Smooth Fox Terrier
The Victorian hunt's dapper little gentleman — quick, and quicker still.
Vital stats
| Size | Small–medium · up to 39 cm |
| Weight | 7–9 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Energy | High — 60+ min/day |
| Shedding | Low–moderate |
| Coat | Short, dense, smooth · white with black or tan |
| Group | Terrier · FCI №12 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred to run with Victorian foxhound packs and dive underground to bolt the fox, the Smooth Fox Terrier is fearless, fast and always slightly ahead of you. It brings wit and mischief to family life, adores a game, and treats squirrels, holes and unattended sandwiches as professional obligations.
Habits & quirks
Excavation projects
That flowerbed contained something once; the dig continues.
Spring-loaded
From flat-out asleep to full sprint in roughly one squirrel.
The head tilt
Every odd sound earns a theatrical, ears-cocked appraisal.
Toy shakedown
Squeaky toys are dispatched with ancestral thoroughness.
Care
| Exercise | An hour-plus of hard play and walking daily, or the energy finds less convenient outlets. |
| Containment | A determined digger and jumper with high prey drive — fence low and high, and lead up near roads. |
| Training | Smart but self-employed; keep sessions short, funny and rewarding. |
| Grooming | A weekly rubber-mitt rubdown handles the smooth coat entirely. |
Common questions
What's the difference between Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers?
Coat, mainly — they are separate breeds today with near-identical outlines and shared hunt heritage. The Smooth's short coat needs far less upkeep than the Wire's hand-stripped jacket.
Are Smooth Fox Terriers good with other dogs?
They can be scrappy, especially with dogs of the same sex — classic terrier confidence. Early socialisation and management make a big difference.
Are Smooth Fox Terriers good family pets?
Brilliant fun for active families with sturdy, dog-savvy children. They need real exercise and mental work, or mischief fills the gap.