Smooth Fox Terrier — breed guide
The smooth-coated fox terrier — the dog in the His Master's Voice painting, and still as busy as the standard says.
At a glance
- Group
- terrier
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 7–8 kg (15–18 lb)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Short, flat, hard, dense coat
Living with a Smooth Fox Terrier
- Very high energy — built for work and long days out.
- Almost no grooming.
- Moderate shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Barks readily.
- Good with children.
- Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Alert · Mischievous · Confident · Vocal
Health to watch
- Primary lens luxation
- Deafness
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Smooth Fox Terrier good with kids?
Generally yes. Smooth Fox Terriers are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Smooth Fox Terrier good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Smooth Fox Terrier need?
Hours — this breed needs a job or a long day out.
Can a Smooth Fox Terrier handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Smooth Fox Terrier's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.