Smooth Fox Terrier | Breed Info: Pictures, Traits, Facts, Puppies

The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of the oldest Terriers in existence; in fact, they were the first to receive official recognition from The Kennel Club. They were originally developed as hunting dogs and still retain most of those instincts today. They love to chase anything, so they’ll definitely keep squirrels out of your backyard, but they may also harass the cat.

Smooth Fox Terriers aren’t as well-known as other Terriers, but it’s believed that most of the others descended from Smooth Fox Terriers. That makes them unique, and after wading through the guide below, you’ll know quite a bit about these dogs.

 

Smooth Fox Terrier Puppies

Smooth Fox Terrier puppies are tiny and adorable, and while they don’t get much bigger, they certainly stay adorable. They are blurs, constantly in motion, and they love to chase after anything they see, including birds, rodents, tennis balls, and even a stray leaf.

However, dealing with their energy as pups differs from dealing with it when they’re full-grown. It’s one thing when they get exhausted racing from one end of the house to the other, but it’s another when they need hours of vigorous exercise.

That’s why it’s important to know what you’re getting into before bringing one home. If you don’t think you can keep up with a furry ball of lightning, don’t adopt one; it’s not fair to you or the dog.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Smooth Fox Terrier

1. They Were Bred to Hunt in Concert With Hounds. 

While they make great hunting dogs, Smooth Fox Terriers aren’t as impressive as trackers. That wasn’t what they were bred for, however. In the 19th century, hunters would set loose a pack of hounds to follow a scent trail (usually that of a fox); the Smooth Fox Terrier would follow behind the dogs.

Once the hounds ran their quarry into a hole, the Smooth Fox Terrier would spring into action, darting into the den to finish the job. That requires fearlessness, which is a trait these dogs have in spades.

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2. The Most Recognized Dog at the Westminster Dog Show Was a Smooth Fox Terrier. 

The very first Westminster Dog Show was won by a Smooth Fox Terrier named Ch. Warren Remedy. Being the show’s first champion is quite a noteworthy achievement. However, the dog wasn’t finished. She also won the second Westminster Dog Show and followed it up by taking the third a year later.

Her three overall wins set a record that still hasn’t been matched. Ever the gracious competitor, Ch. Warren Remedy, eventually stepped aside and let another dog win.

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3. Despite Their Diminutive Stature, These Pups Make Fantastic Guard Dogs. 

It’s unlikely that a burglar will cower in fear at the sight of a 15-pound Smooth Fox Terrier, but don’t tell the dog that. They’re convinced that they’re the most fearsome animals on the planet.

You need that kind of courage if you dive into holes to chase prey, and their bravery serves them well today. They’re unafraid to raise the alarm if they see trouble, so you can rest assured that you’ll know the second a stranger approaches your property.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Smooth Fox Terrier 🧠

Smooth Fox Terriers are extremely intelligent dogs. However, they balance that out with a strong stubborn streak. They do well in agility trials and other competitive events since they’re quick learners. They can be easy to train if they trust and respect you, but they may decide to rebel instead if you’re not sure what you’re doing. As a result, it’s recommended that you only adopt one if you’re an experienced owner.

They’re not great at controlling their emotions, either. If they see something to chase, they’ll take off after it, regardless of where they happen to be at the time. Whether they can find their way home again is a worry for later. When they’re around people they trust, they’re friendly, outgoing, and natural showmen.

They love to play and receive affection, and they can get jealous if they’re ignored. Around strangers, they’ll become reserved and suspicious. They’re not necessarily prone to aggression, but don’t expect them to be mistaken for extroverts anytime soon.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Smooth Fox Terriers can make fantastic family pets if properly trained and socialized. They love their families and happily give their lives to protect them. They love to play and wrestle with young kids, but you should always monitor them around children. They can be prone to biting and snapping; which rarely reaches the level where it would break skin, but it’s painful nonetheless and can be traumatizing for young kids.

Also, it’s relatively common for them to become protective of their favorite person. This can be a serious problem, one that you need to correct as soon as possible. After all, you don’t want them snapping at the kids simply for approaching one of their parents. Their shyness around strangers can make them poor choices for families that entertain frequently.

You may need to crate them if your kid has friends over, and they’re unlikely to be the life of your next party. However, you may need to enlist the help of all your loved ones just to exercise a Smooth Fox Terrier. They can play fetch all day long and need more than a simple walk to tucker them out. They can be overwhelming for a single person to take care of.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Smooth Fox Terriers have high prey drives, especially regarding smaller animals. That makes them a poor match for a family with cats, gerbils, ferrets, or other small creatures. They’re not necessarily aggressive toward other dogs but will likely try to dominate their fellow canines.

