Smooth Fox Beagle

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a well-balanced, elegant terrier that embodies both substance and style in a compact package. Males typically stand around fifteen and a half inches at the shoulder and weigh approximately eighteen pounds, while females are slightly smaller, measuring about fifteen inches and weighing between fifteen and seventeen pounds. The breed presents a square, symmetrical silhouette with a short back that gives the impression of maximum power and speed. The body is muscular and athletic, built for the demanding work of pursuing foxes into their underground dens, with a deep chest that provides excellent lung capacity and strong, straight front legs. The head of the Smooth Fox Terrier is one of its most distinctive features, presenting a flat, moderately narrow skull that gradually decreases in width toward the eyes. The muzzle tapers from the skull to the nose in a wedge shape, giving the face an alert and intelligent expression that is quintessentially terrier. The small, V-shaped ears fold forward and drop close to the cheeks, positioned high on the skull. Dark, moderately small, round eyes convey keen intelligence and fire, characteristic of the terrier spirit. The black nose is prominent and well-developed, essential for the breed's hunting heritage, and the strong jaws contain a complete set of evenly spaced teeth meeting in a scissors bite. The coat of the Smooth Fox Terrier is short, flat, hard, and dense, lying close to the body with a fine undercoat that provides warmth without bulk. This sleek coat requires minimal grooming while providing adequate protection during outdoor activities and harsh weather conditions. The predominant color is white, which historically helped hunters distinguish their dogs from foxes during the chase. Most individuals display black or tan markings, or a combination of both, typically appearing on the head and sometimes extending to the body. The tail is traditionally set high and carried erect, formerly docked to about three-quarters of its original length, though natural tails are now common in many countries where docking has been banned.

The Beagle is a compact, solidly built hound that has been described as a miniature Foxhound, possessing the wear-and-tear look of a dog that can last in the chase and follow its quarry to the end. The breed comes in two size varieties according to the American Kennel Club standard: those measuring thirteen inches or less at the shoulder, and those measuring between thirteen and fifteen inches. Weight typically ranges from twenty to thirty pounds, with the dog appearing substantial and sturdy for its height. The overall impression is of a dog that is big for its inches, carrying good weight and substance without appearing clumsy or coarse. The head of the Beagle is fairly long with a slightly domed skull and a broad cranium. The muzzle is straight and square-cut, giving the face a clean appearance with a moderately defined stop. The most appealing feature is often considered to be the large, brown or hazel eyes that are set well apart and convey a gentle, pleading expression characteristic of the breed. The long, wide ears are set low and hang close to the cheeks, reaching nearly to the tip of the nose when drawn out. These pendulous ears are rounded at the tips and are covered with fine, velvety hair. The Beagle possesses a close, hard hound coat of medium length that provides adequate protection against brush and weather during hunting. The coat texture is distinctly hound-like, dense and resilient. Any true hound color is acceptable, with the most common pattern being the classic tricolor combination of black, white, and tan. Other acceptable colors include red and white, lemon and white, and various combinations of tan, brown, and white. The tail is set moderately high and carried gaily but not curled over the back, with a characteristic brush of hair. The breed moves with a smooth, free, ground-covering stride that demonstrates both endurance and efficiency.