Breed History:

The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, developed in England in the 18th century for fox hunting. Its primary role was to bolt foxes from their dens so that mounted hunters and hounds could pursue the chase. It shares ancestry with black-and-tan terriers, bull-type breeds, and possibly Greyhounds to enhance speed and agility.

Originally considered the same breed as the Wire Fox Terrier, the two were formally recognised as separate breeds in the late 19th century due to differences in coat and head shape. The Smooth Fox Terrier gained fame in dog shows and was among the first terrier breeds to be recognised by the AKC in 1885.

Size: Small to Medium

Life Expectancy: 12–15 years

Breed Appearance:

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a lean, athletic dog with a short, flat, and dense coat that lies close to the body. It has a long, wedge-shaped head, dark, expressive eyes, and V-shaped ears that fold forward.

The coat is typically predominantly white with black or tan markings, which helps hunters see them in the field. Its tail is usually carried high, and its entire body gives the impression of alertness and agility.

Breed Type – Terrier:

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a classic terrier breed, characterised by bravery, high energy, and tenacity. Bred to work independently, it has a sharp prey drive and an inquisitive, outgoing personality.

Though less commonly used in the field today, it remains a lively companion and competitive show dog with the typical terrier spark.

Training:

The Smooth Fox Terrier is intelligent but independent, requiring a firm, patient trainer. It learns quickly but often tests boundaries, so early socialisation and consistent training are important.

They respond well to positive reinforcement, and structured activities like agility, obedience, and scent work can help keep their mind engaged.

Health & Care:

Generally healthy, but the breed may be prone to:

• Deafness (especially in mostly white dogs)

• Lens luxation and cataracts

• Epilepsy

• Hip dysplasia

• Skin allergies

Regular veterinary checkups and responsible breeding practices help manage these risks. Routine health screenings for the eyes and joints are recommended.

Living Conditions:

Smooth Fox Terriers can adapt to apartment living if they receive adequate exercise, though they thrive in homes with fenced yards. They are active indoors and may become restless or vocal if under-stimulated.

They do best in active households and may not be suitable for homes with small pets due to their strong hunting instincts.

Exercise:

This breed has high energy levels and needs at least an hour of activity daily. Exercise should include:

• Brisk walks and off-leash play (in secure areas)

• Fetch, agility, or trick training

• Mental games to prevent boredom

Without proper exercise, they may become destructive or noisy.

Grooming:

Grooming is simple and low-maintenance:

• Weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt

• Occasional baths, as needed

• Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming

• Dental care to prevent tartar buildup

The short coat sheds moderately year-round, but is easy to maintain overall.

Advantages:

• Lively, entertaining, and bold personality

• Easy-to-groom short coat

• Highly intelligent and trainable

• Good watchdog with sharp senses

• Long lifespan and general hardiness

• Great for active owners and families with older kids

Disadvantages:

• Needs plenty of exercise and stimulation

• Can be vocal or destructive if bored

• May not get along with other pets

• Strong prey drive—must be leashed or fenced

• Stubborn at times—needs consistent training

• May develop behavioural issues if under-socialised