Smooth Fox Terrier

Dating back to the 16th Century in England, we're the older of the Fox Terriers (compared to the Wire types) -- the result of crossing ancient terrier breeds with the Dachshund and the Beagle. So we're a perfect terrier size (15.5 inches at the shoulder, 18 pounds) for rousting foxes from their dens -- or digging the holes a little bigger if it suits our purpose. The Smooth Fox Terrier was admitted to the AKC's Terrier Group in 1885. Today we're a rare breed, ranking 123rd on the kennel club's list of dog registrations statistics -- compared to our wiry cousins in 94th place.

• Adaptable to apartment life -- with ample exercise
• Affectionate, loyal family friend
• Agile and active
• Always alert
• Born to run, happy to walk
• Busy is better than bored
• Confident and self-assured
• Energizer doggie

• Even-tempered, good-natured
• Aggressive tendencies toward other dogs
• Hardy hunter
• Independent thinker
• Intelligent and ready to learn
• Outdoors enthusiast
• Playful pal
• Pleased to please
• Caters to country, tolerates town
• Ready to romp
• Socialization and training must start early
• Spirited
• Takes to training

I'm going to need your help -- in my socialization and training -- with a couple faults (or defaults) in my Fox Terrier nature. First, I can be aggressive toward other dogs. Please start my socialization early, introducing me to every kind of critter I might encounter on life's journey, and don't hesitate to bring a animal-behavior professional into the case. Second, I'm a notorious digger. Again, training and substitute activities might change that habit, but animal behaviorists will have good ideas to share, too.

Possible deafness, epilepsy, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, myasthenia gravis, atopic dermatitis, eye disorders (including glaucoma, cataracts, lens luxation), and distichiasis).