Smooth Fox Terrier

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.

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

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Smooth Fox Terrier

Smooth Fox Terrier Size and Weight

Smooth Fox Terriers are small to medium-sized dogs. Males can reach a height of 15 ½ inches, 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.

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.

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 themselves on the potential 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 to patellar luxation. Giving a puppy access to clean, fresh water can help 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 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.

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.

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.

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 a 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.

Famous Smooth Fox Terriers

These dogs have been around since the mid-19th century, so it should come as no surprise that they’re 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.