Here's why they were so well-suited for this task:
* Small size: They were compact enough to navigate fox burrows.
* Strength and agility: They had the strength to fight a fox and the agility to maneuver in tight spaces.
* Independent nature: They were able to work independently, following the scent of the fox and flushing it out.
* Tough and resilient: They could withstand rough terrain and the occasional bite from a fox.
* Keen sense of smell: This helped them track foxes underground.
Although fox hunting is now less common, the Smooth Fox Terrier remains a popular breed known for its intelligence, energy, and playful personality.