Breeds

Smooth Fox Terrier

Smooth Fox Terrier Dog Breed

The Smooth Fox Terrier has a strong, athletic body. Many agree that he is the smartest of the terrier breeds, second to none in killing vermin and bolting fox. He is an alert, smart, amusing, lively, and independent breed. The Smooth Fox Terrier is an excellent working dog and makes an intelligent pet.

He is a sturdy clean little dog with a lot of spirit and personality, able to fit into any lifestyle if given a fair chance. He is easily trainable. Because of his terrier instinct, this dog loves to bark. Digging is also a natural talent which needs to be expressed. He has a tendency to be feisty and defiant at times. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a higher than normal prey drive for a terrier and may be very aggressive toward other dogs.

He is suspicious of strangers and does not quickly warm up to them. This breed may not be tolerant of small children. He can be easily distracted, and it is often hard to focus his attention, particularly when other animals are present. Training should start early and be consistent and firm. “Down” and “Come” commands are often difficult to teach this stubborn, willful breed.

Socialization is crucial as soon as possible; you need to start introducing him to people and dogs from puppy hood. Spoiling may create a pushy, dominant dog that uses biting to get his way. Unlike other terriers, the Smooth Fox loves to retrieve. Use this method to get his attention as well as a constructive exercise.

Size: The Smooth Fox Terrier stands 14-15 ½ in at the shoulder and weighs between 15 and 20lb.

History and origin: This breed was used in England in the 18th century as a bolter of fox and as a ratter. It is believed that various breeds such as Greyhound, Beagle, Wire Fox, and Bull Terrier were used in the development of the Smooth Fox. The breed made his first debut in show ring in 1862 at the Birmingham, England National Dog Show.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed would be ½ – 1 can of high quality meat product (13.3oz size) with biscuit added in equal amount or 1 ½ cupfuls of a complete dry food.

Exercise: The ideal home for this highly active breed is a house with fenced yard, though an apartment is adequate as long as he is getting his daily exercise. Several walks a day is necessary for this breed as well as occasional runs.

Grooming: This breed has a smooth, short, and shedding coat that requires daily brushing using a stiff brush. Trimming is required a few weeks before a show, paying particular attention to the inside and outside of ears, jaw, and muzzle.

Smooth Fox Terrier

English Bulldog Facts

The bulldog was first given it’s name in 1567 by England residents. The English Bulldog was originally breed and used for bull baiting.

Bull baiting was a form of entertainment in England. The English Bulldog would bite a ring that was hooked to a bull’s nose and try to suffocate the bull. Bull baiting was deemed a barbaric sport and was banned in 1835.

English Bulldog’s are know to be be short in stature but very stocky. Another well know characteristic of an English Bulldog is it’s very wrinkly face. The English Bulldog comes in a variety of coat colors from white to brindle.

A mature English Bulldog weighs from 55 – 80 pounds and is 12 – 16 inches long.

English Bulldogs are great family pets and get along with children very well. They have no problem being around other pets or environments where there may be a crowd of people. Unlike some other bull breed dogs the English Bulldog is a very playful and charismatic dog.

The English Bulldog can not take extended periods of time in the heat. Due to problematic health issues it prefers cooler climates which makes it a necessity to be an inside dog.

English Bulldogs tend to breathe and snore very heavily and this is a trait you will need to grow accustom to. Along with the snoring English Bulldogs pass gas and some can be prone to drool.

You will need exercise the English Bulldog to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If it does not receive regular exercise English Bulldogs will gain weight which in turn could lead to serious health problems. A healthy Bulldog will live about 10 – 11 happy years.

English Bulldogs suffer from several health issues that may need to be addressed. Two health problems that English Bulldogs are prone to is hip dysplasia and elongated soft palate.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic flaw that is caused from abnormal hip joint development when a puppy. This will cause the Bulldog to walk stiff or almost look like it is bunny hopping when trying to walk. Hip dysplasia can be corrected through a surgical operation that can be expensive.

When a Bulldog has an elongated soft palate this will cause stressed breathing. The palate can be corrected by surgery and should be an easy fix if detected early. This is generally an easy fix and is not to expensive when compared to the
corrective surgery for hip dysplasia.

One last area that will need attention is the folds on the English Bulldogs face. These folds need to be regularly cleaned and checked for any hot spots or sores. They tend to get filled with dirt and anything else the Bulldog rubs it’s face in.

An English Bulldog is a wonderful pet and will bring you many years of happiness if well cared for. I would not recommend a Bulldog for a first time pet owner unless you are ready for the responsibility or a medium – high maintainice pet.

English Bulldog