Smooth Fox Terrier Dog Breed Information – All You Need to Know

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Smooth Fox Terrier Dog Breed Information – All You Need to KnowThe Smooth Fox Terrier is an energetic, curious dog with a spirited nature and a knack for mischief. Despite the stature of this breed, they’re not for the owner who desires a calm lapdog. As the name suggests, the Fox Terrier was developed for foxhunting. When the fox went underground, the terrier would be released to follow and flush it out.

Though this hunting practice is now banned in England, the Fox Terrier’s tenacity and independent nature have carried through to today, and its appearance has remained much the same since the 1800s as well. Not hugely popular, the Smooth Fox Terrier ranks at 123 of 193 in the American Kennel Club’s database.

Smooth Fox Terrier APPEARANCE

In terms of height, the Smooth Fox Terrier stands at about 14-16 inches tall. In showing, body structure and posture are more important than the technicalities of weight, though these dogs usually weigh about 14 to 19 pounds.

As expected of the name, the Smooth Fox Terrier’s coat is characterized by short, straight fur which lies flat to the body, creating a smooth look. Though it may seem like the similarly named Wire Fox Terrier differs only in coat, these dogs have actually been kept separate in breeding for the most part, and some believe they descend from different mixtures of breeds entirely.

The smooth variety was preferred in some cases because it made the dog less likely to be mistaken for a fox. The Smooth Fox Terrier is more prone to shedding than the Wire Fox Terrier, and should be groomed weekly to remove dead fur. Bathing isn’t needed often, though this dog isn’t finicky and may end up covered in dirt and mud after a day of digging.

TEMPERAMENT/PERSONALITY

This breed’s lack of popularity outside of showing and hunting may come down to the fact that it was not bred to be a companion. Fox Terriers aren’t especially good with strangers or other dogs, and don’t have a highly social attitude. Though they do well with children and families, the Fox Terrier is often too smart and motivated for its own good, and can end up getting up to trouble on its own in backyards or unsupervised with other animals. Don’t trust this breed with cats unless raised together and more than proven that no chasing will occur.

Though their excess of energy can be a bonus when playing with children, the Smooth Fox Terrier is not a shy dog, and will bark at strangers as well as get into fights with large or small dogs outside its family. Their self-confidence, assertiveness, and desire to wander can lead to an escapee or destructive tendency, so make sure this dog isn’t digging holes where it shouldn’t be.

That said, there are some bonuses to this breed’s willfulness. They usually aren’t overly sensitive, and mostly do fine with being left alone. That said, it’s not entirely unheard of for anxiety or bad behaviors from boredom to occur, so this breed isn’t a good candidate for long hours of separation from all people. An unsupervised Fox Terrier might destroy his bedding and toys – or worse, the house.

In terms of life expectancy, 11 to 14 years can be expected for this dog. Though this dog may calm some in old age, an owner should sure they can commit to involved care of the Smooth Fox Terrier for at least a decade.

CARING FOR A SMOOTH FOX TERRIER

The Smooth Fox Terrier may require somewhat elaborate training, as do most terrier breeds, who require a patient, experienced teacher to develop good behaviors.

NUTRITION

The Fox Terrier is not a picky eater, and its voraciousness may mean it has a higher tendency towards weight gain. As with most terriers, food allergies are to be expected, so a high-quality food should be given. Organic food and grain-free food are good places to look for higher quality, lower quantity starches and fats, which can help this athletic dog stay in good shape.

Though the Fox Terrier’s eagerness for treats and human food may sway your decisions, try to avoid human food and stick to a small amount of treats for training, with adjustments to regular meals as needed. This breed’s tendency toward food allergies, luxating patella and heart disease require strict observance of dietary restrictions.

