Smooth Fox Terrier

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Smooth Fox Terriers are boisterous, excitable pups with generally good health, but they can develop a few minor and complex health conditions at the onset of middle age. If your pup develops anything sooner, the health issue is more likely to be a birth defect, such as hip dysplasia or a cleft palate, both of which are 100% corrected through surgical intervention.

The biggest health problems that plague Smooth Fox Terriers are eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and lens luxation. Pups with a genetic predisposition to these health issues should be thoroughly checked by a vet to rule out any future vision problems. Routine eye examinations are ideal for this breed.

Deafness

Most of the time, deafness is a birth defect. In some cases this condition can occur with trauma, waxy build-up, or a surplus of harmful bacteria. Once hearing is lost, it cannot be returned, however pet owners can train their pups to cope with deafness through basic sign language.

Heart Disease

While this condition is possible in all breeds, Smooth Fox Terriers are especially prone to it. Symptoms vary which can include weakness, blue-tinged gums and tongue, severe weight loss, loss of consciousness, and a distended, very swollen belly. While incurable, there are vet-prescribed medications that can eliminate most of the symptoms and grant your pup a higher level of comfort.

Other health issues that your Smooth Fox Terrier might encounter include skin allergies, along with the usual health issues that may affect any breed, such as heartworms and parvo. On average, Smooth Fox Terriers have a lengthy lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Friendly, cheery, boisterous, and bouncy, the Smooth Fox Terrier would make an excellent companion for singles, couples, and families alike. These pups, often used for chasing down prey for avid hunters, are even-tempered purebreds with an innate eagerness to please. They are fantastic with children, especially ones they’ve been raised with, but being around other dogs is iffy as these pups are bred to feel dominant compared to their fellow pups. Socialization is crucial to the well-rounded development of your Smooth Fox Terrier, so make sure he gets plenty of time with other pups. This will help build tolerance and acceptance which will help banish his natural dominance.

Exercise-wise, the Smooth Fox Terrier is a highly energetic pup who can run and romp all afternoon. Too much exercise however can be just as detrimental to his health as too little exercise. Unleash your pup in a fenced-in backyard for an hour or so every day or take him to the dog park for lots of energetic playtime with likewise rambunctious canines. On rainy days, make sure you have plenty of toys around that stimulate his mind and his body. Bored Smooth Fox Terriers can become destructive puppies. On light exercise days, walk your pup twice for 30 minutes at a time.

Introduction is key to training a Smooth Fox Terrier. They have to get used to the idea of you as their alpha, so be calm, positive, and kind in your tone. Keep your commands clear and concise, but never, ever raise your voice or strike at your pup. Negative behavior from you sends the message that aggression is okay and that is never a good thing when it comes to dogs of any breed. When you convey instructions in a positive manner, your Smooth Fox Terrier will respond with compliance and obedience.

Grooming

Smooth Fox Terriers have close-cropped, soft, short hairs. They are low shedders, so brushing is only required 2-3 times a week with a firm-bristled brush. For show dogs, take your pup to a professional groomer to have his coat trimmed around the face, ears, sides, and bottom to keep those little rogue hairs neatly in place.

Other basic care for your Smooth Fox Terrier includes bathing him once a month, clipping his toenails every 2-3 weeks, brushing his teeth daily, and cleaning his ears once a week.

Diet

Like humans, every Smooth Fox Terrier varies slightly in its nutritional needs. Too much food for one pup could be just enough food for another. The ideal thing to do is consult your vet to see what the specific nutritional needs of your Smooth Fox Terrier are and how to meet them. On average, Smooth Fox Terriers need two meals a day of 1 cup dry, high-quality kibble per meal.
 

Find A Smooth Fox Terrier Breeder

Smooth Fox Terrier Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Smooth Fox Terrier

Cost

Popular because of their affectionate nature and rambunctious energies, the Smooth Fox Terrier is an in-demand purebred that can be found almost anywhere. Reputable, reliable breeders charge between $700 to $1,000 for Smooth Fox Terrier puppies. However, you also have to factor in the costs of toys, nutrient-rich dog food and treats, vaccinations, regular vet check-ups, medical emergencies, and other accessories and necessities that pups generally require. Short-term, you are looking at around $2,000 totally to start with.

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility regardless of age, however, not everyone received that memo, and there are thousands of abandoned Smooth Fox Terriers throughout the nation.

Check your local animal shelter or rescue group before you make the decision to go to a breeder. At an animal shelter, you can expect to shell out around $75 to $250 for a general adoption fee. Follow this up with in-house vaccination updates, spay or neuter services, and a health check, and you are looking at $400 to $500 to give a Smooth Fox Terrier a new, happy home.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. Smooth Fox Terriers are a 1 on the integration scale. These pups are some of the best for families, as their eager-to-please manner and friendliness come natural to this breed. You may have a challenge with your pup not getting along with other dogs, but this is easily remedied with early socialization and training of acceptance and tolerance.

 

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