Treeing Cur 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 Treeing Cur dog is a mixed-breed, working dog which hails from the USA and recognized by the United Kennel Club in November 1998.

They’ve always been used to tree animals such as squirrels, raccoons, bears, and even mountain lions. They were developed to be used as hunting and guarding dogs.

Aside from these good qualities, today the dog makes an excellent family companion.

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.

Standing at between 46 – 61cm in height and weighing between 14 – 27kg, the medium-sized Treeing Cur is athletic and muscular.

He has a short to medium-length double coat that can be in a number of colors. Red and white, tan and white, black and white, brindle, some freckling and bi-colored or tri-colored.

The eyes are mostly brown but can be green or blue too. They’re well-muscled and robust and have medium length floppy ears. The tail is mostly docked but is sometimes left long.

Temperament:

These dogs are alert and intelligent, being easy to train and wanting to please their owners, getting along well with all members of the family, including children and other dogs.

They’re strong-willed dogs and will require training and socialization if you want them to be well behaved wherever they are. He is intelligent so there won’t be any trouble with training him. He is very responsive to what his owner requires of him, with a desire to make their owners pleased with them.

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

The Treeing Cur is a working dog that loves all the action. He is an alert, intelligent dog, and being territorial and protective, he makes an excellent guardian dog too.

They can show some aggression towards strangers and other dogs they don’t know. Apart from being an excellent hunting dog, the Treeing Cur loves to be around their human family, making loyal and loving companions.

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.

These dogs are very healthy and you’re not likely to have many vet bills when you bring one into your home.

However, there are always some diseases that can plague dogs and these are -

Ear Infections:

The Treeing Cur has floppy ears, and particularly if it's a dog that loves swimming, it will battle with moisture in the ears. Dogs with floppy ears don’t have good air-flow inside the ears like a dog with erect ears would have. This means that the dog is prone to ear infections.

Cancer:

This is such a common dog illness that can strike even young dogs. That is why it is important to check your dog over regularly for lumps and bumps on the body. Age increases the risk of cancer, so if you feel an unusual lump on your Treeing Cur, better to have your dog checked out at the vet.

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.

Exercise:

Being an energetic working dog, this dog isn’t going to be content to be lying around. He is going to need regular exercise. He loves a brisk walk or even a run next to you when you go cycling.

When at home, you can consider ball games and hide and seek games with him. They just love to run, and if you live near a park, he will want to be off the leash if possible for some free running and sniffing around.

They’re smart dogs and will need some form of mental stimulation as well.

Grooming:

The short coat of the Treeing Cur will do well with a brush twice a week. While you brush your dog, check him out for ticks and fleas. Also, check him over for any unusual lumps.

Part of his grooming should be to check inside his ears for signs of redness, to make sure his eyes are nice and bright still and to see if he will let you look inside his mouth for bad teeth. Bad teeth can be a source of pain for him.

Make sure to keep his nail trimmed as well.

Diet:

Caring for your Treeing Cur in a responsible manner means ensuring good food. Such an active dog will require proper nutrients so as to meet his energy and health needs.

Your Treeing Cur will need a high-quality commercially manufactured dog food for active dogs and they will also benefit from other simple cooked foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. The habit of feeding your Treeing Cur human foods such as chocolates, popcorn, peanuts, onions and spices could cause digestive upsets and possible vet fees.

Make sure your pet has constant access to fresh, cool water.