Have you ever heard of a dog that, in the early 19th century, was bred to bolt foxes out of their burrows? That’s right; we’re talking about the Smooth Fox Terrier – a breed with a rich and fascinating history. This adorably handsome and beautifully sleek-coated canine was once the favored choice of British gentlemen for hunting foxes. Beyond their hunting prowess, their intelligence, tenacity, and fearless nature made them indispensable companions for these hunts. It’s from these intriguing traits that the question arises: Is Smooth Fox Terrier the smartest dog? Let’s embark on an enlightening journey to discover the answer.
Created in England around 200 years ago, the Fox Terrier breed was initially a mixture of several breeds, such as the Old English Terrier and the Bull Terrier. Their purpose was to chase and bolt the foxes that went to ground during hunts. However, as time passed, they were segregated into two distinct varieties – the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. Both of these sub-breeds are similar in intelligence and courage but can be differentiated primarily by their coats.
The Smooth Fox Terrier, with its polished, flat, and short coat, steals the show when it comes to appearance. But its intelligence is what truly sets it apart. Prized for their keen instinct and brave intensity, they are capable of creeping up into a foxhole without any hesitation and, even in unnerving situations, they maintain their cool. Isn’t that a mark of remarkable intelligence?
Dogs, like humans, possess different kinds of intelligence. According to the famous dog intelligence ranking by Professor Stanley Coren, a Canine Psychologist at the University of British Columbia in Canada, there are three types of dog intelligence: Instinctive Intelligence, Adaptive Intelligence, and Working/Obedience Intelligence. Not surprisingly, the Smooth Fox Terrier excels in all of them.
Instinctual intelligence refers to the skill the breed was initially developed for, such as herding, retrieving, or, in the case of the Smooth Fox Terrier, bolting foxes. The Smooth Fox Terrier’s innate intelligence to perform the task they were bred for is outstanding. Any Fox Terrier owner will tell you about times their dog has displayed hunting behavior, even without training. That’s instinctive intelligence at work.
Adaptive intelligence refers to a dog’s ability to solve problems independently. Again, our Smooth Fox friend shines here. Their natural curiosity, knack for fast learning, exploring their environments, and figuring out problems independently make them aces in adaptive intelligence. Owing to these traits, they often find innovative ways to entertain themselves if left bored – a trait that can charm or exasperate, depending on the circumstance!
Working/Obedience Intelligence is the dog’s ability to learn from humans. This includes learning commands, tricks, or duties. The Smooth Fox Terrier’s natural aptitude, eagerness to please, and an innate tendency to explore and comprehend the rules make them exceptional learners. However, note that they also possess a stubborn streak, which can sometimes make training a bit challenging, requiring consistent and positive reinforcement methods. Hence, they perform best when their training involves games and rewards.
So, categorically, is Smooth Fox Terrier the smartest dog breed? That’s hard to say, as intelligence varies even within breeds, and each breed excels in different intelligence types. For instance, Border Collies are famous for their working intelligence, Basset Hounds for their scenting abilities, and Bloodhounds for their tracking skills. However, considering the Fox Terrier’s performance in all three intelligence types, one can indeed argue that they are one of the smartest breeds out there.
If you’re thinking of bringing a Smooth Fox Terrier into your family, remember that their intelligence and energy mean that they require regular mental stimulation and physical exercise to keep from becoming bored and potentially destructive. They also appreciate being involved in all sorts of family activities and will very quickly become part of the family dynamic.
In conclusion, the Smooth Fox Terrier’s history, adaptability, and varied intelligence make them a fascinating breed to consider. Ranking dogs by intelligence is a tricky business, as every dog has its strengths and individual personality traits. However, with their numerous charming and clever traits and qualities, the Smooth Fox Terrier does undoubtedly reach high on the list.
Whether or not the Smooth Fox Terrier is the world’s smartest breed can still be up for debate, but one thing is indisputable: they’re one of the most active, fascinating, and endearingly lovable breeds you can welcome into your home. And who knows, they might outsmart you a time or two, filling your life with mischief, laughter, and unexpected adventures!
