Smooth Fox Terrier

Canis lupus

Last updated: September 27, 2022
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© everydoghasastory/Shutterstock.com

These dogs are known for their fast digging abilities.


Advertisement


Smooth Fox Terrier Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Smooth Fox Terrier Conservation Status

Smooth Fox Terrier Locations

Smooth Fox Terrier Locations

Smooth Fox Terrier Facts

Fun Fact
These dogs are known for their fast digging abilities.
Temperament
Energetic and curious
Diet
Omnivore

Smooth Fox Terrier Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Black
  • White
  • Tan
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
12 – 15 years
Height
18 lbs

Smooth Fox Terrier as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Warm climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$1100
Dog group
Terrier
Male weight
15-18 lbs
Female weight
15-17 lbs

This post may contain affiliate links to our partners like Chewy, Amazon, and others. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to educate about the world's species.

View all of the Smooth Fox Terrier images!



Share on:

Smooth Fox Terriers are expert diggers and won’t give up until they find what they’re looking for!

Smooth Fox Terriers are lively dogs with a friendly temperament. This breed dates back to England in the mid-1800s. They accompanied British royalty on foxhunts. These dogs were experts at driving foxes out of their holes. The Smooth Fox Terrier belongs to the Terrier group.

See all of our expert product reviews.

These sleek terriers are smart, brave, and full of energy. A socialized Smooth Fox Terrier is a loyal family dog that loves to play!

The 3 of Different Types of Smooth Fox Terriers and Smooth Fox Terrier Mixes

There are a few variations on the Smooth Fox Terrier:

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Smooth Fox Terrier

Pros!Cons!
Extremely playful
Smooth Fox Terriers love to run around with kids and other family members, playing fetch, hide and seek and more.
High-energy canines
These dogs love to run and need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day.
Good watchdogs
These alert canines make good watchdogs. They’ll alert the family when someone is at the door.
Not compatible with small pets
Owning a Smooth Fox Terrier means keeping them away from small pets like gerbils and hamsters due to their strong urge to chase rodents.
Easy grooming routine
Smooth Fox Terriers have an easy grooming routine. They should be brushed once per week.
Separation anxiety
Smooth Fox Terriers love to be around family. So, they experience separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. In fact, these dogs may chew or otherwise destroy household items if left alone.

Smooth Fox Terrier Size and Weight

Smooth Fox Terriers are small to medium size dogs. Males can reach a height of 15 ½ inches tall while females reach a height of 14 inches. Males weigh up to 18 pounds while females weigh up to 17 pounds fully grown. Smooth Fox Terriers weigh 7 pounds at about 9 weeks old. They are full-grown at 12 months old.

Height (Male)15 ½ inches tall
Height (Female)14 inches tall
Weight (Male)18 pounds, full-grown
Weight (Female)17 pounds, full-grown

Smooth Fox Terrier Common Health Issues

Smooth Fox Terriers have some common health issues like other dogs. One of those is known as Patellar luxation. This is when the dog’s kneecap slips out of place. Sudden limping or hopping can both be signs of this condition. The treatment may be medication or surgery depending on how severe the issue is. A second common health issue is heart disease. A Smooth Fox Terrier with heart disease has weakened heart valves and may have a heart murmur. This is most common in older terriers. (These dogs have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years.) Medication or surgery can be treatments for this condition. A third common health issue is kidney stones. A Smooth Fox Terrier that is having trouble urinating or has blood in its urine may have kidney stones and should be taken to the vet right away. Common health issues of these dogs include:

Health and Entertainment for your Smooth Fox Terrier

See all of our expert product reviews.

  • Patellar luxation
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney stones

Smooth Fox Terrier Temperament and Behavior

Smooth Fox Terriers have a friendly temperament and are always ready for a high-energy game of fetch, chase or hide and seek. Bravery is one of their most notable traits. These dogs were bred to pursue foxes and other prey without hesitation. So, if a Smooth Fox Terrier sees a squirrel in the yard, it’s likely to take off after it without a second thought.

These dogs love to be with kids and adults. When it comes to their family they exhibit loyal behavior. Smooth Fox Terriers are great for families looking for a sweet, playful dog.

