Smooth Foxton

The Smooth Foxton is a hybrid breed that was developed by crossing a Boston Terrier and a Smooth Fox Terrier. Smooth Fox Terriers were bred to run with foxhound packs during the 18th century in England. They were sometimes carried in a bag by one of the hunters on horseback who was called the “terrier man”. Most Terrier-type dogs that could bolt a fox from its hole were referred to as a Fox Terrier in those days and hunters preferred using white dogs so they wouldn’t mistake the dog for a fox. The Smooth Fox Terrier was also used to hunt and retrieve birds and track deer. Bull Terriers, Greyhounds and Beagles are among their ancestors. The Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier were initially regarded as one breed but have been regarded as separate breeds since 1985. The chief differences are in coat and head shape, with the Smooth’s being more V-shaped. The Smooth was skilled at tricks which saw him gain popularity in performance troupes and in circuses. A dog called Nipper from Bristol in England was the model for a painting by Francis Barraud, called “His Master’s Voice” which shows a black and white Terrier peering into the horn of a phonograph. With their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers are often referred to as an “American Gentleman”. The original intention was to breed the dog for pit fighting - a far cry from the affectionate, child-friendly dog he is today. They originated in the United States around 1870 when William O'Brien of Boston sold a dog named Judge to Robert C. Hooper, also of Boston. Boston Terriers are believed to be a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier and are known for snoring and grunting. They were initially classified as Bull Terriers when competing, but in 1891 when the Boston Terrier Club of America was established the name was changed to the Boston Terrier, taking the name of the city where the breed originated.