Smooth-haired Fox Terriers: how to look and how to contain them?

Smooth-haired Fox Terriers are very popular among medium-sized dog breeds. They are distinguished by vigor and pronounced optimism. Next to them in a bad mood will not work. These four-legged friends with their behavior will be able to eradicate the sadness and make you forget the boredom. The original purpose of fox terriers was to help hunters, and today the representatives of this breed are true friends of man and true family members.

According to historical data, the first mass breeding of fox terriers began in England. The main purpose of these dogs was fox hunting, and the name of the breed came from this, “fox” - “fox”, and “terra” translated from Latin “land”.

A historical mention of Fox Terriers dates from the XI century. It says that the first lover of this breed, directly involved in the selection and breeding of fox terriers, was the Count of Monte. First of all, he considered representatives of the breed as working animals, not paying attention to their appearance. The image of dogs that is familiar to us today is due to crossing with bull terriers, dachshunds, spaniels and even beagles.

It was at this time that fox hunting became popular throughout the UK. In this case, the main task of fox terriers was fox from the burrow.

In the same period, breeders began to address the issue of coat color of these dogs. They wanted to fill the fur coat of the animal with the predominant white color so that the dogs had a bright difference from the foxes, and the hunter did not accidentally shoot his pet instead of the prey. Besides, Individuals with a wide chest were considered culling, as the dimensions did not allow them to crawl into the narrow distance of the hole.

At the same time her representatives began to be divided into several types, namely: smooth and wire-haired. The breed standard was the same.

At the end of the XIX century fox terriers began to spread throughout Europe. The first puppy, turned out in Russia, was intended for Prince Golitsyn, who was later recognized as the first Russian connoisseur of fox terriers.

The International Cynological Federation suggests differences in the Fox Terrier breed for smooth and hard-haired representatives. The difference in the standard of the breed is only in the peculiarities of the animal's hair.

Hair of the haired representatives of the breed is a wire texture of high-density hair and medium length. In the area of ​​the back and paws, the hair is somewhat longer than in the rest of the body. On the face of wire-haired Fox Terriers a small beard grows, which gives it a rectangular shape.

Having considered the differences of wool, you should get acquainted with the detailed description of the breed standard.

• Body length Fox terriers are directly proportional to the height of the animal. The structure of the body is strong, muscular. The body itself is refined, seemingly light and springy.
• Head has a flat shape, gently tapers to the tip of the nose, narrow cheekbones only emphasize the external characteristics of the muzzle.
• Fall Fox terriers are distinguished by strong jaws. It is important to have a complete set of teeth. In this case, the standard bite should be scissor.
• Eyes should be dark in color, rounded in shape. Visual inspection seems that the eyeballs are particularly expressive.
• By standard ears they are small, triangular in shape, standing upright with the tips slightly tilted forward.
• Rib cage narrow, belly tightened.
• Front and rear limbs have a straight shape with pronounced muscles.
• Tail is located high on the body, directed upwards, quite often it is stopped. It is this part of the body of fox terriers that has tremendous power; if necessary, the dog can be pulled out of the hole. Representatives of this breed never wag their tails, they make light waves, resembling shaking.

Wool color has a three-color map, namely: red and black spots, spread out on a white background. According to the standard color allowed in two colors, although these dogs are quite rare.

The main characteristic of these mini-hunters is their height and weight, where the standard height of fox terriers at the withers is 35–40 cm, and their weight varies between 6–8 kg.

Smooth-haired terriers are kind and responsive animals, they are very strongly attached to their owner and his family. May be demanding to the owner if they lack physical exertion.

In the absence of attention fox terriers begin to show nervousness, expressed in indiscriminate barking and bad behavior. If in advance it is known that the dog will more belong to itself, it is better to abandon the idea to start a fox terrier.

By character, the representatives of the described breed are considered to be sociable creatures. They will spend time with the owner with great pleasure. Fox terriers very quickly find a common language with children and teenagers.

