Smooth Fox Terriers have a rich history going back at least 300 years, if not longer, and have been used as the foundation breed for several other breeds. Although the Wire Fox Terrier and Smooth Fox Terrier were shown together for many years, and in early years were bred together, experts agree that they come from different backgrounds. The Smooth Fox Terrier is probably descended from a smooth-coated black and tan terrier breed, the Bull Terrier, the Beagle, and, most likely, a dash of Greyhound.
The Smooth Fox Terrier stands 14 to 15.5 inches tall and weighs 15 to 19 pounds, although weight is less important than the dog’s fitness. The head is long and wedge-shaped, the eyes small and dark, and the ears small and V-shaped. The body is strong and fit and shorter than the dog is tall. The tail is docked. The coat is short and hard and is predominantly white with patches of color. The short coat should be brushed twice weekly.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a very active dog who needs vigorous daily exercise. A securely fenced yard is advisable; this dog is not particularly suited to apartment living. She enjoys daily runs, playtime on the agility course, and a chance to hunt for rodents and bugs in the woodpile. Without enough daily exercise, this dog breed will find something to amuse herself, and that could be destructive.
Early training is recommended. Because Smooth Fox Terrier puppies are bright, they are able to think for themselves. Firm and structured yet fun training can help teach household rules and social manners. The Smooth Fox Terrier needs an owner who understands the terrier temperament, their love of fun and activity, and their ability to be hardheaded at times. This breed can be good with older children but may be too rowdy for younger kids. She is not always good with other dogs, especially those of the same sex, and should not be trusted with smaller pets. Health concerns include hip and knee problems, allergies, and Cushing’s disease.
2 replies on “Fox Terrier ( Smooth Fox Terrier )”
Before breeding it is usually advisable to obtain either a conformation championship or a working certificate of some kind. Also, and more importantly, the dog should be health tested for Legges-Perthes disease (hip xray) subluxating elbows (also an xray and vet exam) heart murmur and thyroid (Cushings disease). If all tests are negative and your dog has achieved a championship or other recognition by your country’s kennel club, and is registered as a purebred…then you may want to consider breeding a litter. However, in breeding a litter, what will you contribute to the gene pool? Breeders don’t breed just to have puppies. They breed to maintain the breed standard and improve their stock with a view to improving and maintaining the breed into the future. This is a picture of my 8 month old puppy, Rúna, going Best in Show at Lloydminster AB Sept 2017. She was my pick pup out of my first litter. The judge remarked “This is the most correct fox terrier I have seen in a long time. She is perfectly square and has perfect movement. Will you be repeating that breeding?” when a judge asks a question like that, you know you are doing something right. Wishing you all the best and good luck in your future endeavors.
I am the owner and master of this Smooth Fox Terrier – I live in South Africa. I would just like to know if the dog pictured here is likely to produce a litter that I could show. She has a very good pedigree and is 5 years old. Obviously has not been groomed.