Appearance of the Smooth Fox Beagle
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Although bred for similar purposes, the two parent breeds are quite different in structure. Hybrid dogs can inherit any characteristic from their parents, in this case the Beagle, a stocky dog slightly longer than it is tall, with a broad, flat head and a deep, square muzzle, and the Fox Terrier Smooth, a well-muscled but supple dog, with a narrower, triangular head and a long muzzle that tapers somewhat at the tip. Their eyes are generally round and brown, although some inherit the hazel eyes sometimes found in Beagles. They can have triangular ears set high on the head and folded down like the Fox Terrier Smooth, or longer, floppy ears with rounded tips like the Beagle. Its tail is usually straight and carried vertically when alert or at attention, although some dogs have their tail curled slightly over their back. |
Temperament of the Smooth Fox Beagle
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The Smooth Fox Terrier is a curious, impulsive breed with a peppery nature, and while the introduction of the Beagle is unlikely to reduce the Smooth Fox Beagle's curiosity or energy, in most cases it will produce a friendlier animal, both towards humans and other dogs. Those who take after the Beagle will be more tolerant of young children, but this particular dog will probably be better suited to a home with older children and adults. Like most hounds, these dogs tend to follow their noses, have a strong propensity for hunting and are known for their selective deafness, especially when in pursuit of something that has caught their attention. The Smooth Fox Beagle should be kept on a leash when outdoors, and should never be left alone in a yard, even a fenced one, unsupervised, due to its ability to escape. |
Needs and activities of the Smooth Fox Beagle
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The Smooth Fox Beagle is a mix of two very active small hounds, and tends to need more exercise than most dogs of its size. Sixty minutes of vigorous activity a day is usually enough, although most dogs are happy with a little more. In addition to brisk walks and backyard ball games, these dogs are likely to be adept at other activities, such as tracking exercises or agility training. Although these dogs are smaller, they generally don't make very good apartment dogs due to their need for exercise and tendency to bark excessively. |
Maintenance of the Smooth Fox Beagle
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These dogs are extremely easy to care for in terms of grooming requirements. They only need to be bathed a few times a year, and weekly brushing with a long-haired brush or grooming glove removes dead or loose hair and keeps the coat soft and shiny. Smooth Fox Beagles that have inherited the Fox Terrier Smooth coat will have a rougher, coarser coat than those that have inherited the Beagle's softer coat, but both shed at roughly the same rate. Dogs with hanging ears like the Beagle also need to be kept clean and dry to avoid ear infections. |