Smooth Fox Terrier

Origin & history

The Smooth Fox Terrier was developed in England in the 18th and 19th centuries to work alongside foxhound packs, running with the hunt and then going to ground to flush or bolt the fox from its earth. Speed, courage, a good nose and a build narrow enough to follow quarry underground were all prized. The smooth and wire coats were originally regarded as one breed in two coat types and were sometimes interbred, but they were later separated and are now recognised as distinct breeds. The Smooth was among the early stars of the dog-show world in Victorian Britain and helped shape several other terriers. It also became a familiar working farm dog and ratter. The breed travelled widely with British settlers and has long been established in Australia, valued both as a vermin controller and as a lively companion.

Temperament

The Smooth Fox Terrier is lively, confident and fearless, a true terrier with a big personality in a small frame. It is affectionate and devoted to its family and thrives on being involved in everything, but it is alert and quick to sound off, which makes it a good little watchdog and, without guidance, a barker. It can be very good with children when raised with them, though it will not put up with rough handling and suits older kids best. With other dogs it can be bossy or scrappy, especially with the same sex, and its strong prey drive makes cats, rabbits and pocket pets a poor mix unless reared together from puppyhood. Bright and easily bored, it needs consistent, interesting, reward-based training to channel its energy. Its core needs are plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, a secure dig-proof yard and company, as it does not do well left idle and alone.

Appearance

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a small, balanced, athletic terrier, standing up to about 39 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 7 to 9 kg, with a square, well-muscled outline that looks ready for action. The head is long and wedge-shaped with small, neat V-shaped ears that fold forward, dark, round, keen eyes and powerful jaws. The coat is short, flat, hard and dense, lying close to the skin. The breed is predominantly white, which made it easy to tell from the fox in the field, usually marked with black, tan, or black and tan, often around the head and as patches on the body. The tail is set high and carried upright, traditionally docked in countries that still permit it. The overall impression is of a smart, alert, sharply built little dog.

Suitability

The Smooth Fox Terrier suits active individuals and families who want a spirited, characterful dog and can keep it busy. It can adapt to apartment life if given enough exercise and training, but it is happiest with a securely fenced yard, since it is a determined digger and capable jumper that will escape a poor fence to go exploring. It is not the easiest pick for a first-time owner expecting a placid pet, and it dislikes being left alone for long, often turning to barking or mischief when bored. Early socialisation and ongoing training make all the difference. The short coat copes reasonably with the Australian climate, but the breed still needs shade, fresh water and walks at cooler times of day in summer, and it should never be exercised hard in the heat.

Health

Smooth Fox Terriers are a robust, long-lived breed, often reaching 13 to 15 years or more. The best-documented concern is primary lens luxation, an inherited eye condition in which the lens slips from its position and which can cause glaucoma and blindness if not treated. A DNA test is available, so breeding dogs should be tested and pairs planned to avoid producing affected pups. Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is also seen, and deafness occurs in some lines, partly linked to the breed's white coat, so hearing testing of pups is worthwhile. Lens luxation in particular can be a sudden, painful emergency, which is why it matters so much to buy from tested parents. A good breeder DNA-tests for lens luxation, can show clear eyes and sound knees in their dogs, and is honest about any deafness in their line.