The Smooth Fox Terrier is a breed of dog, one of many terrier breeds. It was the first breed in the fox terrier family to be given official recognition by The Kennel Club. It is well known, and although not a widely popular breed today outside hunting and show circles, it is extremely significant due to the large number of terriers believed descended from the breed.
History
Origins
The Smooth Fox Terrier's development as a breed is largely undocumented, but the dog has been known as a distinct breed in England since at least the 18th century; the first documented evidence of the Smooth Fox Terrier came in 1790, when a Colonel Thornton painted a portrait of his dog, Pitch.
Recognition
The Smooth Fox Terrier entered the show ring during the mid-19th century, making it one of the earliest entrants in such events. The American Kennel Club recognized the Fox Terrier in 1885; one hundred years later, the Smooth Fox Terrier was recognized as being a distinct breed from the Wire Fox Terrier. Conventional wisdom long held that the Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier are variations of the same breed; in recent years, however, an increasing number of experts have stated the opinion that the two breeds are not related at all. Whereas the Wire Fox Terrier is probably directly descended from the Rough Black and Tan Terrier of Wales, the Smooth Fox Terrier is thought to count the Smooth Black and Tan Terrier as its primary ancestor, with traces of Beagle and Bull Terrier thrown in as well. However, the two breeds were considered to be varieties of one breed and were occasionally interbred until the mid-1980s when the AKC changed them from varieties to separate breeds. All modern Smooth Fox Terriers trace back to wires many times, from Eng. Ch Watteau Chorister, through Eng. Ch. Lethal Weapon, Eng. Ch. Corrector of Notts and Eng. Ch. Cromwell Ochre's Legacy back to Dusky D'Orsay. Bred by Mr. Francis Redmond, Dusky D'Orsay's sire was a Wire, Dusky Collar, and her dam a Smooth, Eng. Ch. D'Orsay's Donna. Through Dusky D'Orsay, all modern Smooths trace back to several famous Wires, including Ch. Cackler Of Notts and Meersbrook Bristles. The Smooth Fox Terrier's historic profession is fox bolting. A fox bolting dog will accompany a pack of foxhounds and "bolt" after foxes, driving them out from their hiding spots and into the line of sight of the larger dogs and men on horses. Smooth Fox Terriers with white coats were less likely to be mistaken for the fox in close combat situations, and were therefore more highly prized.
Temperament
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a highly energetic dog, and thus not recommended for first time dog owners. As the breed was originally bred to go after small animals they also have a high prey instinct, they are very friendly dogs and don't mind strangers if introduced and exposed to people from a young age. Without appropriate early exposure, however, loud barking may ensue.
Health
The Smooth Fox Terrier generally lives 12 to 15 years, and can live as long as 19 years. The breed is genetically quite healthy. Some known health problems are 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 and idiopathic epilepsy have also been reported, as well as goiter.
Grooming
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a low-maintenance dog in terms of grooming. Hair grows all over the entire body equally, so to have the smooth clean look areas must be scissored or clippered. For normal pet maintenance, brushing the coat, keeping the nails trimmed, and cleaning the hair out of the pads of the feet is important. Brushing teeth is also recommended, a dog's bite is very important to its health. Getting your Smooth Fox Terrier used to grooming at an early age is recommended for it will be easier for you the owner to do so throughout your dog's life. Smooth Fox Terriers are known for enjoying the attention that is brought to them while grooming.
Notable Smooth-haired Fox Terriers
Nipper, mascot of HMV and RCA; some commercials featured him portrayed as a Smooth Fox Terrier, though others dispute this and determine the dog was a Jack Russell Terriermixed breed.
Dash, seven consequent dogs of Sir Aurel Stein, who accompanied him in archeological expeditions to Xinjiang, Iran and other countries in the early 20th century
Igloo, pet of explorer Richard E. Byrd; frequently accompanied Byrd on trips to Antarctica
Angus and India are the Smooth Fox Terriers of fashion designer and film director Tom Ford; they appear in his film A Single Man and have been on the runway of his fashion show. John was another Smooth Fox Terrier owned by Ford; John and Ford appeared on the front page of i-D magazine in 2001.
