Fox Terrier

A small and at first glance unremarkable dog, a smooth-haired fox-terrier, in fact, played a big role in dog breeding. These dogs, along with the Greyhound, were among the first to take part in exhibitions. The smooth-haired Fox Terrier breed is very significant, as it was the first in the Fox Terrier family to be officially recognized by the Kennel Club in 1875. The origin story begins around the 18th century - the oldest evidence is the portrait of a beloved dog - a fox terrier named Pitch, painted by its owner, Colonel Thornton in 1790. The ancestors of a smooth-haired fox-terrier can be considered a brown terrier and a smooth-haired black terrier (these dogs have already become extinct today), in addition, their DNA contains traces of a bull terrier and a beagle. In the 18-19th century, a smooth-haired fox-terrier was widely used for hunting foxes, which, in principle, is clear from the name of the breed ((fox), in English it means "fox"). They are able to break holes, and pursue their prey with amazing tenacity, especially when you consider the small size of this dog. Nowadays, they are rarely bred for such purposes, at least in the CIS. However, for example, in England, this type of hunting is still popular with some avid hunters. The American Kennel Club recognized smooth-haired Fox Terriers in 1885, the breed standard was drawn up a year later - in 1886. In addition, the smooth-haired Fox Terrier is the "father founder" of many modern terrier breeds. In other words, many breeds of terriers came precisely from a smooth-haired fox-terrier. By the way, hunters of the 18th-19th centuries were more likely to appreciate dogs with white coat color, since in the active phase of hunting, when foxes were driven out to the open, the dog was easy to see and not accidentally confused with the fox.

The Fox Terrier is a study in contrasts, combining elegance with ruggedness. Its compact, muscular build is designed for speed and agility, essential traits for its original role in hunting. The breed's head is long and narrow, with a flat skull and a keen expression that reflects its alert nature. The eyes are dark and full of intelligence, while the ears are small and v-shaped, adding to its distinctive profile. The coat, whether smooth or wiry, is predominantly white with black or tan markings, providing both protection and a striking appearance.

The smooth-haired fox-terrier has a very friendly and open character, and as usual treats all people well. Regardless of whether this is a stranger or a close friend of the family, the dog will perceive it normally, and most likely will try to make friends in the first hour of communication. If not in the first 10 minutes. These animals have a huge amount of energy, they love to walk and spend time outdoors in a variety of games and entertainment, including with other dogs. Due to the large amount of internal energy, as well as a tendency to stubbornness, many dog ​​breeders do not recommend starting this breed to inexperienced owners who previously did not have dogs. They are quite smart, have internal independence, but it happens that the internal instincts and the desire to play and fool around outweigh the mind, the cries of the owner and education. This happens especially if he sniffed an interesting smell, or decided to attack a cat. Children are well received if they show respect and do not harm the dog. Smooth Fox Terrier is always happy to play, go for a walk, and generally spend time with interest. Since these dogs have strong hunting instincts, it is better to be friends with cats from a very young age. In addition, do not forget about the early socialization of your pet, as the variety of situations with other people, animals, new smells and sounds will make it more developed and open.

Historically bred for hunting, the Fox Terrier's utility extends beyond its original purpose. Its keen sense of smell and agile movements make it an excellent candidate for various canine sports, including agility and obedience competitions. In modern times, the breed has also found roles as therapy dogs, where their friendly disposition and intuitive nature provide comfort to those in need. The Fox Terrier's versatility is further demonstrated by its success in show rings around the world, where its striking appearance and spirited performance continue to captivate audiences.