Smooth Fox Terrier
AlertKeenLively
England · 12–15 years
About the Smooth Fox Terrier
The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, developed in 18th-century England alongside its wire-coated cousin for fox bolting during foxhunts. Smooth Fox Terriers are lively, intelligent, and fearless dogs with a sleek, low-maintenance coat and an athletic, elegant build. They share the Wire Fox Terrier's spirited personality but with an easy-care smooth coat. One of the most famous dogs in history, Nipper from the 'His Master's Voice' gramophone logo, was a Smooth Fox Terrier. They are energetic, entertaining companions that keep their owners on their toes with their quick minds and bold antics.
Breed stats
- Height
- 14–15.5 in
- Weight
- 15–18 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Group
- Terrier
- Coat
- Short, flat, smooth, dense, hard
- Origin
- England
Coat colors
- White with Black Markings
- White with Tan Markings
- White, Black, and Tan
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
45–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.75–1 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Lens luxation
- Deafness
- Cataracts
Not every Smooth Fox Terrier will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Smooth Fox Terriers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers are separate breeds that share the same body type, size, and temperament but differ primarily in coat. Smooth Fox Terriers have a short, flat, dense coat that requires minimal grooming — just weekly brushing. Wire Fox Terriers have a dense, wiry coat that needs regular professional grooming (hand-stripping or clipping). Historically they were considered one breed with two coat varieties but are now recognized separately. Smooth Fox Terriers are slightly less common than Wire Fox Terriers and tend to shed more due to their short coat. Both are equally energetic and spirited.
- Smooth Fox Terriers can adapt to apartment living if their significant exercise needs are met — at least 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity. Their small size and easy-care coat are apartment-friendly traits. However, their high energy, tendency to bark at sounds, and strong prey drive (they will chase anything that moves) can create challenges. They are also determined diggers if given access to soil. Success in an apartment depends entirely on the owner's commitment to daily exercise and training. A tired Smooth Fox Terrier is a well-behaved apartment dog; a bored one is destructive.
- Smooth Fox Terriers generally should not live with cats. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive — bred to chase and bolt foxes from dens, they view small, fast-moving animals as targets. This instinct extends to cats, squirrels, and any small pet. Even Smooth Fox Terriers raised with cats from puppyhood may suddenly give chase when triggered. The risk is lifelong and cannot be reliably trained away. Small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits are at even higher risk. If you have a cat, a Smooth Fox Terrier is not a recommended choice.
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