Fox terriers, on the other hand, tend to be jealous. The dog will be angry at any member of the family if he lets a foreign animal to him. Especially brightly the fox terrier expresses a jealous attitude when another pet appears on its territory and most of the attention goes to a new pet. Representatives of this breed, it is important to be in the center of general attention, to feel the love and care of every loved one.

Fox terriers are dogs that love active behavior and require constant movement. They will rush after a butterfly, a cat, a bird and any rodents with great pleasure.

The owner, first encountered with the content of Fox Terriers, you need to know that these dogs are cocky in nature. During a walk, they may unjustly pounce on another dog, while not even paying attention to the dimensions of their opponent. For this reason will have to constantly control your pet, educate and train.

Puppies of the described breed are very active, they love to run, jump, play, but at the same time listen to the owner. Adults do not lose vividness and love for games at all, they are ready to carry out commands, to follow the master's requirements.

It is not allowed to leave the Fox Terrier alone for several days.. If there is a working trip, it is best to find a specialized animal for the animal, where the dog will not be bored in the circle of his relatives. And for a family travel dog is best to take with you.

According to average statistics, Fox Terriers live for about 12–15 years. If the animals are properly cared for, it is likely that the dog will be able to please its owner for 20 years, although such cases were extremely rare.

Unfortunately, hunter dogs cannot boast a long life. Sometimes in a fight with a wild animal, they can get wounds incompatible with life. And inept shooters may accidentally shoot a dog.

Care and maintenance of dogs of individual breeds are very different from each other. However, Fox Terriers in this matter unpretentious. The owner of the animal will only need to cut the claws as they grow, to check the eyes for secretions, to clean the ears and teeth.

You can keep these wonderful four-legged friends both in the apartment and in a private house with a fenced plot, where the animal can run, jump and have fun. Fox terriers do not suffer from abundant moult, which is highly valued by housewives.

The pet owner should pay special attention to the health of his pet. High-quality care and regular check-ups of a veterinarian can prevent the occurrence of diseases. From birth, fox terriers should pass timely vaccination.

The next vaccination is done at the age of six months after the change of the milk teeth of the dog. In the year put a comprehensive vaccine against many serious diseases, namely, from distemper, enteritis and rabies. After each vaccination, the dog may experience discomfort, sometimes it seems to be sluggish, occasionally losing its appetite. You should not worry - in a day, at most two everything will pass. It is important to know that after each vaccination, the dog must spend some time in quarantine.

Fox terriers by nature like to lead an active lifestyle, respectively, a separate issue in keeping a dog is walking. Representatives of this breed should go out to the street every day, give oneself free rein, pour out the accumulated energy. It is good to take the dog to the park zone, to give an opportunity to run along the obstacle course.

From early childhood, Fox Terrier puppies, it is important to teach a muzzle, leash and collar. In adulthood, without these attributes, the dog can not be displayed on the street. Their tendency to attack other animals should be stopped from childhood, and for this they will have to exert maximum efforts in raising and training a dog.

A very important aspect of fox terrier content is the socialization of the animal.. To acquaint the dog with the outside world is necessary from early childhood. It is very important that the puppy communicate with his relatives from the young claws, meet other people, perceive the street without fear and fear.

Fur coat smooth Fox Fox Terrier does not require special care. The lack of undercoat significantly reduces the need for washing and scratching a dog. For these procedures, you will need to purchase shampoo for short-haired pets and a soft-bristled brush.

Breeders need to bring a Fox Terrier several times a year for a trimming procedure that helps to get rid of dead hair. If you ignore this rule, a dog may experience many dermatological diseases.

Do not make fox terriers decorative haircuts, even if the animal is preparing for the exhibition. Any manipulation of shortening the hair can not only spoil the appearance, but also reduce the quality of wool.

The diet of fox terriers should be as balanced as possible, which has a positive effect on the pet's health. You can feed your dog with a super-premium dry food. The main thing is to choose the food appropriate to the age and size of the dog.

In addition to dry food fox terriers with great pleasure will begin to eat natural food. The main thing is not to mix two separate power options.

