All About the Smooth Fox Terrier Breed

The origins of the Smooth Fox Terrier

Both the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire-Haired Fox Terrier are of British origin. Their main task there back in the 19th century was to accompany other tracking breeds of the time at fox hunting events. This breed descends from the Bull Terrier and the Black and Tan (now known as the Manchester) and was not standardized until 1876.

The great resistance of this breed makes it an ideal hunter of rodents, rabbits–just as its been doing for centuries, and foxes.

Characteristics and morphology

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an active dog that combines medium size with outstanding physical power and resistance. The FCI (International Cynological Federation) places this breed in Terrier group 3, section one, of large and medium-size.

As its name suggests, the Smooth Fox Terrier has hair that is short and straight. Thanks to this, it can stand with the elegance and skill combined with a powerful but compact trunk. In the past, as with many hunting dogs, owners would dock their tails. Today, docking is illegal in the United States unless performed by a veterinarian.

As for the coat of the Smooth Fox Terrier, it’s short, hard, smooth, and abundant. According to the breed’s standards, both the belly and the inside of their thighs should be covered with it. As for color, this breed is usually mostly white, and it may have some black or rust-colored spots. Breeders are not fond of tabby specimens at all.

These dogs, as we’ve mentioned, are medium in size. Males don’t grow larger than 15 inches in height and, as often is the case, females are a little bit smaller. As for their weight, males vary between 16.5 and 17.5 pounds, while females range between 15.5 and 16.5 pounds.

Exercise and care

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an active dog that’s always on alert. As a result, at first sight, this breed may seem somewhat nervous and excessively excitable. The fact of the matter is, we need to remember that this breed was a hunting dog in the past. Long walks will help your pet to remain calm.

Competitive exercise modalities for dogs, like dog agility, are perfectly suitable for the intelligence and physical needs of this breed. This is an ideal dog for families, especially those that have a home with a yard. Although you’ll need to keep an eye on your pet as these dogs have a tendency to dig holes. In fact, it’s one of their favorite pastimes.

What’s more, Smooth Fox Terriers love to play with children but can be someone rough. Therefore, it’s best to keep them away from very small children. One of their favorite things to do is chase after animals or anything else that catches their attention. For this reason, you should be sure to never release your pet in areas around traffic, as they run the risk of getting run over.

When it comes to maintaining their fur, these dogs are relatively easy to clean and brush. Using a standard brush or grooming glove two times a week will suffice. As strange as it seems, it’s easier to get rid of dirt and grime when their hair is dry.  

Illnesses and life expectancy

The Smooth Fox Terrier lives an average of 14 years. When the time comes to consider buying or adopting a dog like this, it’s important to keep in mind the presence of hereditary illnesses among this species. What’s more, you should be aware that these animals require at least two annual visits to the veterinarian.

What illnesses should we prevent or look our for in the future?

• Cataracts. As these dogs age, it’s common for their eyes to suffer develop lesions.
• Deafness. It’s common for this problem to occur within breeds where white is the predominant color. On occasion, deafness can be hereditary and there’s no way to prevent it.
• Atopic dermatitis. This illness has no cure and is common among dogs with short hair.