their hiding spots and into the line of sight of the larger dogs and men on horses. Smooth Fox Terriers with white coats were less likely to be mistaken for the fox in close combat situations, and were therefore more highly prized. Temperament The Smooth Fox Terrier is a highly energetic dog, and thus not recommended for first time dog owners. As the breed was originally bred to go after small animals, they also have a high prey instinct, they are very friendly dogs and do not mind strangers if introduced and exposed to people from a young age. Without appropriate early exposure, however, loud barking may ensue. Health The Smooth Fox Terrier generally lives 12 to 15 years, and can live as long as 19 years. The breed is genetically quite healthy. Some known health problems are deafness, luxating patellas and a variety of eye disorders such as lens luxation, distichiasis, and cataracts. Skeletal problems that can occur include Legge-Perthes disease and shoulder dislocations. Myasthenia gravis and idiopathic epilepsy have also been reported, as well as goiter. Grooming The Smooth Fox Terrier is a low-maintenance dog in terms of grooming. Hair grows all over the entire body equally, so to have the smooth clean look areas must be scissored or clippered. For normal pet maintenance, brushing the coat, keeping the nails trimmed, and cleaning the hair out of the pads of the feet is important. Brushing teeth is also recommended, a dog's bite is very important to its health. Getting your Smooth Fox Terrier used to grooming at an early age is recommended for it will be easier for you the owner to do so throughout your dog's life. Smooth Fox Terriers are known for enjoying the attention that is brought to them while grooming. Notable Smooth-haired Fox Terriers Nipper, mascot of HMV and RCA; some commercials featured him portrayed as a Smooth Fox Terrier, though others dispute this and determine the dog was a Jack Russell Terrier mixed breed. Snitter, protagonist from the novel The Plague Dogs, written by Richard Adams Titina, travelled with Umberto Nobile on Airship Norge and Airship Italia Skip, from the book My Dog Skip by Willie Morris (played by a Jack Russell Terrier in the film of the same name) Dash, seven consequent dogs (among them, six Smooth Fox Terriers) of Sir Aurel Stein, who accompanied him in archeological expeditions to Xinjiang, Iran