Fox Terrier Smooth Overview

The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of the more active Terriers. It is adventurous, playful, and always up for exercise. 

Unlike other Terriers, the Smooth is highly trainable and an ideal show dog for this reason. It contains all of the entertaining, and sometimes frustrating, traits of the Terrier family, but it is more easily broken of terrible habits. 

Grooming requirements are surprisingly similar to its Wiry counterpart. While its coat may not need regular stripping or shaping, it actually sheds more than the Wire. Grooming requirements are still low, however, only needing to be brushed weekly. Puppies may need to have their floppy ears shaped. 

The Smooth is highly affectionate and patient with children, along with the elderly and strange visitors. The Smooth Fox Terrier is ideal only for active owners with the time to commit to grooming.

Fox Terrier Smooth History

While the specific origin of the Smooth Fox Terrier is unknown, it is safely speculated that it arrived in 18^th century England as a ratter and fox-hunter. Its bright white coat makes it easy to distinguish in low-light situations, allowing it to chase and rout foxes without accidentally being shot by an excitable hunter. 

One of the first show dogs, it was initially included in the same class as the Wire Fox Terrier, although they obviously came from different backgrounds. It is said the Smooth came from specialized breeding between Black and Tan Terriers and Beagles. Although often interbred with Wire Terriers, the practice was cut short by 20^th century standards. The Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers were officially placed into separate categories by the AKC in 1985.

Fox Terrier Smooth Character

Like the Wire Fox Terrier, the best feature of the Smooth is its willingness to learn. Unlike other Terriers, which like to be stubborn and playful, the Smooth is eager to please and it responds well to rewarding training methods. 

It still prefers its independence, however, and it still a scrappy Terrier at heart. Although it has a tendency to bark and dig, this habit can be broken if trained early on. 

With proper socialization, the Smooth is considerably less aggressive than the Wire when it comes to strange animals. But small animals still run the risk of being chased down by this accomplished ratter. 

Prospective owners should look elsewhere if they have a laid back lifestyle. If they do, the Smooth Fox Terrier will make it a personal mission to get its owner off the couch. This is a dog with high energy and a lot of potential. If not maximized, it will become bored, rowdy, and destructive. 

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a hard-working and very loving dog, but if it is under-stimulated and bored, it can be a hassle.

Fox Terrier Smooth Care

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Fox Terrier Smooth Training

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Fox Terrier Smooth Health

Common Health Issues for the Fox Terrier Smooth:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Less Common Health Issues for the Fox Terrier Smooth:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Fox Terrier Smooth Resources