Smooth Fox TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care
Smooth Fox Terrier. · Pleple2000 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a small English terrier, predominantly white with black or tan patches, bred to bolt foxes from their earths and to catch rats and rabbits. The FCI standard describes it as alert, quick of movement, with a keen expression, “on the tiptoe of expectation”, friendly, forthcoming and fearless.
Quick facts
| Common name | Smooth Fox Terrier |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom (England) |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 26 June 1963 (group 3, terriers; standard no. 12); Kennel Club since around 1875; also recognised by the AKC |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | at most 39 cm at the withers; 7.5–8 kg |
| Size (females) | slightly smaller; 7–7.7 kg according to the AKC |
| Coat type | Short, straight, flat, hard and dense |
| Common colours | Predominantly white, with tan, black or black and tan patches |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | Yes, with plenty of exercise |
| Temperament | Alert, lively, friendly, forthcoming, fearless |
| Tendency to aggression | Low towards people |
| Good with children | Moderate |
| Good with other animals | Moderate; strong hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | Heart disease, patellar luxation |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says that the Fox Terrier, in both its varieties, smooth and wire, is of British origin and probably descends from the same types of dog that produced the Bull Terrier and the black and tan terrier (today's Manchester Terrier). Uniformity of type was fixed in the late 19th century, and the first standard was written in 1876.
Wikipedia says the breed has been known in England since at least the 18th century: the first evidence is a portrait painted in 1790 of Colonel Thornton's dog, Pitch. It was the first breed of the Fox Terrier family recognised by the Kennel Club, around 1875, and many of today's terriers descend from it.
How the breed developed
- 1790 – The portrait of Colonel Thornton's dog, Pitch.
- Around 1875 – Recognised by the Kennel Club.
- 1876 – The first Fox Terrier standard.
- 26 June 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★☆☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★★★ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★★☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★☆☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★★★ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good guard dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★☆☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as active and lively, with bone and strength “in a small compass”, never cloddy, neither too high nor too low on the leg, standing like a well-made hunter, with a short back. The AKC says that, apart from the coat, it differs from the wire variety in having a more V-shaped head.
General appearance
The coat is straight, flat, smooth, hard, dense and abundant. The belly and the underside of the thighs are not bare.
| Feature | Smooth Fox Terrier |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Height at the withers | at most 39 cm |
| Weight | 7–8 kg |
| Coat | Short, harsh |
| Colour | White with patches |
| Type | Terrier |
White should predominate: all white, white with tan, with black and tan or with black patches. Brindle, red or liver patches are undesirable.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as alert, quick, with a keen expression, friendly, forthcoming and fearless. The AKC says it is bold but not aggressive with people, an excellent watchdog, lively and cheerful.
The AKC warns that its digging instinct can damage the garden or flower beds unless it is taught otherwise, and that it should never be let off the lead, as it will go after any small animal.
Tips for effective training
- Do not let it off the lead. The AKC says it goes after animals.
- Teach it not to dig. Its terrier instinct is strong.
- Be consistent. It has a strong personality.
- Keep it busy. It gets bored quickly.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC says that, like most terriers, it is lively, athletic and needs plenty of exercise: long walks, chasing a ball in the garden or playing in a large, securely fenced area.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks | daily | Fitness |
| Ball games | daily | Energy |
| Search games | several times a week | Terrier instinct |
Tips for a balanced life
- The fence must be sunk into the ground.
- Keep it on a lead in the street.
- Teach it to be quiet from an early age.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says the short, hard, dense coat is groomed weekly with a stiff brush or a mitt, and a bath once a month is enough, unless it has dug itself a hole in the mud.
Common health problems
The AKC says the Smooth Fox Terrier is generally healthy, and responsible breeders check their dogs for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | Disorders of the heart | Tiredness, coughing, laboured breathing |
| Patellar luxation | The kneecap slips out of place | Suddenly holds a hind leg up for a few steps, then uses it again |
Other care
- Ask for the parents' health tests.
- Brush its teeth often.
- Go for yearly check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 kg | 480 kcal | 540 kcal | 120–150 g |
| 7.5 kg | 510 kcal | 570 kcal | 130–160 g |
| 8 kg | 530 kcal | 600 kcal | 130–170 g |
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- The first of the family. The first Fox Terrier recognised by the Kennel Club.
- A portrait from 1790. Colonel Thornton's dog, Pitch.
- Ancestor of many terriers. Many terriers descend from it.
- Always expectant. The standard describes it as “on the tiptoe of expectation”.
- A digger. The AKC says it loves to dig.
Frequently asked questions
How does it differ from the Wire Fox Terrier?
The short coat and the more V-shaped head.
Is it a good guard dog?
Yes; the AKC says it is an excellent watchdog.
How much does it weigh?
Around 7–8 kg.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 12–15 years.