How to Take Care of a Smooth Fox Terrier

Learning about the dietary, grooming, exercise, and healthcare needs of a Smooth Fox Terrier puppy or adult dog can help an owner to give it the proper care. The more an owner knows about the unique needs of this pet (before visiting a breeder), the more confident they can be when planning its care.

The Best Dog Food for Smooth Fox Terriers

This breed sometimes tends towards heart disease. Owners should always make regular vet appointments to check up on their dogs’ health, but also educate yourself on the connection between heart failure in dogs and dog food with legumes. Prioritize finding a legume-free food. Your vet may also point you toward a low-phosphorus diet if your Smooth Fox Terrier has kidney stones.

Smooth Fox Terrier puppy food: Protein supports the healthy growth of a puppy’s nails, coat, and skin. It also supports muscle and tendon growth. Fat gives this energetic puppy the fuel it needs to explore its environment. Fat also has Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that contribute to a healthy nervous system and regulate body temperature. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants for a puppy’s growing body. Calcium is an important ingredient for both bones and teeth. This is important especially for a breed prone patellar luxation. Giving a puppy access to clean, fresh water can help to prevent kidney stones from forming.

Smooth Fox Terrier adult dog food: Lean protein supports healthy muscles, tendons, and joints in an adult dog. Fat in an adult dog’s diet is necessary to give it energy. But the amount should be limited so the dog doesn’t take on excess weight. Keeping a dog at a healthy weight can help to prevent Patellar luxation. Also, a dog that maintains a healthy weight is less likely to develop heart disease. Vitamin A supports healthy vision while vitamin C is an antioxidant.

At A-Z Animals, we prefer Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food as the best dog food for Smooth Fox Terriers.

Firstly, the benefits of a raw diet range from digestion, energy, and weight, to skin and coat. Plus, this legume-free food is made of freeze-dried chicken with bone, both excellent sources of calcium for your Smooth Fox Terrier’s bones, cartilage, and joints. Additionally, the formula adds taurine to your dog’s diet, important for heart health.

Check Chewy and Amazon for this product.

Best Freeze-Dried Beef Recipe
Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food
  • This recipe features animal-based protein and vitamin-rich fruits and veggies to give your best bud’s bowl a total upgrade.
  • Compared to traditional processed kibble, this raw recipe was freeze-dried to allow for better digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Designed to be a complete and balanced meal for your furry friend.
  • The paw-sitively delicious ingredients aim to support strong muscles and bones as well as improve coat and skin health.
  • Made in the USA with no artificial colors, preservatives, grain, corn, wheat, soy or legumes.


Check Chewy Check Amazon

Smooth Fox Terrier Maintenance and Grooming

How much does a Smooth Fox Terrier shed? Smooth Fox Terriers shed a moderate amount of hair.

A grooming glove is a useful tool for this dog’s short-haired, flat coat. A brush with soft, boar’s hair bristles is also good for going over the sleek coat of this canine.

These dogs are prone to eczema, especially on their bellies. A rash, redness or bumps are all signs of eczema. A veterinarian can prescribe a topical salve to help with this condition.

Smooth Fox Terrier Training

Smooth Fox Terriers are easy to train because they are intelligent and alert. Though some of these dogs have an independent streak, they can be motivated using treats. Like all dogs, words of praise go a long way to making sure obedience lessons are absorbed.

A Jack Russell Terrier is another smart dog with an independent spirit that learns fairly quickly with the right motivation.

Smooth Fox Terrier Exercise

Smooth Fox Terriers are high-energy dogs that need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. This is important for both their physical and emotional health. Playing fetch, running in a field or park, or taking a long walk in the woods are all great ways to exercise a Smooth Fox Terrier. It’s important to exercise these dogs in a safe place so if they do take off after a bird or other animal, they won’t wander into the road or another dangerous area.

These dogs are small to medium in size, so they are suited to apartment living. So long as the dog receives exercise each day, it should be happy in a smaller living environment.

Smooth Fox Terrier Puppies

As puppies, Smooth Fox Terriers need an enclosed yard or another area where they can stretch their legs while enjoying a safe place to explore.

Purebred puppy, smooth fox terrier is resting on a walk in the park outdoors, on the green grass.

