Smooth Fox Terriers originated in England during the 18th century. In those bygone days such celebrated hunts as the Belvoir, Grove, Quorn and Oakley maintained their favorite strains of kennel terriers. It didn't seem to matter to the huntsman what kind or style of terrier was kept, so long as he performed his work. In some hunts the terrier was carried in a bag, slung over the shoulder of the "terrier man", in other the terrier followed behind the pack of hounds. When the Fox went to ground the terrier was brought up to go into the hole and "bolt" the Fox so the hunt could continue. The English dog shows of 1862-63 brought the Smooth Fox Terrier to public attention and acceptance. The progress from the servant's hall to the drawing room was rapid. At Birmingham in 1863 Old Jock, Old Trap and Old Tartar were entered, the acknowledged progenitors of the modern Smooth, though all were of dubious parentage. Pedigrees were not reliable until about 1874. The American Fox Terrier Club was formed in 1885 during the Westminster Kennel Club Show. The first Specialty was held the following year with an entry of 75 Smooths and 4 Wires. The Smooth with his clean elegant lines, lack of grooming, makes him a great companion for city or country. They are excellent family pets, good with children, and they adapt to the lifestyle of their owner. The Smooth Fox Terrier is truly a multi-purpose dog. In the SFTA (Eng.) Year Book of 1940 the following appears: "Now if one hears of a dog, who lives in the country and herds up cattle and sheep like a Collie, looks after the poultry and young chickens, like a farmer's daughter, guards the house and orchards, like a policeman, plays with the children, like a nurserymaid, and enters in the family like with ingenuous and instructive understanding, he will generally be found to be a Smooth Fox Terrier, and if all that is not intelligence in the right sense, what is? .........." Many a good Smooth has been used successfully as a flushing hunter on upland game birds, works pheasant better than most larger dogs, points partridge and retrieves them when shot even from water. They have been used to track and flush deer. \for many years Ringling Brothers Circus had an act of Smooth Fox Terriers; and they have often been seen in movies and on television. The Army uses them for marijuana detection. How can you tell which Smooth will make a hunting terrier? The answer is that any Smooth will hunt if given the opportunity. Very few of the dogs bred today will have an opportunity to be entered to Fox or put into full-time work with a Hunt. The practical working ability of our show terriers needs emphasis. The American Working Terrier Association was created to fill such a need. Working Terrier Field Trials are held for all terrier breeds and Dachshunds small enough to get down a nine inch drain. Entrants at the trial are judged on their willingness to go to ground and work quarry. Certificates of Gameness (C.G.) Are awarded to qualifying dogs. Early concern that breeding for show would ruin the Smooth's personality proved unfounded, for through the years the only real change has been for the better. Many Smooth's hold Champion titles, along with Obedience titles and Certificates of Gameness, and all of these while being a Companion at home.
What is it you are looking for in a dog? Companionship? The Smooth Fox Terrier fits the bill. Whether you're young of old, active or sedate, there's a Smooth for you. Do you want amusement from a dog? A Smooth puppy is the perfect jester, always tries hard to please his audience, and will display his talents at a moments notice. Would you prefer a gentlemanly house dog? A properly trained Smooth is well-mannered without losing any of this zest. He is quite capable of being housebroken, learning to stay off furniture, and not jumping on guests. Maybe you live on a farm and want a dog to find your barn of rats and mice, or to go hunting, what better dog than a Smooth Fox Terrier. Everyone wants a watchdog, and there are none better than a Smooth, with his keen hearing he always reacts to any strange noise, barking steadily until everything is quiet again, His versatility makes him a wonderful pet for almost anyone. How much you spend for your Smooth Fox Terrier depends on whether you are buying a Show prospect or a pet, a 8-12 week old puppy or and older dog. If it's a show dog you are interested in, then you want a Smooth with good bloodlines and the possibility of developing into a champion. Perhaps you a looking for a Smooth for your breeding program. You may want to consider a puppy over 6 months of age where the future quality is more predictable. Sometimes a puppy of 8-12 weeks is too vigorous for the dog buyer. Older dogs are quite often available. These older Smooths will adjust to your home with a minimum of fuss.
The Smooth Fox Terrier of your choice will come with a Pedigree and AKC registration papers. At 8-12 week the puppy should have had it's first DHLPP vaccination, usually a series of 4 are given between 8 and 16 weeks, than an annual booster. After this series you should consider the Corona virus vaccination, and at 6 months a Rabies vaccination. You may want to talk to your Veterinarian about the vaccinations suitable for you area. You will also be provided with a record of worming, inoculations, and diet of the puppy or older dog you are purchasing. Be sure to take this record with you to the Vets. Change foods gradually to avoid digestive upsets. Bones can be unsafe, use rawhide chews or dog biscuits. It is best to bring your new dog or puppy home when you have a couple of days to spend helping him to adjust to a new household and routine. A leash is an important piece of equipment. It keeps your Smooth safely at your side and out of harms way. It will come in very handy when traveling. If you use a choke chain with your leash, never leave it on your dog unattended. When traveling in a car with your Smooth, always use a kennel carrier as it is the safest way to transport your dog. It acts like a seat belt to protect your dog in case of sudden stops or accidents. The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of the easiest of the Terriers to keep looking fit. Keep him in tip-top condition, not too fat or too thin. Exercise will keep his muscles hard and firm, if you are a walker or a jogger take your dog with you. A daily brushing will keep the coat sleek and clean, and prevent shedding in the house. Always keep toe nails short and trim. If you are reluctant to use nail clippers, get a coarse file.
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