Smooth Fox Terrier Dog Breed Info and Ownership Essentials

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a spunky and affectionate breed that makes a great companion for active families. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

These dogs are relatively small in size, typically weighing between 15-18 pounds and standing between 15-18 inches tall. Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming.

One of their most distinctive features is their fox-like appearance, with a flat skull and a bushy tail. Their short legs may make them look adorable, but don't let that fool you - they're agile and energetic.

As a relatively low-maintenance breed, Smooth Fox Terriers are a great choice for first-time dog owners or those with limited space.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a small dog with a big personality. They have a sturdy, athletic build that's perfect for their original job of chasing foxes.

Their head is a distinctive V-shape, which is ideal for sticking into tight spaces. They also have small, triangular ears that are set high on their head and fold forward.

Their eyes are small, dark, and deep-set, giving them an intelligent and lively expression. Their muzzle is long and tapered, with a black nose that adds to their fox-like features.

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The Smooth Fox Terrier is a muscular but agile, active, small-to-medium size hunting terrier. They have sufficient length of leg to run with the foxhounds in a hunt, and built to go to ground after fox.

Their body is square, measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks and from withers to the ground. The back is short and level, blending into a short, muscular, slightly arched loin.

The chest is deep but not broad. The ribs extend well back, with the front ribs moderately arched and the back ribs well sprung and deep. The brisket extends to the elbow. The forechest is well filled but does not extend beyond the point of shoulder.

Here are the key characteristics of a Smooth Fox Terrier's body:

The Smooth Fox Terrier is modeled on the symmetry and power of the Fox Hound. When standing, the distance between the front and rear feet is long in comparison to the relative shortness of the dog’s back.

A mature male Smooth Fox Terrier should not exceed 15½ inches in height at the withers.

Their height is just the beginning - a balanced dog of that height should have a back length from withers to root of tail of no more than 12 inches.

Their head length should be no more than 7¼ inches or less than 7 inches.

A balanced dog of these proportions should weigh about 18 pounds.

Bitches are normally slightly lower in height and lighter in weight, but with the same proportions.

The Smooth Fox Terrier's gait is truly a sight to behold. Its brisk stride of moderate length is a testament to its agility and energy.

As the dog moves, its forelegs and hind legs swing parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground, creating a smooth and efficient motion. This is similar to the pendulum of a clock, which swings in a consistent and predictable way.

The hocks and elbows of the Smooth Fox Terrier are the same distance apart as its feet when moved on a loose lead at a moderate speed. This even spacing creates a sense of balance and harmony as the dog moves.

Viewed from the side, the front legs of the Smooth Fox Terrier extend well forward, but with very little height between foot and ground. This allows the dog to move with a low center of gravity and maintain its balance.

As the rear leg swings forward, it contacts the ground at approximately mid-length of the body. This creates a sense of power and momentum as the dog moves.

The foot of the rear leg is quickly lifted, creating a distinctive "snatch" of the hock. This movement is a characteristic feature of the Smooth Fox Terrier's gait and adds to its unique charm.

The back of the Smooth Fox Terrier remains level as it moves, creating a sense of stability and poise. This is a testament to the dog's athletic ability and agility.

Smooth Fox Terriers are known for their lively, spirited, and outgoing personalities, with high energy levels and a playful nature that makes them ideal companions for families or individuals who enjoy interactive activities.

They are intelligent and quick learners, responding well to training, although their independent streak may require patient guidance. With a natural curiosity, they explore their surroundings with enthusiasm, showcasing an alert and watchful demeanor that contributes to their role as effective watchdogs.

Their versatility is evident in their adaptability to various roles, whether as loving companions or participants in dog sports and shows. They are friendly and can get along well with children and other pets, especially with proper socialization.

This breed has a distinctive physical trait that sets it apart from others: a V-shaped head.

The head is long and moderately narrow, making it a striking feature.

The skull and muzzle are equal in length, creating a balanced appearance.

Viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are parallel to one another, and joined by a barely perceptible stop.