©Olga Kurguzova/Shutterstock.com

Smooth Fox Terriers and Children

A Smooth Fox Terrier that’s been socialized from puppyhood is likely to interact well with children of all ages. They are affectionate dogs with a sweet temperament.

Dogs Similar to Smooth Fox Terriers

Dogs that are similar to Smooth Fox Terriers include Brazilian Terriers, Norfolk Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers.

  • Brazilian Terrier – Brazilian Terriers have brown, black and white coat like Smooth Fox Terriers. In fact, they look a whole lot alike! But Brazilian Terriers can weigh as much as 22 pounds which is heavier than a Smooth Fox Terrier.
  • Norfolk Terrier – Norfolk Terriers and Smooth Fox Terriers are both intelligent dogs with a playful side. But a Norfolk Terrier is usually solid brown in color while a Smooth Fox Terrier is generally a mix of black, white, and brown.
  • Jack Russell – Jack Russell Terriers and Smooth Fox Terriers both have a smart, courageous temperament. They have a coat with a mix of colors. But, Smooth Fox Terriers are larger in size.

Some popular names for Smooth Fox Terriers:

  • Charlie
  • Buster
  • Sadie
  • Lucky
  • Misty
  • Ginger
  • Felix

Famous Smooth Fox Terriers

These dogs have been around since the mid-19th century so it should come as no surprise it’s a favorite breed among well-known personalities.

  • Scientist Charles Darwin owned at least five of these terriers. He took some or all of them on regular hunting trips.
  • Author Thomas Hardy owned a fox terrier named Wessex. He wrote a couple of poems about the dog.

View all 293 animals that start with S

Share on:
What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

AZ Animals is a growing team of animals experts, researchers, farmers, conservationists, writers, editors, and -- of course -- pet owners who have come together to help you better understand the animal kingdom and how we interact.

Smooth Fox Terrier FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a Smooth Fox Terrier?

A Smooth Fox Terrier is a small to medium size dog with a short, flat coat that’s usually a mix of brown, black and white. This dog is known for its intelligence and high level of energy. It was bred in England to accompany British royalty on fox hunts. This dog’s task was to drive a fox from its hole so hunters could see it. Today, they’re playful dogs owned by many families. They have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years.

How much does a Smooth Fox Terrier cost to own?

A breeder may sell a Smooth Fox Terrier for around $1100. Getting this dog from a rescue organization is a less costly option.

The yearly cost for veterinary care ranges from $300 to $500. The final cost depends on the services a vet provides.

The food budget for a Smooth Fox Terrier is between $25 and $50 a month.

Are Smooth Fox Terriers good with kids?

Yes, a socialized Smooth Fox Terrier knows how to behave around kids and enjoys playing with them.

How long do Smooth Fox Terriers live?

The lifespan of this dog is 10 to 13 years.

Are Smooth Fox Terriers good family dogs?

Yes. As long as a family is willing to give this dog 60 minutes of exercise per day it is a good choice for a pet.

Are Smooth Fox Terriers aggressive?

No, socialized Smooth Fox Terriers aren’t aggressive. However, any dog can become agitated if something or someone poses a threat.

Do Smooth Fox Terriers shed a lot?

No. These dogs shed a moderate amount of hair.

How much do Smooth Fox Terriers cost?

Generally, a breeder will charge around $1100 for Smooth Fox Terrier puppies. Someone who wants this type of dog may want to contact a local rescue organization. Rescue organizations charge less for the dogs in their care.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Your Pure Bred Puppy, Available here: https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/foxterriers.html
  2. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smooth_Fox_Terrier

Newly Added Animals

A Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Cobalt blue tarantulas spend most of their time in self-dug burrows and only emerge when it's time to eat

A Dried Fruit Moth
Dried Fruit Moth

In the event of adverse environmental conditions, dried fruit moth larvae will become dormant and stop developing.

Most Recently Updated Animals

A Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Cobalt blue tarantulas spend most of their time in self-dug burrows and only emerge when it's time to eat

A Dried Fruit Moth
Dried Fruit Moth

In the event of adverse environmental conditions, dried fruit moth larvae will become dormant and stop developing.