EXERCISE

This breed loves to exercise and will need plenty of activity to be happy and healthy. Since this breed was meant to hunt small game, a harness for control or a leash for pulling might be a good idea to keep the Smooth Fox Terrier from running off after squirrels, cats, birds, and other dogs. A tired dog will be much less likely to get up to trouble at home; without proper exercise, expect nuisance barking and destruction from the Fox Terrier. It might be a good idea to keep this breed in a high playpen while you’re not around to limit the mischief it can get up to, at least until your dog is older and more trustworthy.

TRAINING

Training can present some difficulties for the Smooth Fox Terrier. Though bred to work with humans, this dog wasn’t meant to stay indoors with them nor to take extensive commands. Instinct and light training made this dog ideal for foxhunting, and you’ll have to fight that instinct to some extent to make the Fox Terrier into an ideal housemate.

They may struggle with going to the bathroom outside rather than inside, so crate training is a good idea for young dogs. It’s very important to instill basic commands in this breed, for its safety and the safety of animals and people around it. Teach to bark and be quiet, come, and stay. Even with these commands, don’t trust the Fox Terrier to listen to you consistently. Learning and putting its mind to use can also help the Fox Terrier stay happy and mentally satisfied.

HEALTH

The overall health of the Smooth Fox Terrier is okay, though there are some genetic problems that this breed is prone to. The National Breed Club recommends a patella examination and a cardiac exam, so make sure to ask potential breeders about what tests they do. It’s also a good idea to ask about history of eye and ear problems in this breed, since a number of Smooth Fox Terriers have issues with blindness and deafness at younger ages.

Hip dysplasia, luxating patella are issues which may affect the joints negatively enough to require surgery. Like other terriers, this breed is prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which causes puppies and young dogs to need surgery due to reduced blood supply to the leg on one or both sides. After surgery, full recovery is expected, but keep in mind the potential costs associated with this breed.

Also watch out for epilepsy, other seizure disorders, mitral valve disease, pulmonic stenosis (heart disease,) bladder cancer, and bladder stones. Smooth Fox Terriers can sometimes be born with myasthenia gravis, which affects skeletal muscles and causes severe weakness and fatigue. This will require lifelong medication.

Because this breed can come with a number of genetic issues, it’s highly important to find the right breeder and ask extensively about the health of the parents and the puppies.

SIMILAR BREEDS

Best Dog Food For Smooth Fox Terriers

Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Dry Dog Food Product Image

The best dog food for Smooth Fox Terriers is Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food. This is a perfectly balanced dog meal, especially for those with food sensitivities. It contains real salmon as the base ingredient, that provides your Smooth Fox Terriers with all the protein it needs along with other important nutrients for its physical and holistic well-being.

  • Free from fillers, corn, wheat, or soy products.
  • Contains omega 6 fatty acids for healthy coat and skin.
  • Contains prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion.

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Best Puppy Food For Smooth Fox Terriers

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

The best puppy food for Smooth Fox Terriers is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food. It is formulated with real chicken, whole grains, fresh vegetables, and added Lifesource Bits that do well for young pups. This puppy feed is completely free from poultry by-products, corn, soy, or wheat products.

  • Formulated with calcium, phosphorous, and other important nutrients for strong and healthy bones.
  • Contains DHA as well as ARA for healthy brain and eye development.
  • Contains chelated minerals and antioxidants for a healthy immune system.

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Best Dog Crate For Smooth Fox Terriers

Midwest Lifestages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate

The best dog crate for Smooth Fox Terriers is MidWest LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This dog crate is equipped to provide your terrier with a cozy den to rest in when you are around to play. It is a double door crate that is super easy to assemble or stow away when it is not in use, making it a wonderful travel companion. 

  • Features a double door crate for easy accessibility, visibility, and ventilation.
  • Comes with a divider panel, so your dog can grow along with the crate.
  • Easy to clean due to the removable composite pan.

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Best Dog Bed For Smooth Fox Terriers

Frisco Eyelash Cat & Dog Bolster Bed

The best dog bed for Smooth Fox Terriers is Frisco Eyelash Cat & Dog Bolster Bed. This round shaped bed is an ideal choice for those pets who love to curl up into a ball and offers them a warm and comforting setting. The bolstered edges provide a nice spot to rest its head and have a wonderful siesta.

