At a glance the quick version
FCI standard figures.
FCI gives a maximum of 39 cm for dogs, with bitches slightly smaller.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, straight, flat, hard and dense coat
A compact, short-backed terrier that packs plenty of bone and muscle into a small frame and stands like a hunter ready to cover ground. The sleek coat lies flat and straight but feels hard, and it grows thickly all over the body.13
Personality what they are like
A bright-eyed, bold and cheerful terrier that is always on the move and keen to join in. It is friendly and generally accepting of people when well socialised, with a strong instinct to chase small animals.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High energy: up to about an hour of exercise a day plus play; it enjoys having things to do.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
About one brush a week; the short coat does shed.3
Home where they are happiest
Does well in a home that can meet its energy and chase instinct; a secure garden is useful.23
Company who they like around
A friendly, people-loving dog; early socialisation helps it stay relaxed with strangers.2
The story where it all began
Smooth-coated fox terriers were bred in England to follow hounds and drive foxes out of their earths, with Old English White Terrier, Bull Terrier and Beagle blood behind them. Mostly white coats were favoured so hunters would not confuse dog and fox. The breed first appeared in the show ring in 1862 and was the most popular breed in England by around 1900.321
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is considered the oldest of the fox terrier breeds, older than its wire-coated cousin.3
- 2
A Fox Terrier class first appeared at a London show in 1862, and by 1900 the Fox Terrier was England's most popular breed.3
- 3
A fox terrier called Titina flew on airships with the Italian explorer Umberto Nobile, and one called Igloo joined Richard E. Byrd on his Antarctic trips.2
- 4
The dog 'Nipper' in the famous 'His Master's Voice' logo is often said to be a Smooth Fox Terrier type, though this is debated.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 12, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 1 (Large and medium sized Terriers); current standard published 30 Oct 20161
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Terrier Group; breed standard dates from 1876; listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed3
- AKC
- Fox Terrier recognised 1885; Smooth separated from Wire as its own breed in 19852
Popularity Ranked 144th of AKC-registered breeds in 20254
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Smooth Fox Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Wire Fox Terrier
Parson Russell Terrier
Toy Fox TerrierLike what we are building? Buy us a coffee.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI breed standard No. 12: Fox Terrier (Smooth) fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Smooth Fox Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for AKC dates, temperament, famous dogs
- The Royal Kennel Club: Fox Terrier (Smooth) royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, history, fun facts
- AKC: Most popular dog breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.