Overview
The Smooth Fox Terrier was bred in England to bolt foxes from their earths for the hunt, and it looks the part: square, alert, predominantly white with black or tan markings, and carried with a confident stance. It predates the Wire Fox Terrier as a show breed and has long been overtaken by it in popularity, so a Smooth is an unusual sight on a British street today.
Temperament is classic terrier. The dog is bold, cheerful, fast and always ready for action. It has a strong instinct to chase and dig and little tolerance for rude dogs. Walkers who enjoy a lively, clever dog will love it; those who want peace will not.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour a day is a minimum for most adults, and the dog will cheerfully take more. Brisk walking, games of fetch and a safe space for a tear-around all help. A short lead walk leaves a Smooth Fox Terrier wound up.
Mental stimulation matters. Training sessions, puzzle games and scent work give the terrier brain something to do other than plot an escape.
On the walk
- Recall: Poor around prey. A squirrel, a cat or a rustle in the hedge will override your call. Free running in secure areas only.
- Pulling: Enthusiastic but not heavy. A harness copes well with the sudden lunges.
- Other dogs: Spirited and quick to answer a challenge. Fine with well-matched companions, but keep an eye on same-sex tension.
- Digging: Any hole in a bank is interesting. Allow a sniff and move on before the dog commits.
Tips for professional walkers
- Carry a long line and a pocket of good treats; recall needs constant reinforcement.
- Check fence lines in any enclosed area before letting the dog loose. Terriers find gaps.
- The coat needs nothing but a towel, which makes wet walks straightforward.
What to ask the owner
- How does the dog react to cats, squirrels and small dogs, and has it ever gone to ground?
- Any issues with other dogs, especially of the same sex, and how were they handled?
- How does the owner manage barking, and is it a problem at pick-up?