Smooth Fox Terrier

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a clever and active dog that loves to be on the move. As the name suggests, these wily dogs were bred to seek out foxes during a hunt. They are gregarious and love spending time with their owners. These dogs are the perfect blend of athletic prowess, intelligence, and kindness, all rolled into a beautiful and compact pup! Read on to learn more about the Smooth Fox Terrier.

Description of the Smooth Fox Terrier

Closely related to its cousin, the Wire Fox Terrier, this particular breed is known as the “gentleman of the terrier world.” With his happy-go-lucky attitude, friendly nature towards everyone, and entertaining curiosity, the Smooth Fox Terrier makes an excellent companion.

With legs that are neither too long nor too short, these dogs are powerful and agile. They move with speed towards whatever they are hunting, whether that is a furry rodent or a fuzzy ball! Their round eyes burn with intelligence and life. The Smooth Fox Terrier is a truly enigmatic breed whose energy in contagious.

Originally bred for foxhunting in England, this tenacious dog loves to be in the thick of things. And while foxhunting is now banned in England, that doesn’t stop this breed from still being a popular choice among many people today.

These dogs are distinguished from their cousins by their obviously smooth coat and distinctively v-shaped skull. The Smooth Fox Terrier is mostly white but can have markings of black and/or tan as well.

Life Expectancy and Size

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a hardy breed that lives an average of 12 – 15 years. Their active nature keeps them fit and can contribute to their longevity. While typically a very healthy breed, these dogs can still succumb to illness.

Working with a reputable breeder can prepare you for possible genetic problems down the road and regular check-ups are a great way to monitor and keep you pup healthy.

This terrier is closely related in size to its cousin. Standing at 15 inches tall, the males weigh about 18 pounds, while the females weigh 15 – 17 pounds.

Protective Ability

This breed is known for its observant character. They are quick to root out strangers, just as they would find a fox, but tend to be more reserved and may bark around them. They are ever vigilant and will make a great watchdog, but they are too friendly to be a guard dog. You will find a loyal and alert companion in your Smooth Fox Terrier, just don’t expect a strong guard dog.

Training

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an outgoing breed that is quick to learn. They love spending time with their owners and playing games so use this to your advantage while training. Rewarding your dog with positive praise and games will make him eager and excited to learn.

These dogs also respond well to treats. Having some in your training toolbox will aid in speedy and successful training. Dogs love rewards and the Smooth Fox Terrier is no exception.

These dogs can also become prone to becoming possessive of their owners. Starting early socialization and introducing them to other house pets can help keep them from becoming jealous.

The Smooth Fox Terrier was bred to dig. This means your prize flowerbeds are an inviting treasure trove for your dog to explore. Teaching your dog where it is and isn’t appropriate to dig early on can save some of your flowers an early end, and you some heartache. A sandbox in your backyard with buried goodies is an excellent compromise for many homes.

Energy Level

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a lively and energetic dog. Whether rooting out pests, chasing a ball, or just entertaining himself, this breed is just excited to be alive and moving. They require lots of daily activity to keep them happy and healthy. Just be sure that they are fenced in or on leash when outside. This breed is quick to follow its senses towards their next adventure and can get themselves into trouble is not properly secured.

They love to go on long walks with their owners and will chase after balls and sticks endlessly, but they also are an affectionate breed that wants to be close to their family. Provide ample social time to keep them mentally stimulated and cheerful.

What Living with a Smooth Fox Terrier is Like

The Smooth Fox Terrier’s curious and congenial nature will keep you entertained for hours on end. You never know what these little pups may do next! Expect lots of quality entertainment from these rascals.

Besides endless entertainment, the Smooth Fox Terrier is a jovial dog that loves to play and loves to play with you. If you want to be more active this breed will rope you into moving and you won’t even realize it because of how much fun you are having! Adventurous, fearless, and fun loving are just a few words to describe this breed. They are a great watchdog and a wonderful companion for many different types of people.

Care of the Smooth Fox Terrier

These dogs are easygoing and adaptable. They can do well as long as they are provided lots of playtime and social interaction with their family.

Environmental Needs

This breed does well in both hot and cold climates. They are robust and athletic, able to adapt to many different types of living situations. Providing them with a jacket in cold conditions can offer some added protection from the cold, though.

Exercise Needs

Bred to hunt, the Smooth Fox Terrier needs lots of daily exercise to keep him fit and happy. Daily walks are a must, and supplementing these with playtime is great. While happy to entertain themselves, the Smooth Fox Terrier would love to play with you much more. Involving them in games is a great way to bond with your dog, and also provides lots of physical and mental stimulation.

These terriers love to dig. Teaching them the difference between where they can and can’t dig early is important if you want to keep your yard from becoming an archeology dig site! These dogs also love to go on adventures, so keeping them secure means keeping them safe. Provide a fenced yard and keep them on leash when walking.

Shedding and Grooming

The Smooth Fox Terrier’s short and dense coat should be brushed weekly. These dogs tend to shed more than their wirehaired cousins, but it is still moderate compared to other dogs. While normally only needing monthly baths, it is more time-efficient to apply a “bathe as needed” rule as your dog may be digging a muddy hole while you read this!

Keep the Smooth Fox Terrier’s nails trimmed and check their ears regularly for infection. It is also important to regularly brush their teeth.

Ideal Home Environment

This breed is popular with families. They are affectionate and love to play, but will do better in a house with kids older than seven, as they can be too much energy for smaller children. This breed can do well with other dogs and pets if introduced early, but might not be the best companion in households with other small pets like cats and guinea pigs.

Active and rambunctious, this breed needs lots of space to move and will do even better in a house where his family can paly with him. Thy make a great watchdog but not the best guard dog. Still, this dog is fearless and loyal and will go to the ends of the earth for his family.

Health Concerns

Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) and cardiac diseases are the most common problems with the Smooth Fox Terrier. Regular check-ups are important to catching and treating problems early.

It is also important to regularly brush your dog’s teeth with dog-safe toothpaste, as they are prone to gum disease and other diseases of the mouth.

Behavior Problems

This breed loves to dig. Early training can help teach them what is allowed in terms of their favorite pastime. Giving them outlets like the sport Barn Hunt can also help teach them when it’s ok to dig and when they should be off duty.

They also love to take off on adventures at the drop of a hat. Allowing them a large fenced yard, and walking them on leash will keep them from running off.

Some of these dogs may become possessive if they are not properly socialized, a side affect of their loyal and affectionate nature.