Smooth Fox Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

Smooth fox terriers are friendly, outgoing pups who are always up for an adventure with their owners. These petite pups typically weigh less than 20 pounds, which makes them adaptable and portable—they can easily live in an apartment, so long as they get plenty of opportunities to exercise and play. Their short, smooth coat is easy to maintain, and they’re quick to learn new tricks and behaviors. Originally developed to hunt foxes, these high-energy dogs tend to be sturdy and healthy.

Curious to know more about this adorable breed? Read on to learn more about what makes a smooth fox terrier so special.

Breed Overview

Group: Terrier

Height: 15.5 inches (on average)

Weight: 15-18 pounds

Coat: Short and smooth

Coat color: Black, white, fawn

Life span: 12 to 15 years

Temperament: Outgoing, confident, intelligent

Hypoallergenic: No

Characteristics of the Smooth Fox Terrier

Smooth fox terriers are small-but-mighty dogs with outgoing, intelligent personalities. These high-energy pups love spending time with their owners and other people they’re familiar with, but they’re also usually friendly to strangers.

“I enjoy their antics—they are affectionate and want to keep me company,” Anne Beckwith, a smooth fox terrier breeder based in Tennessee, says. “They bond quickly to new owners and are ready for anything. They are also great travelers."

Smooth fox terriers are protective by nature, but they are primarily focused on “their people,” not possessions, Beckwith says. Most adore children, but smooth fox terriers can be a bit too exuberant for toddlers—children aged 5 and up are best, Beckwith adds.

“They aren’t Velcro dogs, but want to be involved with whatever you are doing,” Beckwith says. ”If you’re watching TV, they are curled up in your lap. If you’re outside gardening, they’re investigating and hunting.”

And, because of their hunting roots and strong prey drive, they may not be the best fit for households with cats and small mammals. (With the right socialization and introductions, however, you might be able to make it work.)

Like other types of terriers, smooth fox terriers are very vocal dogs—so prepare for a decent amount of barking.

“They have a pretty positive outlook on life and have a devil-may-care attitude,” Beckwith says.

History of the Smooth Fox Terrier

Fox terriers hail from England, where they were developed to help flush foxes from their underground dens during fox hunts. Smooth fox terriers—as well as their wire-coated cousins—were used alongside hound dogs to chase down foxes for centuries. Though traditional fox hunting has been banned in England since 2005, these pups remain an enduring symbol of the practice.

In 1876, the Fox Terrier Club was founded in England to “foster, encourage and develop" the fox terrier breed. On the other side of the Atlantic, the American Fox Terrier Club was established a little more than a decade later in 1885. That same year, the newly created American Kennel Club recognized smooth fox terriers as an official dog breed.

Smooth Fox Terrier Care

Exercise

To stay happy and healthy, smooth fox terriers need regular, daily exercise, as well as mental stimulation. Interactive puzzle toys can help keep them occupied, but they also love any activity involving their human companions—playing fetch, taking walks, helping with yard work, even traveling. 

“Daily play time really makes them happy,” Beckwith says. “My dogs are obsessed with Kong Wubbas. Most smooth fox terriers love toys—but they can be destructive as well. If it squeaks, most terriers think the toy must die.”

One quick word of warning, however: Because of their strong prey drive, smooth fox terriers really need to be on a leash or contained inside a fenced yard.

“They will take off after any critter or dog they see,” Beckwith says.

Grooming

With their short, smooth coats, these pups are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Some owners like to use clippers and scissors keep their coats neat and tidy—more like what you’d find with a show dog—but most don’t bother, Beckwith says.

These pups do have a tendency to shed. But if you’re willing to spend a few minutes each week with a de-shedding grooming tool, you can easily keep the hair under control. Also remember to brush your dog’s teeth and use a grinder or clippers to keep her nails in check; give her a bath and clean her ears as often as is necessary.

In regions with cold winters, smooth fox terriers may benefit from wearing a sweater or jacket on particularly chilly days.

Training

Smooth fox terriers are savvy pups who are usually easy to train, especially when you offer their favorite tasty morsels as a reward. Start with basic obedience, then continue progressing toward more more complicated tricks. 

“They are very food-motivated,” Beckwith says. “Positive training methods are a must.”

Common Health Problems

Generally speaking, smooth fox terriers are “super healthy little dogs,” Beckwith says. With proper nutrition, vaccines, and preventative care, they typically live to be between 12 and 15 years old. That said, these pups have a high pain tolerance and they’re good at masking their discomfort when they become ill or injured, Beckwith says. Schedule regular check-up appointments with your veterinarian to ensure your stoic dog is healthy.

Reputable smooth fox terriers also test for the following genetic health conditions:

• Heart issues

• Patellar luxation (dislocated kneecaps)

Diet and Nutrition

Smooth fox terriers love to eat—so much so that you may find your smooth fox terrier begging for food, even when it’s not meal time. Select a high-quality dog food or make homemade meals, but take care not to overfeed your smooth fox terrier, no matter how much she begs. Your veterinarian can help you determine how much and how often to feed your pup, based on her size, age, and activity level. Treats are handy for training, but remember to give them sparingly to keep your smooth fox terrier at an appropriate weight, typically between 15 and 18 pounds.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Smooth Fox Terrier

Smooth fox terriers are a fairly under-the-radar breed, coming in at No. 133 (out of 201) on the American Kennel Club’s list of the most popular dog breeds. Even so, you can find a handful of smooth fox terrier breeders located across the country. Just be sure to do your homework and find a reputable breeder. The American Fox Terrier Club is a good place to start, as is the American Kennel Club Marketplace.) If you’re hoping to adopt a smooth fox terrier, sign up for email alerts and follow the social media pages of local animal shelters and rescue groups near you. The average price for a smooth fox terrier puppy is $2,000, according to Good Dog, a platform for breeders, shelters, and rescues.

Smooth Fox Terrier Overview

Pros of Smooth Fox Terriers

• Good travelers

• Fun and interactive

• Adaptable to small living spaces

Cons of Smooth Fox Terriers

• Tendency to bark

• Strong prey drive

• Protective of people

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Smooth fox terriers are adaptable, engaging creatures who love spending time with their humans. But this breed may not be the best fit for every situation, so do your homework first.

“If you know nothing about the breed, go to a dog show or if possible visit a local breeder at their home,” Beckwith says. “Good breeders will be happy to let you visit and learn more about their dogs.”

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Cairn Terrier

• Jack Russell Terrier

• Rat Terrier

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!