Smooth Fox Terrier
Also known as Fox Terrier, Smooth Fox
- Height at the withers
- 33 to 41 cm
- Weight
- 6 to 9 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- England
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
Less suited to
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 90 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
A small, compact and energetic terrier with a short, smooth, predominantly white coat and a lively expression. Sturdy and bold, it has the quick spirit typical of terriers.
History and origins
Developed in England in the 18th and 19th centuries for fox hunting, its main job being to “bolt” foxes from their dens. Refined from various terrier and hound breeds, it was standardized by English fox hunters.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Primary lens luxation
- Hereditary ataxia (spinocerebellar ataxia)
- Patellar luxation
- Congenital deafness (predominantly white dogs)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Smooth Fox Terrier FAQ
How big does the Smooth Fox Terrier get?
The Smooth Fox Terrier stands 33 to 41 cm at the withers and weighs 6 to 9 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Smooth Fox Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Smooth Fox Terrier live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Smooth Fox Terrier need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Smooth Fox Terrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Smooth Fox Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are primary lens luxation and hereditary ataxia.
