Smooth Fox TerrierA bold, fast English hunting terrier

History and Origin

Fox Terriers were developed in England in the 18th and 19th centuries to accompany mounted foxhunts. When hounds drove a fox underground, the terrier went in after it to bolt it out. A mainly white coat helped hunters tell the dog from the fox.

The Smooth was one of the earliest breeds in the show ring, and the Fox Terrier Club in England was founded in 1876. In the United States, Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers were shown as varieties of one breed until the AKC separated them in 1985.

Size, Coat and Colors

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a short-backed, square, athletic terrier with a flat skull, a long, tapering head, small V-shaped ears that drop forward and a high-set tail carried upright. It should look like a speedy, enduring dog built to follow horses and bolt foxes.

Adults stand up to about 15 inches and weigh roughly 15 to 18 lb. Males are typically at the upper end of the size range, and females are slightly smaller and lighter.

The coat is smooth, flat, hard and dense, lying close to the body with no undercoat visible. Unlike the Wire, it needs no stripping or trimming.

Color is mainly white, which helped hunters distinguish dog from fox. Common patterns include:

• white with tan markings
• white with black markings
• white with black and tan, often a tan head and black body patch

Brindle, red, liver or slate blue markings are considered objectionable in the standard. The color itself matters less than the overall balance and outline.

Temperament and Personality

Smooth Fox Terriers are alert, curious and full of energy. They are friendly with their people and often playful into old age. They are also confident to the point of cheekiness and question rules that are not applied consistently.

Prey drive is very high. Squirrels, cats and small pets may be seen as quarry, and some Smooths are scrappy with other dogs. They are enthusiastic watchdogs and bark readily.

With their families they are affectionate and enjoy play, and many stay puppyish well into adulthood. Early socialization with other dogs and lots of positive experiences help a young Smooth grow into a confident, sociable adult rather than a reactive one.

Are Smooth Fox Terriers Good for First-Time Owners?

Smooth Fox Terriers can work for active first-time owners, but they are not the easiest beginner breed. They are friendly and easy to groom, but they are also energetic, clever and opinionated.

Beginners usually struggle with barking, chasing and the dog's habit of testing rules. Consistent, humorous training with short sessions, plenty of exercise and early socialization with other dogs make a big difference. Avoid homes with cats or small pets unless you have a plan. A first-time owner who enjoys running, games and training will find a loyal, entertaining companion; one wanting a quiet lap dog will not.

Are Smooth Fox Terriers Good Apartment Dogs?

Yes, if their exercise needs are met. At 15 to 18 lb, Smooth Fox Terriers fit easily into apartments, and their coat is simple to keep clean.

Energy and barking are the challenges. Plan for at least an hour of activity a day, including brisk walks and play, plus mental work such as puzzle toys or scent games. Without that outlet, a Smooth may bark at noises in the building or become destructive. Teach a quiet cue early and reward calm behavior. A dog walker helps for long workdays, as many do poorly when left alone for hours.

Are Smooth Fox Terriers Easy to Train?

They learn quickly but are not always easy to train. Smooths are intelligent and food motivated, yet they are also independent and like to question rules that are not applied consistently.

Short, varied sessions with plenty of rewards work best. Repetitive drills bore them, and harsh methods make them stubborn. Basics such as sit, down and tricks come fast, while recall and calm behavior around small animals take much longer and may never be fully reliable. Earthdog, agility and barn hunt give their instincts a structured outlet and make training more rewarding for both dog and owner.

Exercise and Training

This is a terrier with stamina. Give at least an hour of exercise daily, mixing brisk walks with games, fetch and training. Earthdog trials, agility and barn hunt suit its instincts well. Adult Smooths can accompany jogging if built up gradually.

Training needs consistency and humor. Short, varied sessions with rewards work best. Keep the dog leashed unless in a secure area, because recall rarely beats the urge to chase, and check fencing for gaps since many terriers dig.

Puzzle toys and scent games are a good outlet on rainy days.

Grooming and Shedding

The short, flat, dense coat is easy to care for: a weekly rub with a hound mitt or rubber brush and occasional baths. It does shed, and white hairs show on clothes and furniture. Trim nails and brush teeth regularly.

Feeding and Nutrition

Smooth Fox Terriers are active and usually stay trim, but they can gain weight quickly if exercise drops, after neutering or in older age. Because the coat is short, extra pounds are easy to see, so check the waistline regularly.

• Feed puppies three or four meals daily, then two measured meals for adults.
• Increase food modestly for dogs that jog with owners or compete in terrier sports.
• Use part of the daily ration for training and food puzzles to channel energy.
• Keep treats small, since frequent rewards are key with this independent breed.

Allergic skin disease is reported in the breed. If your dog scratches persistently, licks its paws or gets recurring ear infections, ask your veterinarian about a structured elimination trial instead of switching foods at random. Small breeds also tend to develop dental problems, so daily tooth brushing is worthwhile. Fresh water should always be available after active play.

Estimates use the resting energy formula veterinarians work with (70 × body weight in kg^0.75) and standard activity factors. Use the feeding guide on your food as a starting point and adjust to body condition. Puppies, seniors, pregnant animals and pets that need to lose weight have different needs, so ask your vet.

Health and Lifespan

Smooth Fox Terriers usually live 12 to 15 years. Conditions reported in the breed include lens luxation, cataracts and glaucoma, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (a hip joint problem in small dogs), kneecap luxation and allergic skin disease.

Choose a breeder who checks eyes and knees and is open about the health of related dogs.

Smooth Fox Terrier Price and Cost of Ownership

Typical breeder price in the US$1,000 to $2,500

A Smooth Fox Terrier puppy from a reputable US breeder typically costs about $1,000 to $2,500. Prices vary by breeder, region and lines. The Smooth is less common than the Wire in the US, so you may need to join a waiting list. Terrier rescues sometimes have adults available.

Ongoing costs are relatively low:

• Grooming can be done at home with a hound mitt and nail trimmer
• Secure fencing is important, as Smooths dig and chase
• Eye checks, as lens luxation can require urgent surgery
• Insurance covering knee, hip and skin conditions

Food costs are modest for a dog of 15 to 18 lb.

Is the Smooth Fox Terrier Right for You?

A Smooth Fox Terrier is a great companion for active people who appreciate a dog with personality. It can manage in an apartment if exercised well, but barking may be an issue with neighbors.

• Good match: active owners, older children, people interested in terrier sports.
• Think twice: homes with cats or small pets, people wanting a quiet or highly obedient dog, long hours alone.

Many Smooths do best as the only pet or with a calm dog of the opposite sex.