Well-socialized Smooth Fox Terriers are friendly dogs with an independent nature. They tend to be quite charismatic, lively, and energetic and are known for their amusing antics. These dogs tend to be highly affectionate with their families and can make great family dogs provided they are well-socialized and well-trained.

Although they get along well with children and are open with strangers when they are properly socialized, they do have a high prey drive, which means they may not get along well with other small animals in the household. They can do well with animals they have been raised and socialized with, but they will retain that urge to chase, especially for animals outside of their family.

As hunting dogs and Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers make excellent watchdogs and they will bark to alert you. You won’t be able to stop them from barking entirely, and you wouldn’t want to anyway. However, you can work to socialize them and train your dog to stop barking early on so that they are only alerting and then know when to stop.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do well in large homes with securely fenced-in yards and can also adapt well to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise every day.

They do well in moderate climates, but are sensitive to very cold and very hot weather. It is probably a good idea to invest in some winter dog products to help keep them warm while out on winter walks.

They also do not like to spend a lot of time alone. This dog breed has a high prey drive, so they have an urge to chase and to explore. One of the facts about Fox Terriers is that they tend to chase everything; for some dogs, this can even include cars. As such, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas.

Overall, this is a relatively healthy dog breed. As with any dog breed, there are some health conditions to be aware of when you are looking for puppies. In the Smooth Fox Terrier, potential health issues can include cardiac disease and patellar luxation. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Smooth Fox Terrier puppies.

Reputable breeders test and screen their dogs to make sure they aren’t passing preventable issues to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to ask them questions! Talk to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and also ask to see relevant health clearances or test results. The American Fox Terrier Club recommends a cardiac exam and a patella evaluation.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a moderately trainable dog breed. They are highly intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. However, they also have a stubborn streak and an independent nature that is common to many Terriers.

This can be difficult for first-time dog owners to handle on their own, so puppy training and obedience classes are recommended. These dogs are also prone to digging. So, it’s a good idea to do some training and redirection around why dogs dig to limit digging to acceptable areas and keep it from becoming an undesirable behavior.

True to their name, Smooth Fox Terriers have a short, dense, and smooth coat. They will shed moderately year-round and only require weekly brushing. A rubber brush and a hound glove or grooming glove are good types of dog grooming brushes to have on hand.

A bath every 4-6 weeks in addition to regular brushing is usually sufficient to keep this dog’s coat looking great. In addition to caring for your dog’s coat, you will need to care for your Smooth Fox Terrier’s ears, nails, and teeth.

Checking their ears on a weekly basis and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. Cutting your dog’s nails on a once or twice monthly basis is usually sufficient to keep them from getting too long. Practicing good dental care for dogs, like brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, can help prevent dental disease.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a high-energy dog breed. They need long daily walks plus some extra activity to run and play to stay happy and healthy. Playing fetch or playing frisbee in a fenced-in area can be a great activity for your Smooth Fox Terrier.

This dog will be happy to be active with you. Just make sure you keep things low-impact until puppies finish growing and developing to avoid damaging bones and joints. When puppies finish growing and the vet has cleared them for higher-impact things, you can try several different activities and see what you both enjoy doing the most. You might find your dog loves to run with you, go hiking, take trips to the dog park, go swimming, and more!

A fully-grown Smooth Fox Terrier usually stands 15-16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 15-18 pounds.

Smooth Fox Terriers generally live for 12-15 years on average.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a presidential pup and has lived in the White House before. Herbert Hoover owned two of them and they were named Sonnie and Big Ben. He also owned a Wire Fox Terrier and various other dog breeds.