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Discover everything about Smooth Fox Terrier
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Smooth Fox Terrier?
At a glance
Smooth Fox Terrier overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Fox Terrier (Glatthaar) is a hardy, long-lived breed, though increased attention should be paid to structural issues. Dental defects and jaw anomalies are known within the breed and can impact food intake in daily life. Additionally, testicular defects occur in males; while not directly life-threatening, this should be carefully checked when purchasing a puppy.
Lifespan
13–14 yrs
Height
35–39 cm
Weight
7–9 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Smooth, dense and plentiful
- Origin: Great Britain
Typical coat colors
- White should predominate
- black
- tan
- white
- or any of these colors combined with white
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Smooth Fox Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Smooth Fox Terrier right for you?
The Smooth Fox Terrier is an energetic, lightning-fast, and fearless companion—bred as a long-legged Erdhund (earth dog) designed to flush foxes from their dens, a job that requires a healthy dose of sharpness, courage, and independence.
Perfect for you if:
- You appreciate a dog with real character and have the necessary consistency to channel his typical terrier stubbornness in the right direction.
- You are looking for an untiring partner for active scent work, agility, or dummy training—this Erdhund needs an outlet for his enormous work ethic, or he will find one himself.
- You enjoy spending long periods outdoors and aren't deterred by wind or weather.
- You have a sense of humor and don't take it personally when he first questions the logic of your commands.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to stay calmly by your side at the sight of a fleeing cat—he was bred to react to that exact movement trigger with lightning speed and without compromise.
- You live in a thin-walled apartment and are looking for a quiet dog—his alertness and low threshold for stimulation often make him a very talkative roommate.
- You want relaxing visits to the dog park—Fox Terriers are prone to delusions of grandeur and rarely back down from conflicts with other dogs.
The real vibes check
A Fox Terrier is like a drawn bowstring: always ready to go from zero to a hundred in a split second. You aren't getting a dog that just trots along nicely, but a highly intelligent go-getter who takes life at full throttle. If you channel his energy correctly, you'll have an unshakable buddy—if not, he will take charge of the house without asking.
Breed Profile
The Smooth-haired Fox Terrier is a small but powerful and lively dog that catches the eye at first glance due to its striking appearance. With his compact build, dark, expressive eyes and clever look, he appears as dynamic as he is charming. Its coat is smooth, thick and lush and requires less grooming compared to its wire-haired relative. The smooth-haired Fox Terrier belongs to FCI group 3, the terrier group, and here to section 1, the high-legged terriers. This breed does not differentiate between performance and show lines. Their appearance is quite uniform, although of course there are always slight differences in size, weight and expression. The Fox Terrier's body is strong and supple, with a straight back line and a happy, alert expression. The Smooth-haired Fox Terrier is, as the name suggests, the smooth-haired version of the Fox Terrier and is less common than its wire-haired relative. But it is precisely this rarity that makes it a very special companion.
- Height
- 35 - 38 cm (Female), 36 - 39 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 7 - 8 kg (Female), 7 - 9 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 13 - 14 years
- Character
- Energetic, alert, sociable
- Coat
- Smooth, dense and plentiful
- Coat Color
- White should predominate; black and tan; black, white and tan; or any of these colors combined with white
- Price
- 1200 - 2500 €
History
The Smooth Fox Terrier, whose origins lie in early 19th-century Great Britain, is one of the oldest and most traditional terrier breeds. It was originally bred specifically for fox hunting. Its task was to flush the fox from its den so that the pack of Foxhounds could continue the hunt. For this demanding work, the dog required not only courage and sharpness but also a compact size and a predominantly white coat to avoid confusion with the fox in the heat of the chase. Contrary to common misconceptions, the Smooth Fox Terrier was historically the far more popular variant and appeared at dog shows much earlier than its wire-haired relative. By the mid-19th century, it already enjoyed enormous popularity in England. In 1876, the English Fox Terrier Club was founded, establishing the first official breed standard. This made the Smooth Fox Terrier one of the first breeds to be systematically recorded and recognized by the Kennel Club. While the breeding lines of the Smooth and Wire Fox Terrier eventually diverged, both remained the undisputed favorites of British cynology for decades, from where they conquered the world as hunting and companion dogs.
