Terrier group

Smooth Fox Terrier

A sleek, alert fox hunter — lively, clever and always on the go.

Smooth Fox Terriers are athletic, short-coated terriers bred to bolt foxes. They are bright, playful and affectionate, with high energy, a strong chase drive and a readiness to bark.

Height
14–15.5 in36–39 cm
Weight
15–18 lb7–8 kg
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
Small
Group
Terrier
Origin
England

Coat: Short, smooth, flat, dense coat. Colours: White with black and tan, White with tan, White with black.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"2.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation4.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety3.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness2.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive5.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking4.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden1.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness2.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Smooths are friendly, fearless and full of life. They love games and exploring and bond closely with their families.

They are independent and quick, with strong prey drive and a tendency to dig and bark. They can be scrappy with other dogs.

Living with a Smooth Fox Terrier

Exercise

About an hour of vigorous daily exercise with running and games.

Grooming

Weekly brushing with a bristle brush or hound mitt, plus regular nail care. Moderate shedding.

Training

Clever but independent; keep training fun and consistent. Recall is challenging.

Kids & other pets

Good with older children; supervise with other dogs. Unsafe with small pets.

Time alone

Bored Smooths bark, dig and chew. Provide plenty of exercise, puzzles and a safe space before absences.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Smooth Fox Terrier right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Smooth Fox Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Smooth Fox Terrier typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Primary lens luxation

    The lens dislocates, causing pain and glaucoma; a DNA test is available.

  • Deafness

    Linked to white coats; BAER testing identifies affected puppies.

  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

    Degeneration of the hip joint in young small dogs.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps occur in small terriers.

Ask a breeder for

  • Eye examination and DNA test for primary lens luxation
  • BAER hearing test
  • Patella evaluation
  • Cardiac examination

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Smooth Fox Terrier; American Fox Terrier Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Fox terriers were used in 18th- and 19th-century England to bolt foxes that had gone to ground during hunts. White coats helped hunters tell the terrier from the fox.

The Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers were shown as one breed in America until the AKC separated them in 1985. The Fox Terrier was one of the first breeds recognised by the AKC, in 1885.

Did you know?

  • The Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers were one breed in the US until 1985.
  • Nipper, the RCA Victor “His Master’s Voice” dog, is often described as a Smooth Fox Terrier mix.
  • White coats helped hunters distinguish terriers from foxes.

Library guides for Smooth Fox Terrier owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Smooth vs Wire Fox Terrier?
They differ mainly in coat: Smooths have short, flat coats; Wires have dense, wiry coats that need stripping.
Are Smooth Fox Terriers good family dogs?
For active families with older children, yes.
Do Smooth Fox Terriers shed?
Moderately.