terrier. The Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers share similar characteristics, the main differences residing in the coat and markings.
Temperament
The Smooth Fox Terrier is cheerful and avid. “Brave” and “bold” are two adjectives which describe this breed to a T. However, make sure that the Smooth Fox Terrier, considers you as his “pack leader”. If you fail to assert yourself as such, he may perceive you as a softie and may develop the Small Dog Syndrome, leaving you with a bully on your hands. The Fox Terrier possesses a rather strong hunting instinct. If a rabbit or a bird happens to cross his path, it could end up on your back stoop later on. The Smooth Fox Terrier is incredibly faithful to his folks.
Color & Coat
Coat: The coat is flat, hard and dense, also with a short, fine undercoat.
Color: The fox Terriers come in: Black, Brown, Black and Tan, Red, Tricolor, and White
Health
The life expectancy of the Smooth Fox Terrier is 12 to 15 years, although some can live up to 19 years. The breed is genetically quite healthy and some known health issues include deafness, luxating patellas and a variety of eye disorders such as lens luxation, distichiasis, and cataracts. Skeletal problems that can occur include Legge-Perthes disease and shoulder dislocations. Myasthenia Gravis, idiopathic epilepsy, as well as goiter have also been reported.