Introduction to Owning
A Smooth Fox Terrier

Characteristics:

When fox hunting became popular in England in the late 17th century, hunters found the need for a dog that could go to ground and bolt the quarry. By the end of the 19th century, Smooth Fox Terriers were in great demand, both as companions and show dogs.. Today’s Smooth reflects its sporting heritage. Basically white with black or tan markings, its outline is much like that of an elegant horse. It has a proud appearance with lean head, small alert ears,, arched neck,  deep chest, short back and tail carried straight up. Although seldom used for hunting now, the Smooth Fox Terrier retains a strong prey drive and will dig tirelessly after any underground vermin. Fox Terriers are hardy and long –lived, and with their sleek easy-care coat and handy 15-20 pound size, are small enough to fit anywhere but big enough for rough and tumble play with children.  Additional information on grooming is available from the American Fox Terrier Club at http://www.aftc.org/

Temperament:

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. Their cheerful outlook, fun loving dispositions and intelligence make them fine companions and home guards. This lively, inquisitive little dog will bring you many years of happiness with his devotion and merry nature. They are affectionate with children but may be too active for some.

Finding A Reputable Breeder:

When looking for your Smooth Fox Terrier, the first and most important step is to find a reputable breeder. Take your time and do not buy on impulse. Thoroughly research the breed and the breeder. A list of regional Fox Terrier clubs and contacts can be found through the AKC or AFTC websites or there is an extensive list at http://www.netpets.org/dogs/dogclub/breeds/dogwfox_ter.html

Contact the club secretaries for breeder referrals. Those listed as members must agree to abide by a code of ethics and will have high quality, healthy, happy, well-socialized dogs with sound temperaments. The conscientious hobby breeder may advertise very little or not at all. The conscientious hobby breeder may advertise very little or not at all. However, when he does, it is usually through parent or regional club websites where a code of ethics is adhered to or through another reputable source.  In addition, he relies on his own good reputation, word of mouth, satisfied, repeat buyers and possibly a website that features pictures and pedigrees of the champion dogs in his breeding program. If you live in his area, he will usually invite you to his home to see the both adults and puppies and he will often have a waiting list for them. The reputable breeder will ask many questions of you to ensure that the puppy is a good match for your family. He will also welcome questions from you and will be a source of continuing support for the life of the dog. These websites give more information: http://www.australianshepherds.org/reput.html
http://showdogsupersite.com/kenlclub/k9journal/k9j001.html

Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous puppy millers who do advertise aggressively on Internet puppy lists and may even have attractive websites.  It is important to do your home work. In general, those who show their dogs and are active in their breed clubs are the ones who will have the kind of dog you will want in your home and life

Performance Events

Smooth Fox Terriers make wonderful performance dogs, excelling in agility, fly ball, earth dog trials and other events.  They enjoy a challenge but their mischievous nature will require patience and a sense of humor in their owners.

The Older Dog

Sometimes a young puppy is too active and mischievous for the dog buyer. An older dog can be a wonderful option. Breeders occasionally have a retired champion or a young adult that they have decided not to show and are willing to sell to a loving family.  Many of these dogs are housetrained, past the puppy chewing stage, and walk well on lead. They are usually crate trained and used to traveling and standing for grooming. These Fox Terriers can adjust to a new home quite easily.

Picking Your Puppy:

If you are buying a pet, health and good temperament are the main considerations. . No reputable breeder will sell a puppy less than 8 weeks of age and many will hold the puppies even longer. Puppies need to stay with their mothers and littermates through the 8th week to learn important social skills like “bite inhibition.”

When you go to look at the puppies, expect to see animals that are clean, plump, cheerful and playful. Eyes and ears should be clean, free of ticks, fleas and the coat free of red, itchy patches. Stools should be firm and the pups should have a health record provided. Ask to see the adult dogs. The reputable breeder will display his stock with pride. The adult dogs should also be clean, glowing with health, friendly and eager for play and attention.

 
The breeder will want to offer you the puppy that might best fit into your home and family. Be honest with him when describing your home, family activity level and the qualities that are most important to you in a dog. His experience will help him find what you are looking for.  If you are buying a pet, expect your pup to be sold on a spay/neuter contract. The contract will also spell out what you can expect from the breeder and what he expects of you. The breeder has raised this puppy with careful thought and attention and will only require that you will do your best to give the pup a happy, healthy life.

The breeder will also ask you to take your new pup to your own veterinarian for a complete check up within a day or two of taking him home.  While a reputable breeder always hopes the puppy is getting a “forever” home, he should also be willing to take the puppy back if an emergency arises.

AKC Registration:

AKC registration is an important asset and is provided by the reputable breeder. It is not, however, a guarantee of health or quality. Registration only verifies that a dog’s ancestors were of the same breed and registered purebreds. It gives you a way to trace your dog’s family tree. Pet shops and puppy mills may also offer AKC registration, sometimes for an extra fee, or they may offer alternative registration which have been created just to provide “papers” to dogs with no real assurance of its ancestry The reputable breeder will provide AKC papers (usually with limited registration for pets to insure they are neutered) and also a pedigree showing many champions in the first four generations.   http://www.akc.org/index.cfm?nav_area=homepage

Buying A Show Potential Puppy:

Unless you are experienced with showing and know how to prepare a Smooth for the show ring, it will be critically important for you to have a mentor. If your breeder lives nearby, he will be the logical choice. When choosing a show puppy, look for a breeder who has had good success in the show ring. He will guide and help you through the process and will be desirous of your dog’s success, maybe even more than you as your dog will represent his own breeding stock! Breeders will give advice on training, grooming and more. There is much good material on the Internet and through AFTC, but nothing can compare to a good mentor.  Because Smooths change greatly as they mature, buying a young pup for show is always a gamble. You may prefer a puppy over six months where the future quality is more evident.  Show prospects must be very outgoing and confident.  Study the standard carefully. It is posted on the AFTC website and illustrated in many Fox Terrier breed book. Attend as many dog shows as possible to observe the Smooths in the ring.

Owning A Smooth Is A Wonderful Experience:

Welcoming a Smooth Fox Terrier into your life will be a joyous, entertaining experience. He will brighten your day and be a loyal, loving companion. It is difficult to be bored or in a "bad mood" when living with a Smooth! We wish you luck with your search and hope you find the Smooth Fox Terrier  that was especially meant for you!

Reference:

The New Fox Terriers by Harold Nedell
The Complete Fox Terrier by Evelyn Silvernail

Raising A Champion:  A Beginner’s Guide To Showing Dogs by A. M. John and C.L. Richards.

The Virtual Dog Show:
http://www.showdogsupersite.com/actualshow/dogshoh.html