The Smooth Fox Terrier is energetic and playful, and needs a safe environment where they can run and exercise. This breed does best living in the house, with plenty of time to play in the yard. Ready to see what dogs fit you best? Take our short quiz to find out! Breed Image Breed Weight 15-19 lb Breed Height 15.5" Similar Breeds Kerry Blue Terrier Dogs & Puppies Jack Russell Terrier Dogs & Puppies Irish Terrier Dogs & Puppies Lakeland Terrier Dogs & Puppies Manchester Terrier Dogs & Puppies Miniature Bull Terrier Dogs & Puppies Miniature Schnauzer Dogs & Puppies Norfolk Terrier Dogs & Puppies Parson Russell Terrier Dogs & Puppies Related Content How to Talk to Your Dog How To Travel With Your Dog in The Car Temperament Energetic, inquisitive, bold, feisty, playful, mischievous, independent, and adventurous describe the Fox Terrier. This breed lives to run, chase, and explore. He is usually fairly reserved with strangers. He tends to bark and dig. Upkeep The Smooth Fox Terrier is energetic and cannot be ignored. As an active dog, he will do much to exercise himself given the room. He enjoys a vigorous game or walk, as well as an off-lead outing in a safe area. Smooth coat care consists of weekly brushing to remove shedding hair. In fact, the Smooths shed more than the Wires. Health Major concerns: none Minor concerns: lens luxation, distichiasis, cataract, Legg–Perthes Occasionally seen: deafness, patellar luxation Suggested tests: (eye), knee, cardiac Life span: 10–13 years History The Smooth Fox Terrier’s ancestors are not documented, but the breed was certainly known by 1800. Predominantly white dogs were preferred because they could be more easily distinguished from the quarry in dim lighting. Some speculation exists that the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers arose from distinct backgrounds, with the Smooth descending from the smoothcoated Black and Tan, the Bull Terrier, and even the Greyhound and Beagle. The Smooth Fox Terriers were among the first breeds to enter the show ring, classified initially with the Sporting breeds. The two varieties were interbred extensively at one time, but the practice gradually declined. Because the two breeds had long since ceased to be crossed by the latter part of the 1900s, the AKC divided them into separate breeds in 1985. Breed Family Terrier Breed Type Terrier Energy Level 4 Playfulness 4 Friendliness to Dogs 3 Friendliness to Strangers 4 Heat Sensitivity 3 Exercise Requirements 3 Affection Level 4 Friendliness to Other Pets 2 Watchfulness 1 Grooming Requirements 1 Vocality 5 Ease of Training 4 Disclaimer Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Breed Size Small Plural Name Smooth Fox Terriers Area of Origin England Date of Origin 1700s Species Dog or Puppy