Smooth Fox Terrier
The Victorian hunt's dapper little gentleman — quick, and quicker still.
Vital stats
| Size | Small–medium · up to 39 cm |
| Weight | 7–9 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Energy | High — 60+ min/day |
| Shedding | Low–moderate |
| Coat | Short, dense, smooth · white with black or tan |
| Group | Terrier · FCI №12 / AKC |
| Origin | England |
| FCI group | 3 — Terriers · FCI 12 |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
The Smooth Fox Terrier by the numbers
The Smooth Fox Terrier facts owners search for most — price, lifespan, weight, shedding and colours, in one place.
Widely bred, so you can usually find a litter from a registered breeder without a long wait. Ongoing costs stay modest — it eats little and routine vet care sits at the lower end.
We don't quote a single figure: the real price swings with breeder, region, bloodline and health testing — and a rescue costs a fraction of a breeder's litter. Adopting is almost always the cheapest route.
Temperament
Bred to run with Victorian foxhound packs and dive underground to bolt the fox, the Smooth Fox Terrier is fearless, fast and always slightly ahead of you. It brings wit and mischief to family life, adores a game, and treats squirrels, holes and unattended sandwiches as professional obligations.
Habits & quirks
Excavation projects
That flowerbed contained something once; the dig continues.
Spring-loaded
From flat-out asleep to full sprint in roughly one squirrel.
The head tilt
Every odd sound earns a theatrical, ears-cocked appraisal.
Toy shakedown
Squeaky toys are dispatched with ancestral thoroughness.
Care
| Exercise | An hour-plus of hard play and walking daily, or the energy finds less convenient outlets. |
| Containment | A determined digger and jumper with high prey drive — fence low and high, and lead up near roads. |
| Training | Smart but self-employed; keep sessions short, funny and rewarding. |
| Grooming | A weekly rubber-mitt rubdown handles the smooth coat entirely. |
Life expectancy
This breed has a typical life expectancy of 12–15 years.
Similar breeds
Breeds with a similar build and background — worth a look if this one isn't quite the fit.
Breeds that look like this
Common questions
What's the difference between Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers?
Coat, mainly — they are separate breeds today with near-identical outlines and shared hunt heritage. The Smooth's short coat needs far less upkeep than the Wire's hand-stripped jacket.
Are Smooth Fox Terriers good with other dogs?
They can be scrappy, especially with dogs of the same sex — classic terrier confidence. Early socialisation and management make a big difference.
Are Smooth Fox Terriers good family pets?
Brilliant fun for active families with sturdy, dog-savvy children. They need real exercise and mental work, or mischief fills the gap.
Does the Smooth Fox Terrier shed a lot?
Moderately. The Smooth Fox Terrier sheds a fair amount, steadily through the year with heavier seasonal patches. A weekly brush keeps most of the loose hair off your floors and clothes.
Is the Smooth Fox Terrier hypoallergenic?
Not really. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and the Smooth Fox Terrier's shedding coat releases plenty of the dander that sets off allergies. If someone at home is allergic, this isn't the easiest breed to live with — spend time around one first.
Is the Smooth Fox Terrier easy to train?
Reasonably. The Smooth Fox Terrier is trainable with consistency and rewards, though it isn't the quickest study. Keep sessions short and positive, and be patient with the basics like recall.