Fox Terrier (smooth)

[Troy]

The Fox Terrier (Smooth)

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=56 )

Group: Group 2 (Terriers)

General Appearance: Active and lively, bone and strength in small compass, never cloddy nor coarse. Neither leggy nor too short in the leg, standing like a well made, short backed hunter, covering a lot of ground.

Characteristics: Alert, quick of movement, keen of expression, on tiptoe of expectation.

Temperament: Friendly, forthcoming and fearless.

Head And Skull: Skull flat, moderately narrow, gradually decreasing in width to eyes. A little 'stop' apparent, cheeks never full, jaws, upper and lower, strong and muscular, falling away only slightly below eyes. This portion of foreface moderately chiselled out, so as not to go down in a straight line like a wedge. Nose black.

Eyes: Dark, moderately small, as near as possible circular in shape. Expression bright and intelligent.

Ears: Small, V-shaped and dropping forward close to cheek, not hanging by side of head. Fold of ear above level of skull. Leather of moderate thickness.

Mouth: Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Clean and muscular, without throatiness, of fair length and gradually widening to shoulders.

Forequarters: Shoulders long and sloping, well laid back, fine at points, cleanly cut at withers. Legs from any angle must be straight showing little or no appearance of an ankle in front. They should be strong in bone throughout.

Body: Chest deep, not broad. Back short, level and strong without slackness. Loin powerful, very slightly arched. Fore-ribs moderately sprung, back ribs deep.

Hindquarters: Strong and muscular, quite free from droop or crouch; thighs long and powerful, hocks well let down, good turn of stifle.

Feet: Small, round and compact. Soles hard and tough, toes moderately arched, and turning neither in nor out.

Tail: Docked: Set on rather high and carried gaily, but not over back or curled. Of good strength.

Undocked: Set on rather high and carried gaily, but no over back. As straight as possible. Tail of moderate length to give balance to the dog.

Gait/Movement: Fore and hind legs carried straight forward and parallel. Elbows move perpendicular to body, working free of sides, stifles neither turning in nor out and hocks not close. Good drive coming from well flexing hindquarters.

Coat: Straight, flat, smooth, hard, dense and abundant. Belly and underside of thighs not bare.

Colour: White should predominate, all white, white with tan, black and tan or black markings. Brindle, red or liver markings highly undesirable.

Sizes: Weight: Dogs 7.5-8 kg (16-18 lbs)

Bitches 7-7.5 kg (15-17 lbs).

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of Smooth Fox Terriers

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
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• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of Smooth Fox Terriers

Smooth Fox Terrier Breeders

Smooth Fox Terrier Puppies For Sale

[Liz R]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

My husband and his mum bred Fox terriers under the name Treviat In Queensland

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

As far as I know, the breed was developed in England for hunting purposes. Black and white dogs were preferred so as not to confuse the dog with the fox

3. How common is it in Australia?

When my husband was breeding, it was becoming hard to find dogs as Don burke from Burke's Backyard, was promoting a Jack Russell/fox terrier cross called the Tenterfield terrier.

4. What is the average lifespan?

10-14 years, although I have heard of dogs living to 18-20

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Very intelligent, boisterous and playful, requires training can be destructive when bored. Dog needs own toys, prone to digging, excellent rat hunters. Very strong hunting instinct.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

A good game/run/combination overall 50 minutes plus, in one sitting, or broken up over the day. Our dogs were trained to go play with a chew toy on their beds if we couldn't play right then. We all carried tennis balls to have a quick throw/fetch over the day.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

They can be great companions, but pups need lots of work to train and socialize.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Yes, but do maintain pack hierarchy, do not allow dog to sleep higher than you, eat from your plate etc.

9. How much grooming is required?

quick brush every few days, nail clipping, can tear dew claws quite frequently. Needs baths as they get very dirty LOL

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Would not recommend unsupervised with small children as they can become excited by squeals/chasing games and try to "tack down' the child. A well trained older dog would be a lovely companion for the elderly/infirm.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Overall healthy, do check for heart murmurs, if the pup is not active. We lost two pups

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Ask to see proof of breed as many mixed breeds are sold as Fox terriers, heart checks, familiarize yourself with the breed standard so you know what the dog should look like/temperament. Docked tails should be no shorter than a man's hand length Ask to view the bitch with her pups to check for over dominance. Dog should be predominantly white, with solid head colour, feature face are harder to find but usually have a spot or patch over an eye. head should be triangular with folded ears, you should be able to draw a rectangle around the dog from shoulder to tail tip. Don't scratch behind ears, as ears then stand up, exposing the inner ear to dirt/infections. Yard needs to be dig proof, great escape artists.