That can cause problems, especially since they’re fearless but lack the muscle to back up their threats. Proper socialization can mitigate their issues, but you’ll be fighting nature to a certain extent. The Smooth Fox Terrier is generally happiest as the only pet, so that’s something to keep in mind before you commit to owning one.

Things to Know When Owning a Smooth Fox Terrier

Smooth Fox Terriers are sweet, fun-loving dogs, but owning one isn’t always easy. Below, we’ve listed a few things you should keep in mind before starting the adoption process so you’ll be less likely to regret your decision later.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Smooth Fox Terriers are constantly in motion, so they need proper fuel to keep them that way. We recommend a high-protein kibble, especially one that uses quality meat rather than animal by-products. Don’t be tempted to overfeed them. These small dogs don’t need to eat much.

Obesity is a significant problem for the breed, and it doesn’t take much for them to pack on the pounds. Go easy on the treats and table scraps as well. It’s okay to give them a little bit as a reward now and then, but do so sparingly. You can take advantage of their high prey drive by buying them a treat ball or something similar.

These toys dispense a little bit of kibble at a time while your dog chases them; this will burn off the calories and keep your Terrier’s mind engaged.

Exercise 🐕

Don’t get a Smooth Fox Terrier unless you’re prepared to spend a great deal of time tuckering them out. They need plenty of exercise and can become destructive if they don’t get it. However, they’re not couch destroyers or shoe chompers but love to dig. If you don’t burn off their excess energy, they’ll have your lawn looking like a slice of Swiss cheese in no time.

They do need daily walks, but that’s unlikely to be sufficient. You’ll need to make them run. An easy way to do that is by playing fetch, as they love chasing after anything in motion.

They do well with agility training, too. The running and jumping, not to mention figuring out when to run and jump, will wear them out in no time. If you’re successful at burning off all their energy, you’ll find that the average Smooth Fox Terrier can be a lovable lap dog, perfectly content to watch TV by your side all night.

Training 🦮

Training is essential for Smooth Fox Terriers; fortunately, it often goes smoothly, so it shouldn’t be an issue. The most important thing you can teach them (besides basic socialization skills) is the ability to harness their prey drive. They’ll take off after anything that moves, and if you don’t have a leash on them, you may never see them again.

Commands like “stay,” “wait,” and “on me” are all important. They teach your dog to wait for your approval (or at least check in with you) before bolting after something. Those few seconds could be all the time you need to get them under control.

You’ll also need to address their digging. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to curb the instinct entirely. Many owners choose instead to give the dogs a dedicated corner of the yard in which to dig.

Smooth Fox Terriers respond best to positive reinforcement, and punishments are counterproductive. You can also likely rely solely on praise and affection rather than treats, as they’ll do anything to please a human they respect.

Grooming ✂️

Smooth Fox Terriers generally aren’t heavy shedders. However, they shed quite a bit twice a year, so you’ll need to be prepared for their seasonal shedding. However, you’ll still need to brush them regularly.

You can use a pin brush to groom their fur once or twice a week; that should be all you need to keep their coats shiny and healthy. All the other grooming is relatively standard: trim their nails regularly, brush their teeth a few times a week, and keep their ears clean.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Smooth Fox Terriers are one of the healthiest breeds as long as you keep them active and their weight manageable. Nevertheless, they’re prone to developing a few conditions.

Male vs Female

Males and females are almost equal in size, but males weigh a few pounds more. This extra weight is usually muscle. They’re similar in terms of temperament as well. Males might be slightly more playful, whereas females are likelier to guard resources (including you).

Final Thoughts

If you want a smaller dog that will keep you on your toes, love you like there’s no tomorrow, and protect your property, the Smooth Fox Terrier may be right up your alley. These little pups have outsized personalities and are completely devoted to their owners.

That doesn’t guarantee that owning one will be smooth sailing, however. Thanks to their high prey drives, they don’t get along with other animals well, and their incredible energy levels make them demanding pets. They’ll also try to dig to the center of the Earth every time you put them in the yard.

If you’re capable of keeping up with them, you’ll find that the Smooth Fox Terrier is a wonderful companion. Just try not to get upset whenever they bring you a dead bird—it’s a gift, after all.

See also:

• 21 Terrier Mixed Breeds: An Overview (With Pictures)
• 13 Dogs That Are Similar to Yorkshire Terriers (With Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: Pixabay