Original Use
The Smooth Fox Terrier was bred for fox hunting and exhibits high endurance and energy.
Origin
Great Britain
Date
1800
Character & Temperament
The Smooth-haired Fox Terrier is a lively and energetic dog with an alert mind. He is extremely alert and curious, which makes him an ideal companion for adventurous people. With his tireless energy and drive, he loves being outside and mastering new challenges. This breed is very people-oriented and enjoys the company of their family. They are extremely playful and love receiving attention. With their cheerful and lively nature, they often put a good mood in the house and bring zest to everyday life. The Smooth-haired Fox Terrier is not a dog that likes to stay alone. He craves human companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Due to their hunting origins, smooth-haired Fox Terriers often show distinctive hunting behavior. They have a strong prey drive and can therefore be very alert and attentive at times. Consistent training and good socialization are therefore of great importance in order to keep their behavior under control and to manage them well.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Smooth Fox Terrier has played popular roles in various films and television series? He is known for his charming charisma and vivacious personality, which makes him a popular actor on screen!
What Awaits You
Fox Terriers are considered hunting-motivated, conflict-loving and independent dogs. Type-appropriate employment and education are essential. In addition to the smooth-haired version, the Fox Terrier is also available as a wire-haired version.
Housing & Care
The Smooth-haired Fox Terrier is a lively and active dog that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. This makes it a less suitable choice for people who live in apartments or lead a quiet lifestyle. However, they are great dogs for families with older children who are willing to play with them and keep them occupied. Due to their hunting instincts, they can tend to prey on other pets, especially cats, so it is important to socialize and train them well from an early age.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
With supervision - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
Well-suited to city life
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Raising the smooth-haired Fox Terrier requires patience, consistency and a good dose of humor. They are very intelligent and capable of learning, but they can also have their own opinions and like to test their limits. Therefore, consistent but loving upbringing is important. Since Smooth Fox Terriers have a lot of energy, it is important that they are physically and mentally busy. Regular walks, playtime, and activities like fetch or brain games are highly recommended. They are agile and skilled, making them ideal candidates for various dog sports. It's also important to channel their hunting instincts and provide them with alternatives to hunting. Search games and nose work are great ways to stimulate their mental abilities and use their energy in positive ways.
Nutrition & Care
The Smooth Fox Terrier is an active and energetic dog that requires a balanced and nutritious diet to stay healthy and happy. The ideal diet for this dog should contain a high proportion of high-quality animal protein to support his muscles, as well as an adequate amount of healthy fats for energy. Fiber and carbohydrates should be present in moderation to promote healthy digestion. A regular one Controlling weight and adjusting food portions to activity level are also important to avoid overfeeding and weight gain. In terms of grooming, the Smooth-haired Fox Terrier has smooth, dense fur with no undercoat, making it a good choice for people with allergies. This also means that it tolerates the German climate well and does not tend to shed heavily. His coat should be brushed regularly to keep it clean and healthy, but he requires less grooming than his wire-haired relatives.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Fox Terrier (Glatthaar) is a hardy, long-lived breed, though increased attention should be paid to structural issues. Dental defects and jaw anomalies are known within the breed and can impact food intake in daily life. Additionally, testicular defects occur in males; while not directly life-threatening, this should be carefully checked when purchasing a puppy.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing, a healthy weight, and regular check-ups for eyes and ears, most dogs remain fit and active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have knees, eyes, and hearing checked and use targeted tests for neurological conditions to reduce risks within the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Smooth Fox Terrier
Steffi M., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2 Jahren)
Ich habe mich damals Hals über Kopf in das elegante Aussehen und den wachen Blick des Glatthaar-Foxterriers verliebt. Mein Rüde ist jetzt zwei Jahre alt und ich muss ehrlich sagen: Er ist der liebenswürdigste, verschmusteste und klügste Hund, den ich je hatte – aber er verlangt mir auch alles ab. Sein Dickschädel ist legendär. Manchmal habe ich das Gefühl, er ist völlig erziehungsresistent.
