The smooth fox terrier is a breed of dog that is very bold, energetic, loving and full of life. These are the qualities that many smooth fox terrier owners love about the dog; these are also the qualities that many hunters admired about the smooth fox terrier. Although unknown to many smooth fox terrier dog owners, this breed was once used as a hunting dog. In the 18th century the smooth fox terrier was used to hunt foxes in England. It was primarily used to hunt foxes by harassing the fox out of its hole. The smooth fox terrier was trained to hunt the fox and harass it from its hole by snapping, growling and lunging at the fox until it bolted out from its hole. The smooth fox terrier was a very useful hunting companion. Before the smooth fox terrier was discovered, the hunt for a fox would be very frustrating for many hunters as the hunt would be over as soon as the fox reached its hole. So when the smooth fox terrier was introduced it solved the dilemma that many fox hunters faced.
When a smooth fox terrier was chosen as a hunting dog there were certain features and requirements that the dog had to posses to prove to be a good hunting dog. One of the most important abilities that the smooth fox terrier needed to posses in order to be a good hunting dog was the stamina to run with the foxhounds that were used to sniff out the foxes. The smooth fox terrier also needed to be small enough to fit into the lair of the fox, as it was required to enter the foxhole to drive it out. Lastly, the smooth fox terrier needed to be tough and have the ability to stand up to the fox, as most foxes are likely to try and fight off the smooth fox terrier and chase it from its hole. The smooth fox terrier needed to be able to stand its ground and chase the fox out of the hole.
Today the smooth fox terrier is no longer used for hunting, as fox hunting has been banned in many areas where the smooth fox terrier once hunted. Instead the smooth fox terrier has proven to be a dedicated and loyal family dog that is affectionate with children. Most smooth fox terriers still have that hunting instinct in them and have the urge to pursue vermin by digging after them once they have gone underground. Smooth fox terriers can be an indoor as well as an outdoor family pet, however because of its nature most smooth fox terriers prefer to be outdoors. Every smooth fox terrier has its own personality and individual behavior; therefore it is important that you realize early on whether you dog prefers to be kept indoors or outdoors.
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