Jonangi vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison

The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of two Fox Terrier breeds, the other being the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. Fox Terriers are believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds and the ancestor of many terriers who came after. The Fox Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and the smooth Fox Terrier as a separate breed 100 years later in 1985. Some clubs still consider the two types of Fox Terriers as the same breed. The standard for smooth Fox Terrier was written in 1876 but not accepted until 1985.

Both breeds of Fox Terriers are thought to originate in the late 1800’s descended from various British Terriers, the beagle, the dachshund and the Fox Hound. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a base coat that is white. The hunters bred them this way, so they would not mistake them for the fox during the hunt. They have also been very successful in prestigious dog shows including Crufts in England and New York Westminster in the United States.

They are not that popular today unless you are hunting and showing them in Confirmation Competitions. However, the Smooth Fox Terrier is significant because of all the terriers that consider it their direct ancestor. This would include the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier and the Miniature Fox Terrier.

The Jonangi, known also as the Jagilam or Kolleti Jagilam is an Indian breed of dog which has always been used for hunting and herding.

The dog isn’t seen abundantly in India and it isn’t recognized by any major kennel clubs in India. It isn’t recognized as a pure” breed and there is also concern that the dog is reaching extinction.

Because of interbreeding with other dogs, there is quite a bit of variation in the Jonangi breed.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is distinguished from the Wirehaired and other terriers by his V-shaped head and white based coat. The coat can have tan, black and black and tan marks on the white coat. The Smooth Fox Terrier is sturdy, strong, sleek and symmetrical. The breed has a short back, and proportioned legs. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a flat skull and tapered muzzle. The nose is black, and the eyes are dark. He has v-shaped ears and a docked tail. Docking is no longer legal throughout the United Kingdom.

The Jonangi is a medium sized dog that stands between 43 – 53cm in height and weighs between 12 and 21kg. He is lean and muscular. Because of interbreeding with the Jonangi dog, the colors of their coats can vary and be anything from fawn, white, tan, black, bi-colored or even brindle. The coat is very short and fine which helps it cope with the extreme heat of the environment.

The ears are erect, the forehead is often wrinkled and the long tail is held out straight or it hangs down low. The ears are fairly short and are somewhat floppy.

Temperament:

The Jonangi is capable of being a true family pet, becoming loyal and devoted to his human family. This isn't a particularly intelligent dog but they're even tempered, fun loving, social and easy to please.

You'll find them getting on well with other pets in the home and children too. An interesting aspect with this dog is that he seems to like digging a hole and lying in it, even preferring this to the regular dog beds you get.

Characteristics

Children friendliness They shouldn’t be trusted with young children but if raised with older children ok

Special talents

They are good at performing tricks, Search and rescue, narcotics detection, tracking, and disability assistance.

Adaptability

Fox Terrier is adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

They have very good learning ability and are very intelligent but can be stubborn

Life with a Jonangi is easy going as these aren’t finicky dogs – they’re low maintenance, easy going, fairly healthy dogs that want to please you and just be your pet.

They make excellent companions, being loving and loyal to their human families and getting on well with other dogs and children in the home.

There are those who are trying to revive the breed, and that is a good thing as these are good natured family pets that will be a positive addition to any home.

One of the major problems for the Smooth Fox Terrier that the Wirehaired does not face is the potential for deafness. This is an issue in dogs that are mostly white in color. Other concerns that he does share with the Wirehaired Terrier are:

1. Distichiasis
2. Eye lash in an abnormal place causing pain
3. Legg-Perthes Disease
4. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
5. Shoulder Dislocation
6. Causes pain and arthritis
7. Post-nasal Drip
8. Just annoying
9. Mast Cell Tumor
10. Cancer – could be fatal
11. Myasthenia Gravis

Causes muscle weakness and problems swallowing.

This dog is a robust breed, used to living under difficult circumstances. You won't find many inherited diseases with him, but still it pays to know about some of the more common dog illnesses that he might face.

Arthritis:

With any dog, the joints can take quite a pounding which can lead to injuries. You may notice your dog doing less and having difficulty with common activities. Your dog may even have lameness. Your vet will try to avoid surgery and look at things such as diet and weight management. There are also medications, anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.

Ear Infections:

Ear infections are common with dogs and can be caused by allergies, ear mites and bacteria in the ear canal. Your Jonangi may be tilting his head or shaking it, he may be constantly scratching his ear, he may even have lack of balance and an unpleasant odor coming from his ear because of a discharge. Take him to the vet as soon as you think he has an ear infection.

Lower Urinary Tract Problems and Infections:

This problem which affects a dog’s lower urinary system can be totally debilitating for your dog. There are many problems which can cause this problem in your pet and which can lead to health conditions such as incontinence.

Older dogs and those with diabetes are more prone to urinary tract problems. Your dog will strain or yelp with discomfort when trying to pass urine. The urine may be very cloudy or even have blood in it and there may be dribbling of urine too. Other signs can be vomiting, lethargy, back pain, weight loss and change in appetite. See your veterinarian for immediate medical attention. It is considered a medical emergency.

Feeding the puppy

Feed 2-3 meals per day and divide 1/8-1/4 cup

Feeding the adult

Feed two meals per day and divide ½ cup

Points for Good Health

hearing and vision

Games and Exercises

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an athlete requiring a lot of exercise. Take him on long walks and play with him in a large fenced yard. Don’t coup him up in the house. Be careful not to exercise him off leash as he will chase anything that moves and will not come when called. They need mental stimulation as well as physical. They are good at hunting, agility, tracking, performing tricks and being a watchdog.

Diet:

With commercially manufactured dog food, there are companies that make quality foods that are formulated for certain conditions such as joint health. They have additives in them such as fish oils which decrease inflammation. Always look for a food that is appropriate for your dog’s age and energy levels.

Add in your own home-made food to his dry kibble such as cooked chicken, brown rice and pasta as well as vegetables and also try to include some raw meat into his kibble from time to time. Fresh, cool water should be available to him night and day.

Grooming:

With his short coat, the dog is looked upon as low maintenance. Brush him a couple of times a week to make sure the coat remains shiny. Check his eyes, ears and teeth for infections.

Exercise:

This dog is lean, energetic and agile. With his long strides, he likes to run over terrain sniffing and following scents. He is more suited to life in the countryside than to the city. Make sure you have a reasonable sized garden for him and meet his exercise needs by taking him on walks and playing ball and fetch games with him.