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Smooth Fox Terriers are known for their lively, spirited, and outgoing personalities.

Their high energy levels and playful nature make them ideal companions for families or individuals who enjoy interactive activities. They're intelligent and quick learners, responding well to training, although their independent streak may require patient guidance.

These dogs are highly energetic, with a strong prey drive that can get them into trouble if not properly trained. They may chase wildlife, dig, bark, or display general tenacity when engaged in other activities.

Early socialization is key to tempering their prey drive and curbing other undesirable behaviors. With proper training, they can become loving companions and effective watchdogs.

Smooth Fox Terriers are vocal, and their barking can become a nuisance if not properly trained. They will bark to alert you to anything out of the ordinary, such as a stranger at the door, wildlife in the yard, or anything else they feel you should know about.

Their intelligence makes training a breeze, and they thrive on interaction and attention from their owners. With patience and consistency, you can help your Smooth Fox Terrier become a well-behaved and loyal companion.

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Smooth Fox Terriers require daily exercise to keep them stimulated and tired. Aim for at least 30 to 45 minutes of vigorous exercise.

Their high energy levels can lead to digging or stealing food if they don't have healthy outlets. This is why consistent training is essential.

A securely fenced yard is a must for Fox Terriers, as they need to run off their energy during the day. A Fort Knox-style fence is recommended.

Underground electronic fences won't keep your Fox Terrier in the yard, as they'll chase any moving object, including cats, rabbits, and cars. Keep them on a leash in unfenced areas.

Fox Terriers are intelligent, but also willful, making them challenging to train. Patience and a sense of humor are essential.

Consistency and routine are key to training a Fox Terrier. Providing clear rules and enforcing them in a firm and positive way will produce the most progress.

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Smooth Fox Terriers have a beautiful, dense coat that sheds very little.

Their coat is short, hard, and smooth, making it a breeze to maintain.

You'll only need to brush them occasionally with a firm bristle brush to keep them looking neat.

Regular baths aren't necessary, unless they get into something gross.

The breed standard calls for white to be the predominant color, with black, tan, or black and tan markings allowed.

Their heads are usually solid-colored, but can have markings on their faces, such as a half or split face.

Their coats can be crinkly or have a slight wave, and are so dense that you can't part it with your fingers to see the skin.

Training your Smooth Fox Terrier is a daily commitment because they are quite stubborn and are likely to pick up bad habits that are hard to shake.

They do have an independent streak, so their trainers need to be confident, clear, and consistent.

Start your puppy on the right paw once you get them home with a puppy training 101 class that teaches them the basics, like sit, stay, and come, and how to walk nicely on a leash.

It's best to train them in a place with few distractions so they're better able to focus, especially with their strong prey drive.

Socialization training is also well worth spending time on, getting them accustomed to meeting and greeting people and other dogs who they'll encounter on almost every adventure.

They're always paying attention and picking up on behaviors, even when you're not intentionally trying to teach them, so you have to be deliberate and consistent with your training at all times.

Positive reinforcement, such as rewarding good behavior with treats, toys, and praise, is the way to go with Smooth Fox Terriers.

Keep any house-rules in action, even during playtime, or you may end up with the contents of your laundry hamper scattered about the living room.

Training should begin early on, the sooner the better, to prevent bad habits from forming.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a high-energy breed that needs at least two hours of moderate to vigorous activity per day. They love to swim, run, play, and explore, so you can choose your favorite activity.

One great way to exercise your Smooth Fox Terrier is to go hiking, but make sure they're on a leash. They're known for their speed and hunting abilities, so they might give chase to a squirrel or rabbit.

Smooth Fox Terriers also excel at digging, which can be both a blessing and a curse. If you have a garden, they might help with weeding, but if you prefer tidy flower beds, you might want to channel their energy into dog sports like agility events.

Your Smooth Fox Terrier will welcome your guests with open arms and lots of love, but they might not get along with other pets. They can get rowdy with other dogs and might chase smaller pets like gerbils, guinea pigs, or rabbits.