Wir trainieren mit viel Geduld, Konsequenz und positiver Verstärkung. An einem Tag klappt alles perfekt und er zeigt stolz, was er gelernt hat. Am nächsten Tag scheint er sämtliche Regeln wieder komplett abgeschüttelt zu haben und stellt meine Geduld auf eine harte Probe. Wer einen Hund sucht, der bedingungslos und sofort pariert, ist hier definitiv falsch.
Trotz des anstrengenden Sturkopfs möchte ich ihn nicht missen. Seine Fröhlichkeit steckt einfach an, und wenn er sich abends nach einem aktiven Tag an mich kuschelt, ist der ganze Ärger über seine eigenwilligen Aussetzer sofort vergessen. Man muss diesen speziellen Terrier-Charakter einfach lieben und akzeptieren können.
Michael S., Halter aus Bayern (Hündin, seit 2021)
Wer sich einen Glatthaar-Foxterrier anschafft, muss sich darüber im Klaren sein, dass diese Hunde ein extremes Energiebündel sind. Unsere Hündin fordert ihr tägliches „Animationsprogramm“ vehement ein. Mit drei kurzen Pipirunden am Tag gibt sie sich nicht zufrieden – sie braucht Action, Bewegung und vor allem Kopfarbeit.
Wir sind täglich mindestens drei Stunden draußen und machen zusätzlich Agility und Suchspiele, um sie geistig auszulasten. Ohne diese Beschäftigung merkt man schnell, dass sie unausgeglichen wird und sich selbst Aufgaben sucht, was meistens nicht im Sinne des Erfinders ist.
Ein weiteres großes Thema ist der Jagdtrieb. Als Solitärjäger trifft sie gerne eigenständige Entscheidungen. Wenn ich beim Spaziergang nicht absolut aufmerksam bin, geht sie sofort eigenen Interessen nach. Der Freilauf im Wald ist deshalb ein hartes Stück Arbeit und erfordert ständige Konzentration. Für Couchpotatoes ist diese Rasse absolut nichts!
Sabine K., Halterin aus Nordrhein-Westfalen (Rüde, seit 2020)
Wir haben unseren Foxterrier-Mix aus dem Tierschutz übernommen und anfangs die Rasse unterschätzt. Es ist wirklich viel Arbeit. Er ist extrem menschenbezogen und will am liebsten überall dabei sein, was anfangs dazu führte, dass er überhaupt nicht alleine bleiben konnte. Wenn wir das nicht kleinschrittig geübt hätten, hätte er uns vor Frust die Wohnung zerlegt.
In der Erziehung muss man eine perfekte Balance finden: Er braucht glasklare, liebevolle Grenzen, aber absolut keinen harten Druck. Auf zu viel Strenge oder gar körperliche Maßregelung reagieren diese Hunde sofort mit Gegendruck und Sturheit. Impulskontrolle ist bei uns das wichtigste Thema auf dem Trainingsplan.
Man muss lernen, sehr vorausschauend zu agieren. Wenn man sich aber auf diese intensive Arbeit einlässt und eine kompetente Hundeschule besucht, bekommt man einen unglaublich treuen, mutigen und lustigen Begleiter, der mit einem durch dick und dünn geht.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Smooth Fox Terrier
Is a Smooth Fox Terrier the right dog for me?
The Smooth Fox Terrier is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Smooth Fox Terrier live?
The average life expectancy of a Smooth Fox Terrier is 13-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Smooth Fox Terrier need?
Smooth Fox Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Smooth Fox Terrier good for families with children?
The Smooth Fox Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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