Smooth Fox Terrier
The Smooth Fox Terrier is the older of the two Fox Terrier varieties and was the preferred companion of Victorian England — the most fashionable dog of the era.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
13–15 years
Weight
6–9 kg (13–20 lbs)
Height
38–39 cm (14.5–15.5 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — quality small-breed kibble
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Smooth Fox Terrier is the older of the two Fox Terrier varieties and was the preferred companion of Victorian England — the most fashionable dog of the era. Although visually distinct (smooth versus wire coat), the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers share identical temperaments, origins, and working heritage. The Smooth Fox Terrier was the first terrier breed recognised by the British Kennel Club in 1875 and was crossed with rough-coated terrier blood to create the Wire variety later in the 19th century. The breed produces some of the most enthusiastic ratters in existence.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Smooth Fox Terrier is identical in type to the Wire but with a short, dense, flat, smooth coat that requires almost no maintenance. The predominantly white body with black, tan, or black-and-tan markings is the same as the Wire. The clean, smooth coat emphasises the athletic, symmetrical body lines.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Identical in temperament to the Wire Fox Terrier — bold, alert, lively, and independent. The smooth coat's lower maintenance makes this variety slightly more practical for busy owners.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
5°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive barking, digging, escape attempts, nipping, destructive chewing
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Daily vigorous exercise of 45–60 minutes. The smooth coat requires minimal maintenance — weekly brushing. Early socialisation. Despite their small size, they are high-energy dogs.
Nutrition Notes
Same health profile as Wire Fox Terrier. Myasthenia gravis in some lines. Generally healthy. Moderate calorie needs.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
PLL. Cataracts. Luxating patella. Deafness. Myasthenia gravis. Goiter. Separate breed from Wire (not just a coat variety). The original fox terrier — Wire developed later. Lower grooming needs than Wire. 12-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
700 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
500 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Same health profile as the Wire Fox Terrier. Primary lens luxation is a significant concern. Generally a very healthy, long-lived breed. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease occurs.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Less grooming than Wire. Separate breed, not just coat variety. India: rare.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Smooth Fox Terrier was the most popular dog breed in Britain during the 1880s — the height of Victorian dog fashion — before the Wire variety took over in popularity in the Edwardian era.
The famous "Nipper" depicted on the HMV (His Master's Voice) gramophone logo is universally believed to be a Smooth Fox Terrier — one of the most recognisable animal images in commercial history.
Smooth Fox Terriers were exported globally from Britain throughout the late 19th century, introducing the concept of pedigree show dogs to many countries that had previously had no formal dog shows.