  • Made of faux fur that gives your pet a warm and comfy place to sleep.
  • Features a material that is easily machine washable.
  • Comes in multiple colors and sizes to suit your pet’s size and style.
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Best Dog Harness For Smooth Fox Terriers

Pawtitas Nylon Reflective Step In Back Clip Dog Harness

The best dog harness for Smooth Fox Terriers is Pawtitas Nylon Reflective Back Clip Dog Harness. This harness is designed to suit your Smooth Fox Terrier’s comfort and style, especially for training sessions, strolls, or traveling anywhere. This harness is a perfect choice to use during the day and night due to its reflective strips, providing maximum visibility in low-light situations. 

  • Designed for comfort.
  • Features adjustable straps and padding for a comfortable fit.
  • Available in many colors to suit their style and personality

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Best Dog Collar For Smooth Fox Terriers

Petsafe Quick Snap Buckle Nylon Martingale Dog Collar

The best dog collar for Smooth Fox Terriers is PetSafe Quick Snap Buckle Nylon Martingale Dog Collar. It is a safe and smart choice as opposed to choke collars or prong collars. This harness gives greater control over your Smooth Fox Terrier’s movement and reduces the chances of pulling or escaping. 

  • Features a quick-release snap buckle that makes it easy to wear and remove.
  • Made of waterproof nylon.
  • Curbs lunging and pulling behavior.

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Best Dog Muzzle For Smooth Fox Terriers

Four Paws Walk About Quick Fit Dog Muzzle

The best dog muzzle for Smooth Fox Terriers is Four Paws Walk-About Quick-Fit Dog Muzzle. This muzzle helps modify your Smooth Fox Terrier’s aggressive behavior, especially when stressed or excited, while providing a secure and comfortable fit that does not cause them any discomfort. Canine experts highly recommend the muzzle. 

  • Helps prevent biting, excessive barking, and chewing.
  • Made of durable nylon that can be machine washed easily.
  • Available in many sizes depending on ideal muzzle size.

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Best Dog Toy For Smooth Fox Terriers

Kong Classic Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy

The best dog toy for Smooth Fox Terriers is KONG Classic Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy. It is a wonderful dog toy that will keep your Smooth Fox Terrier’s busy in play without harming them one bit. It is made of durable rubber that is soft and gentle on their teeth and gum.

  • Ideal toy for a good game of fetch.
  • Provides enough exercise for your Smooth Fox Terrier.
  • Choose the size that suits them from small and large-sized frisbee.

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Best Dog Brush For Smooth Fox Terriers

Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush

The best dog brush for Smooth Fox Terriers is Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush. Grooming becomes a fun experience while using this combo dog brush, as it easily removes loose hair and tangles without damaging their skin. The nylon bristles help distribute natural oils that restores shine and gloss to your terrier’s skin and coat. 

  • Supports healthy coat and reduces shedding.
  • Features an ergonomic handle that reduces any fatigue and strain you may feel while brushing.
  • Works well on your Smooth Fox Terrier’s skin and coat without breaking into their skin.

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Best Dog Shampoo For Smooth Fox Terriers

Petag Fresh ‘n Clean Scented Dog Shampoo

The best dog shampoo for Smooth Fox Terriers is PetAg Fresh’ N Clean Scented Dog Shampoo, Classic Fresh Scent. This shampoo will help keep your Smooth Fox Terrier clean and fresh for a long time after use. It is made of natural, plant-based cleansers that nourish and moisturizes skin and coat. 

  • Contains vitamins and aloe juice that helps keep fur manageable and shiny.
  • Contains a natural deodorizer that helps your terrier smell fresh for long periods.
  • Perfect regular-use shampoo.

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Recommended Reading:

 

10 Breeds Most Compatible with Smooth Fox Terriers

Sources:

AKC

YourPureBredPuppy

Dogtime

PetMD

Embrace Pet Insurance