Smooth Fox Terrier

Bred to keep up with horses and hounds on fox hunts, the Smooth Fox Terrier is swift and energetic. Once he finds the fox, this gutsy little dog is tasked with driving him from his burrow or hiding spot so the hounds can give chase. Smooth Fox Terriers are close cousins with Wire Fox Terriers, who were bred for the same purpose.

As companion dogs, Smooth Fox Terriers are lively and playful. They have an independent spirit, but are devoted to their families and love making their people smile. SFTs have a mischievous quality that keeps their humans on their toes. With strangers they are often reserved at first, but they are also calm and tolerant unless given a reason to be antagonistic. Once they get to know newcomers, they’ll consider them friends and possible playmates. Barking and digging come naturally to Smooth Fox Terriers, so reconsider bringing home this breed if those are problems. They also need consistent training and frequent exercise, so SFTs are best suited to active families.

Other Names

Smooth Fox Terriers are also called Foxies and SFTs.

Physical Description

Coat

Smooth Fox Terriers have a smooth, dense, flat coat, that is hard to the touch. The coat is predominantly white, with moderate markings in any color, with the exception of brindle, liver, or red.

Height

Average Height: 15.5 inches

Weight

Male: 18 pounds

Female: 15-17 pounds

Breed Standard & History

The SFT is a chipper, animated dog who draws attention and elicits smiles wherever he goes. His dark eyes are intelligent and alert, always watchful for prey or signs his people are ready to play. The Smooth Fox Terrier’s head has a V-shape in comparison to his close Wire-haired cousin. The breed is compact and muscular, with a well-balanced physique that is never unwieldy. SFTs are nimble and swift, able to turn on a dime and set off at a clip in a new direction when needed. The power in their gait is driven by their powerful hindquarters.

Smooth Fox Terriers are a centuries-old breed, having developed in their modern form in the 1700s to hunt foxes alongside the aristocracy in England. Among the breeds thought included in the SFT genetic mashup are smooth coated Black and Tan Terriers, Greyhounds, and Beagles. The Wire Fox Terrier is thought to have similar ancestry, except with the inclusion of rough-coated Black and Tan Terriers instead of smooth. The SFT was bred small enough to ride in saddlebags until the fox ‘went to ground,’ which means they dove into their burrow or found a hiding place. The SFT was then released to flush them out so the hounds and huntsmen and women could chase them.

The smooth and wire-coated varieties of Fox Terrier were so similar, they were considered a single breed with two types until 1985, when the American Kennel Club recognized them as having distinct breed standards. The Wire Fox Terrier maintains the edge in popularity.

AKC Breed Category

Terrier Group

Personality

General Temperament

The Smooth Fox Terrier is best known as an energetic charmer. With their personality, they seem to say, “Let’s go, go, go!” SFTs are endlessly confident and brave, and interested in exploring the world around them. They are primarily attached to their family members, and can be somewhat reserved around strangers. When socialized with people from an early age they shouldn’t be aggressive. With other dogs, however, Smooth Fox Terriers are quarrelsome and won’t back down from a fight with much bigger dogs.

Family Life

Are Smooth Fox Terriers Good with Kids? 'The more, the merrier' could be the Smooth Fox Terrier's credo when it comes to the kids in their family. They are happy to have children around because they see them as merely another person to play with. SFTs won’t put up with rough treatment, however, no matter how innocent. They are best suited to homes with children who are slightly older and know how to treat dogs respectfully.

(Note: Every dog has a unique personality and distinct life experiences that affect his disposition. As a rule, adults should always supervise playdates between kids and their four-legged friends.)

Are Smooth Fox Terriers Good with Other Pets? SFTs are best suited to homes where they are the only pet. They can be combative with other dogs, and they view small animals, including cats, as prey.

Protective

Smooth Fox Terriers are protective of themselves, their people, and their territory.

Energy Levels

Smooth Fox Terriers have an abundance of energy and the stamina to play through most of the day. Don't expect much downtime with a Foxie in your life.

Specific Concerns:

• Require a lot of attention and exercise
• Suitable for experienced dog owners
• Housetraining can take more time than with the average dog
• They bark for recreation and can't be trained out of barking completely
• Need socialization to learn manners towards other dogs
• Can't live with cats or other small animals
• They will dig in your yard.
• Require a highly secured yard, or they will escape in search of adventure. And will need a personalized dog collar with contact info on it, in case they do.

Requirements

Indoor

Smooth Fox Terriers love their families and are needy for attention. They should live indoors with their people. This is a neat breed overall, but you should expect some accidents during their extended housetraining. They shed only moderately, so fur cleanup is minimal.

Outdoor

SFTs should spend a good deal of time each day outside going on adventures and exercising. They benefit from having an enclosed, mid-sized yard where they can play games of catch with you. Avoid leaving your Smooth Fox Terrier alone in the yard because they are adept at digging and jumping, and are prone to escaping. They'll also bark incessantly if bored.

Exercise

A healthy Smooth Fox Terrier requires about one to two hours of daily physical activity. Exercise is an important part of keeping your SFT fit and well behaved.

Endurance

Smooth Fox Terriers have the stamina to be on the move for half a day or more before they'll want to take a rest on their dog bed, or beside you on the couch.

Activity distance rating

• Running Miles: Healthy, adult Smooth Fox Terriers can run with you for two to three miles. Remember their legs are little, so slow your pace accordingly.
• Hiking Miles: SFTs are eager hiking partners for half day hikes. Be sure to keep your Smooth Fox Terrier on leash at all times because they will dash after squirrels and chipmunks.

Food

Generally, this breed requires about 1½ to 2 cups of good quality dry dog food each day, given in two feedings. This will vary, however, based upon your Foxies’s activity level and age. Talk to your veterinarian about the optimal diet and quantity of food for your Smooth Fox Terrier.

Alone Time

Smooth Fox Terriers are independent dogs and don’t mind spending some time alone. Be wary, however, of leaving them on their own for more than a few hours or they’ll become bored and get into mischief to pass the time. This may include nuisance barking and destructive chewing. You can leave your SFT alone for three to four hours at a time crate training—and a smidge more if they get plenty of exercise beforehand, and are left crated with a favorite toy.

Health and Grooming

Life Expectancy

12-15 years

Grooming

The high-maintenance Smooth Fox Terrier gives you a break when it comes to grooming. A good brush once or twice a week, along with a bath every month is enough to keep their coat healthy and clean. Wash their ears once a week with a gentle, vet-approved cleanser to prevent dirt and wax buildup that can cause infections. Brush your SFTs teeth three days a week, and trim their nails once a month or so to prevent painful cracking.

Common Health Issues

Smooth Fox Terriers may be prone to some breed-specific health concerns, including:

• Deafness
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Patellar luxation
• Eye conditions, including cataracts and lens luxation

You can minimize serious health concerns in a Smooth Fox Terrier by purchasing from a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices, and through screening for common diseases and conditions.