If the dog’s food consists exclusively of natural products, the owner needs to remember that most of the daily ration should consist of meat. On some days, it is preferable to add fish variety. As a supplement, the dog should be given vegetables, cereals and dairy products. Adults need to arrange fasting days (once a week is enough). But this does not mean that the Fox Terrier must be fully protected from food.

It is very important that the dog has constant access to drinking water. Especially in cases where the pet's diet consists only of dry food. To properly create a natural menu, the owner should know what products should receive Fox Terriers.

• The basis of the daily diet is meat products. It contains the maximum amount of protein, vitamins and minerals. Fox terrier is better to give meat of turkey, rabbit and beef.
• The fish menu should be arranged a maximum of twice a week, while completely eliminating meat. Before giving the dog fish, it must be boiled and boned.
• The body of any dog, especially fox terriers, it is important to get enough fiber. It is contained in rice and buckwheat. From garden foods fiber rich in zucchini carrots, cabbage and herbs. In addition, each finished dish should be slightly seasoned with vegetable oil.
• It is undesirable for adults to give milk, kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt or home-made yogurt will fit.

In addition to the allowed food, there is a small list of foods that fox terriers can not eat.

• Tubular bones. They can scratch the internal organs, which can cause internal bleeding in the dog.
• Sweets. Products containing sugar, vanilla and other sweeteners are considered poisonous to a dog's body.
• Human food. Dogs should not be given food off the table. In the process of cooking, human food is seasoned with spices forbidden to the dog's body.
• Fat meat. Fox terriers should not be given pork and meat products that are high in fat.

Raising and training a Fox Terrier is not an easy task. The owner of the dog will have extraordinary patience. First of all, the pet must be taught to the toilet. Initially, to home, and after a couple of weeks and to the street. After each meal, the puppy is required to be taken to the place of departure, and after successfully done work, be sure to praise the kid with a treat. Of course, it will not do without blunders, but you cannot punish the baby strictly. Reprimand can be made within 15 seconds after the appearance of a puddle made in front of the owner. Otherwise, the dog will not understand what he gets reprimanded for.

Fox terriers do not perceive rudeness, especially in the learning process. They do not tolerate dismissive attitude. And to beat the animal is strictly prohibited, otherwise the relationship between the owner and the dog will be spoiled. In simple terms, the dog will be afraid of its owner.

It is best to train the animal 30 minutes before meals. Thus, each individual lesson will have a connection with good emotions.

If the owner of the Fox Terrier during class will show attention and patience to his pet, then in a few days there will be a huge breakthrough. The dog will begin to obey, to carry out some commands. And all thanks to the ingenuity and speed of understanding. However, dog experts argue that There are some factors that can spoil every single lesson.

During training, the owner will have to exert maximum efforts so that the attention of the dog will be directed only at the owner. The animal should not be distracted by extraneous sounds, noises, voices and movements. During the training, there must be equitable contact between the dog and the breeder. Canine recommended to conduct each lesson with an animal in a game form, with you have a large number of treats, so that the dog, throughout the entire training, comes up with a delicious motivation.

The first basic lessons of the dog should be held on an individual basis, and after studying the standard package of commands, the dog should be transferred to group lessons. In a company with other dogs, the learning process will be a little more difficult, as long as the pet has crossed the level of distraction.

A beginner breeder will be able to bring up a fox terrier in a worthy manner It is important for a person in this process to exercise patience, character and severity of voice. Each action must have a clear sequence. The owner is obliged to show leadership qualitiesIf you give at least minimal slack, the dog will cease to obey and will begin to consider himself the main "in the pack."

Fox terriers do not perceive the assault on their person. If suddenly the owner hit his pet, it is not necessary to wait for a good outcome of the situation. The reaction of the dog may be different, but in most cases the animal begins to grin and snap. Often, after such an incident, it becomes impossible to obtain obedience from the animal. Fox Terrier will completely lose confidence in the owner and be offended.

If the newly breeder has doubts about his own ability to train a dog, it is better to contact an experienced dog handler. He will show how to conduct classes, advise how to behave with a dog, and also point out possible mistakes.

For smooth fox terriers, see below.