Smooth Fox Terrier
π§ Temperament & character
The Smooth Fox Terrier is alert, fast, brave and full of energy, with a pronounced prey drive that betrays his hunting origins. He is playful, affectionate and always on the move, but can be challenging towards other dogs and is prone to barking and digging. With children he is a cheerful, tireless playmate, as long as the interaction remains respectful. As an intelligent but headstrong dog he needs plenty of occupation and consistent, patient guidance.
π Origin & history
The Smooth Fox Terrier comes from England and was bred for mounted fox hunting, in which he was to drive the fox out of its den. His name ('fox') refers directly to this task, for which he needed courage, agility and stamina. In the 19th century he was one of the first and most popular show terriers of all and shaped the image of the classic terrier worldwide. For a long time he was considered one breed together with the wire-haired variety, until the two were later recognised as separate breeds.
βοΈ Grooming, care & training
The Smooth Fox Terrier's short, smooth and dense coat is very easy to care for; regular brushing is enough, though he does shed during the moult. Far more important is his physical and mental activity: he needs plenty of exercise every day, free running, play and challenging tasks, otherwise he finds his own occupation. As a clever and quick-learning but independent dog, he is well suited to dog sports such as agility, tracking or trick training. Consistent, motivating training and early socialisation are crucial for channelling his surplus of temperament.
π©Ί Health
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a robust, long-lived breed with a life expectancy of about twelve to fifteen years. Known problems are lens luxation and other eye diseases, patellar luxation and congenital deafness, which can occur especially in heavily white-coloured animals. For primary lens luxation there is a DNA test that reputable breeders use. In addition, they have the eyes and knees examined and puppies checked for deafness to ensure healthy offspring.
π‘ Who is this breed right for?
The Smooth Fox Terrier is suited to active, sporty people and families who can offer him plenty of exercise, mental activity and clear guidance. He is less suitable for very quiet, comfort-loving or entirely inexperienced owners, as his temperament and prey drive require consistent guidance. He can be kept in an apartment given enough occupation, but a house with a secure garden suits him better. In Switzerland he is a lively, weatherproof companion for hikes and dog sports β his prey drive makes a good recall and off-lead management important.