Male height:
No more than 15.5 inches (39.5 cm)
Coat:
Hard, short and dense, lying smooth and flat.
Colors:
Mostly white with colored markings.
Personality:
Sensitive, even-tempered and hardy, the Smooth Fox Terrier is a great pet for an active family. He has an indomitable spirit and playful nature. Eager and alert, he can be protective of his family, with whom he bonds closely.
At home:
Because of his compact size, the Smooth Fox Terrier is suitable for city dwellers, although you must be willing to meet this active dog's exercise needs. Gregarious and social, he should not be left alone for long periods. He tends to be vocal and may bark a lot. He needs a fenced-in yard and loves to dig and play in the grass.
Recommended activities:
The Smooth Fox Terrier excels at flyball, agility and any other activities that allow him to move at top speed, which he does with the grace of a dancer and the soul of a clown.
Exercise:
The Smooth Fox Terrier requires daily exercise, and you should be prepared to devote time to long walks or vigorous play sessions to meet this energetic fellow's exercise needs.
Feeding:
Smooth Fox Terriers are enthusiastic eaters who will usually gobble whatever is fed to them. Because of this, it is important to monitor their food intake to prevent obesity. In their early years, they can expend a lot of energy in various family activities and need the highest-quality diet to ensure that they are getting the nutrition they require. Feeding twice a day is preferred.
Training:
The Smooth Fox Terrier is bright and eager to please, and he adapts to most positive training regimens quickly. He can be impulsive, however, as he lives to chase and explore. Socialization from an early age is necessary.
Compatibility:
The Smooth Fox Terrier gets along well with children, and his liveliness is a plus - it is rare for a Smooth to be the first to tire during playtime. He will get along with other dogs as long as he's properly socialized, but he should not be unsupervised around smaller pets that he might view as prey.
Health:
The average life span of the Smooth Fox Terrier is 10 to 15 years. Health problems may include eye abnormalities; Legg-Calve-Perthes disease; patellar luxation; and skin allergies. Overall, the breed is quite hardy and long lived.
Grooming blurb:
The Smooth Fox Terrier requires little grooming other than occasional ear cleaning and nail trimming. He should be bathed only when necessary. A quick going-over with a hound glove every week or so will help keep his coat smooth and healthy.
Disclaimer:
Copyright by T.F.H. Publications, Inc. This document has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every reasonable precaution has been taken in preparation of this document, the author and publisher expressly disclaim responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader's discretion.
