How to Groom a Smoothhaired Fox Terrier

Smooth Fox Terriers are a small but proud breed. They are a member of the Terrier family and were the first of this kind the American Kennel Club recognized as a breed. They have coats made up of very short hair, usually white with black or brown markings. They need a full grooming every 8 to 10 weeks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Natural bristle brush
• Metal comb
• Cotton balls
• Scissors

1. Brush regularly with a natural bristle brush to keep the coat smooth and clean. It should be hard in texture and lay completely flat on the body. It should have a nice glossy look to it. Use metal combs to get out any tangles or knots. Smooth Fox Terriers shed an average amount of hair.

2. Bathe when necessary, but not too often. Bathing dries out the skin and strips the coat of natural oils. Put cotton balls in the dog's ears so that water doesn't get inside them during the bath.

3. Neaten the coat using scissors. There isn't much styling involved in grooming the coat of the Smooth Fox Terrier, so a general trimming of stray hairs should do.

Tips & Warnings

• This breed has a life expectancy of at least 15 years.
• This breed was developed by mixing Dachsunds, English Hounds, Fox Hounds and Beagles. People originally used Terriers to hunt foxes in England during the 1700s. The dogs would annoy foxes until they came out of their holes.
• White dogs of this breed may be prone to deafness. Some minor health problems associated with the Smoothhaired Fox Terrier include post nasal drip, lens luxation, distichiasis, cataracts, Legg-Perthes and shoulder dislocation.