Let’s talk about… Smooth Fox Terriers: what are they?

• Smooth Fox Terriers are a lively and energetic breed known for their distinctive appearance and spirited personality.
• Their owners often find them very entertaining with their antics and sense of humour, and often a mischievous streak.
• They originated in England and were primarily bred for fox hunting.
• These dogs have a sleek and muscular build with a short, dense coat that comes in various colours such as white with black or tan markings.
• On average, Smooth Fox Terriers are about 36-39cm in height and weigh between 6-8kg.
• Smooth Fox Terriers have a life expectancy of around 12-15 years.

What is the temperament of Smooth Fox Terriers like?

• Smooth Fox Terriers have a lively and outgoing temperament. They are highly energetic and love to be involved in various activities.
• They are intelligent dogs with a strong hunting instinct and can exhibit independent and stubborn behaviours at times.
• Early socialisation and consistent training are important to help them become well-behaved and obedient companions.
• These dogs are generally friendly and affectionate with their families, but they may be reserved or wary with strangers.
• They make excellent watchdogs and will alert their owners to any potential threats or unfamiliar sounds.
• Smooth Fox Terriers can coexist with other pets if properly introduced and socialised from a young age. However, their strong prey drive may make them inclined to chase small animals!

How much exercise do Smooth Fox Terriers need?

• Smooth Fox Terriers are a highly active breed that requires a significant amount of exercise to stay mentally and physically stimulated.
• They need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day to fulfil their energy requirements.
• This should include a combination of brisk walks, play sessions, and interactive activities such as fetch or agility training.
• For Smooth Fox Terrier puppies, it's important to tailor their exercise routine to their age and physical development. Young puppies have growing bones and joints, and excessive exercise can be detrimental.
• Provide short, controlled play sessions in a safe and secure environment.
• As they grow, the exercise duration can gradually increase and full adult exercise levels can generally be reached around 12 to 18 months of age.
• Your vet can advise you on the specific exercise needs of your pup.

Do Smooth Fox Terriers need a lot of grooming?

• Smooth Fox Terriers have a short and dense coat that is relatively easy to maintain.
• They are minimal shedders and don't require extensive grooming compared to some other breeds. However, regular brushing with a firm bristle brush or grooming mitt will help remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition.
• Occasional bathing is necessary to keep them clean and fresh.
• Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.

Are Smooth Fox Terriers easy to train?

• Smooth Fox Terriers are intelligent dogs and can be trained, but they have an independent and stubborn streak.
• They require a patient and consistent approach to training, along with positive reinforcement techniques.
• Early socialisation is important to expose them to different people, animals, and environments. Positive and reward-based training methods, such as treats, praise, and play, work well with Smooth Fox Terriers.
• Keep the training sessions interesting and varied to prevent boredom, as they can become easily distracted.
• Working with a professional dog trainer or enrolling in obedience classes can be beneficial, especially for first-time dog owners or those encountering training challenges.
• Smooth Fox Terriers thrive when they have a job to do, so providing them with mental stimulation and tasks to focus on can help channel their energy in a positive way.
• With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, Smooth Fox Terriers can become well-trained and obedient companions.

What do Smooth Fox Terriers eat?

• To keep your Smooth Fox Terrier healthy and nourished, it's important to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet.
• High-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level is recommended to be fed twice daily. It's best to consult with your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations and feeding guidelines.
• Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs, and they need a diet that provides the necessary nutrients for their growing bodies. A good quality puppy food fed 3-4 times a day, then twice daily from 6 months is ideal for a growing pup.
• Transitioning to adult dog food usually occurs around 10-12 months of age. Your veterinarian can advise you on the timing of this transition based on your puppy's individual needs.

Are Wire Fox Terriers healthy?

Smooth Fox Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health conditions. It's important to be aware of these potential issues and provide regular veterinary care.

Some common health concerns in Smooth Fox Terriers include:

Bones and Joints

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: a hip condition that affects the blood supply to the head of the femur bone, leading to breakdown of the bone, pain and lameness.
• Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be

Eyes

• Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
• Glaucoma - the pressure of the eye becomes too high which can damage the eye
• Primary Lens Luxation - the lens of the eye shifts from its normal position, which results in glaucoma and  inflammation
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy - over time the back of the eye becomes damaged which can reduce your dog’s vision, eventually leading to blindness

Skin

• Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation.
  

This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Smooth Fox Terrier is right for you, consult with your vet.

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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian.  Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive.  If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.

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