To keep your Smooth Fox Terrier happy and healthy, they need space to run around and play. A single-family home with a large yard is ideal, but if you live in an apartment, you'll need to provide plenty of exercise every day to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

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Smooth Fox Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Their lifespan typically ranges from 12 to 15 years.

One potential health concern is patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place. Mild cases can be treated with pain medication and joint supplements, but severe cases may require surgery.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are also possible, leading to arthritis in affected joints. These conditions can be treated through surgical and non-surgical methods, including pain medication, joint supplements, and physical therapy.

Heart valve disease is another inherited condition that can affect older Smooth Fox Terriers. It can be detected through a heart murmur and an echocardiogram.

Eye problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and primary lens luxation, can also occur, particularly in older dogs. These conditions can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Deafness can be congenital or acquired, and while there is no cure, deaf pets can adapt with the help of hand signals and other communication tools.

Here are some potential health conditions to watch out for in Smooth Fox Terriers:

The Smooth Fox Terrier breed originated in 18th century England, where they were bred for fox hunting. They were likely a mix between the now-extinct Smooth Black and Tan Terriers, Bull Terriers, Beagles, and Greyhounds.

These dogs were prized by hunters for their speed, intelligence, and tracking abilities. Their unique V-shaped head also helped during the hunt, allowing them to enter a fox den.

The breed standards for Fox Terriers have been in place for over a hundred years. The standards were first set by England's Fox Terrier Club upon its inception in 1876.

The Fox Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, and is part of the Terrier group. The breed was in the United States by 1879, and the American Fox Terrier Club was founded soon after.

For many years, Smooth Fox Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers were treated as variations of the same breed. They were primarily smooth-coated, and were developed for their ability to go to ground and bolt the quarry.

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In the late 19th century, smooth and wire-coated Fox Terriers were in great demand, both as companions and show dogs. The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1912.

The American Kennel Club considered the Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier the same breed for almost 100 years. However, in 1984, the two breeds earned recognition as distinct breeds.

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Smooth Fox Terrier puppies are adorable and tiny, with inherited hunting skills that make them inquisitive and always on the go.

Their boundless energy can be overwhelming, which is why they require an owner with the time, energy, and know-how to train them to be well-rounded adults.

Finding a reputable breeder is crucial, as they know everything about the breed and can help you make an informed decision.

Many breeders are scattered throughout the United States, making it relatively easy to find one, but be sure to do your research and find a trustworthy one.

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As a Smooth Fox Terrier owner, it's essential to have some basic supplies on hand to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

A good quality dog bed is a must-have for your Smooth Fox Terrier, providing a comfortable place to rest and relax. You'll want to choose a bed that's large enough to accommodate your dog's size.

To keep your Smooth Fox Terrier's coat looking its best, regular grooming is a must. This includes brushing their coat daily to prevent matting and tangling, as well as trimming their nails every few weeks.

A Smooth Fox Terrier's diet should consist of high-quality dog food that's rich in protein and low in fillers. This will help to keep their energy levels up and support their overall health.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for maintaining your Smooth Fox Terrier's health. This will help to identify any potential health issues early on, and prevent more serious problems from developing.

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Smooth Fox Terriers can get along with other pets, but it's not always easy. They have a high prey drive and may chase cats or smaller pets, like gerbils or hamsters.

They don't particularly get along with other dogs, but early socialization and training can help. They can get along with other dogs and possibly the resident cat with proper training.

However, they do better with being the only pet in the home for the best and least stressful outcome. They may show dominance over another dog unless socialized and trained at an early age.

Fox Terriers are children at heart and love playing with kids, but they're too active for young children under 6 or 7 years old. They play rough and children's high-pitched voices can make them look like prey.

Fox Terriers can be protective of their food and toys, which can cause problems. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent biting or ear pulling.

Fox Terriers may be fine with dogs or cats they've been raised with since puppyhood, but they're not the best choice for homes with pets like rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs. Those animals look like lunch to a Fox Terrier!

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