Smooth Fox Terrier

Playful, outgoing, and full of energy, the Smooth Fox Terrier has a sparkling personality. They are closely related to Wire Fox Terriers, but have a smoother coat. They are graceful and elegant dogs that love to learn, although they can have a stubborn streak when it comes to training.

Smooth Fox Terrier Breed Overview

Praised for their happy-go-lucky attitudes and zest for life, the Smooth Fox Terrier dog is often called the “gentleman of the terrier world.” They were originally bred for British foxhunts (a practice that is now banned) sometime around the 17th century. It is thought they were created by breeding Old English Terriers, Smooth-coated Black and Tan Terriers, Bull Terriers, Greyhounds, and Beagles. Their original task was to drive foxes from their burrows, and the dogs were bred to be small and sit in saddlebags to accompany their owners. Now, though, most of their time is spent romping around yards.  

Smooth Fox Terrier Facts

• Originally bred in England in the 1600s for hunts
• Sometimes called the “gentlemen of the terrier world”
• They were purposely made small to fit in saddlebags
• They can have insatiable amounts of energy
• Their coats are predominantly white, with some combination of black and tan
• Closely related to Wire Fox Terriers

How to Care for Your Smooth Fox Terrier

Here’s what you need to know about nutrition & feeding, health & wellness, grooming & hygiene, and living with the Smooth Fox Terrier breed.  

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Smooth Fox Terrier

The best food for your Smooth Fox Terrier is one that is appropriate for the dog’s small size, like the ones found in Purina Pro Plan Small Breed formulas. This will ensure they have the right size kibble and that they are getting a balanced diet of high-quality protein, moderate carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

How Much to Feed a Smooth Fox Terrier

Weight management is important with small-breed dogs. You can talk to your vet or check your dog food label to get a recommendation for how much to feed them. Use scheduled feeds to ensure they are getting enough calories throughout the day. To get the most accurate food amount for your dog based on weight, age, activity level, and other factors, try using the Purina Feeding Calculator.

Treats & Supplements

Because the Smooth Fox Terrier is a small breed, treats should be used sparingly, accounting for no more than 10% of the dog’s daily calories. Use them in conjunction with positive reinforcement training methods. Your dog may or may not need supplements, something to discuss with your vet, who will have the best insight into their medical history. They might recommend things like joint supplements and/or probiotics for sensitive stomachs, but they’ll be able to best guide you.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

These dogs are a relatively healthy breed, but it’s still important to seek routine care at your dog’s vet. During checkups, they can tell you about vaccine schedules, parasite prevention, spaying or neutering your dog, and discuss dental care, which is important for small breeds. Smooth Fox Terriers could have conditions like luxating patellas (kneecap slips), eye conditions, or allergies and sensitive skin, all of which can be discussed with your vet.

Smooth Fox Terrier Enrichment & Exercise Needs

Don’t let their small size fool you – Smooth Fox Terriers love to be active. They are equal parts companion dogs and hard workers, ready to train or run at a moment’s notice. You can take them on leash walks, let them run off-leash, take them hiking, or engage them in puzzles and games. Be sure to only allow them to play off-leash in a well-secured area; they have instincts to dig and chase. Give them outlets to satisfy their needs, such as scent games and puzzle feeders. A bored Smooth Fox Terrier can be a destructive one, so you must provide enough mental and physical stimulation for them.

Understanding Your Smooth Fox Terrier’s Behavior

Smooth Fox Terriers are smart dogs that can have a stubborn streak, especially when training. You’ll need to provide gentle and consistent training to get them to understand how to be well-mannered. Do not use harsh methods to train them. They also have a strong prey drive – something that needs to be satisfied. Give them dedicated spaces to dig and give them plenty of enrichment, like scentwork, where they get to use their big brains. When bored or under-stimulated, they can become destructive or disruptive, including exhibiting excessive barking. A “quiet” command will be essential, as will making sure they have enough stimulation. They could have separation anxiety, so it’s important to exercise or mentally engage them before you leave.

What to Expect as Your Smooth Fox Terrier Ages

The Smooth Fox Terrier dog breed can live 12 to 15 years if healthy and well taken care of. They’ll show the usual signs of aging, such as slowing down. Support them with a senior dog food to help with mental clarity, joint health, and more. Your vet can advise on when to make the switch. If your dog is overweight as they age, it can put pressure on their joints. You might have to adjust a few things, like their food and/or supplements, which you can discuss with your vet.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

The short, dense coat of the Smooth Fox Terrier is low maintenance. Brush them regularly to remove loose and dead hairs and to redistribute oils. They shed seasonally, and you’ll need to increase grooming during these times. Bathe them as needed, but excessive bathing can dry out and irritate their skin.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Ear, paw, nail, and dental care are all part of being a responsible dog owner. Inspect their ears for signs of infection, such as redness or discharge, and clean them with a vet-approved regimen. You can also check their paw pads for cuts, scrapes, or signs of infection. Their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent splitting and cracking, which can affect the way they run and can be painful. Small dogs are prone to tartar buildup, so establish a good dental care routine for your dog.

Anal Gland Care

Your Smooth Fox Terrier may or may not have trouble expressing their anal glands naturally. Sometimes, a blockage called an abscess can occur, and you’ll need to call your vet. You’ll know your dog needs help if they are scooting, excessively licking, emitting a foul-smelling odor, or having trouble going to the bathroom.

Living With a Smooth Fox Terrier

Living Space

Compact and lively, these dogs don’t need a lot of space and can do well just about anywhere, so long as they have access to plenty of exercise. If you have a yard, a high fence is important – they love to dig and can be surprisingly agile.

Socialization

Because of their strong prey drive, introductions to other animals, especially small ones, need to be carefully done and monitored. They may or may not be able to overcome their impulses, but early and frequent socialization can help. These are generally playful and spirited dogs that thrive in family life, including with small children, so long as the children can respect the dog’s boundaries.

Climate Considerations

Originally bred in moderate climates, Smooth Fox Terriers prefer those moderate temperatures but can do okay in slightly colder ones. Their coat does not provide a lot of insulation, and they might need a sweater in cold weather. Dogs should not be left out in hot or cold extreme weather conditions. If it’s warmer where you live, exercise them during the coolest parts of the day and provide plenty of shade and water.

Potential Challenges

Smooth Fox Terriers have a lot of heart and gusto. They have a high prey drive and are prone to chasing and digging – behaviors that can be satisfied with enrichment activities and exercise. If they get bored, they can exhibit excessive barking, which might not be ideal if you are living in dense areas. Ensuring their stimulation needs are met will reduce the likelihood of excessive barking. Training and socialization are essential with this breed to teach them how to be well-mannered, although they can show a stubborn streak. Use gentle and consistent methods only. Finally, because of their small size, they need to have their weight carefully managed. Limit treats and feed them dog food that has high-quality protein, moderate carbs, and good, healthy fats.

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