Fox Terrier (Smooth) Overview
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a small, energetic hunting dog developed in England to flush foxes from their dens during fox hunts. These hardy, spirited dogs combine intelligence with independent judgment—qualities essential for hunting but sometimes challenging in a family setting. They are friendly, playful, and affectionate with their families, displaying typical terrier courage and determination. Smooth Fox Terriers are suitable for Australian homes, though their strong prey drive requires careful management.
These dogs are compact, muscular, and surprisingly strong for their size. Their smooth coat is low-maintenance and well-suited to Australian warmth. They are active dogs requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation but are not excessively demanding. They are excellent for active families and individuals who appreciate their spirited, independent nature. Their prey drive means they are unsuitable for homes with small pets, and they can be territorial with other dogs, especially same-sex animals.
Smooth Fox Terriers are intelligent and willing to please but retain their hunting instincts and independent decision-making. They are suitable for experienced owners who understand terrier temperament and can provide firm, consistent training.
Fox Terrier (Smooth) Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Fox Terrier (Smooth) temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Spirited, confident, and intelligent, Smooth Fox Terriers are lively companions with big personalities for their size. They are affectionate and playful with their families but can be aloof with strangers. These dogs retain strong hunting and prey drives, making them unsuitable for homes with cats or small pets. They are friendly with people but can be territorial with other dogs.
With kids: Good with older children; energetic play partners; suitable for active families.
With pets: Poor with small animals due to prey drive; variable with other dogs; early socialisation important.
Key traits
Spirited, confident, independent, courageous, intelligent
Barking
Moderate; alert barkers but not excessive; respond to training.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Fox Terrier (Smooth) scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Fox Terrier (Smooth) Right for You?
⚠️
Apartment
Moderate; need good exercise but can adapt with adequate activity commitment
✅
House with yard
Good; yard allows independent play and prey drive outlet
⚠️
First-time owner
Requires understanding of terrier temperament; not ideal for complete novices
✅
Renters
No breed restrictions; suitable for rental properties
✅
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA)
Good; short coat and moderate size suit hot climates
✅
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT)
Suitable year-round; may appreciate sweater in very cold weather
⚠️
Elderly/retired owners
High exercise needs less suitable for less active retirees; better for active seniors
⚠️
Working owners (8hrs alone)
Can manage but may develop destructive behaviour without adequate exercise
✅
Rural/acreage
Ideal; prey drive outlet and space for independence
✅
Active lifestyle
Excellent for active owners; need substantial daily exercise
Separation Anxiety: Low — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Fox Terrier (Smooth) Size & Appearance
Size
Small
Weight M
7–8 kg
Weight F
6–7 kg
Height
39–41 cm
Coat
Smooth, short, dense
Colours
White, white with tan/black markings
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Fox Terrier (Smooth) Health & Lifespan
14 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Lens dislocation causing vision loss or blindness
Est. treatment: $1500–$2500
Knee joint dislocation
Est. treatment: $1000–$1800
Congenital hearing loss, often in white dogs
Est. treatment: $0 (management only)
Shoulder joint looseness causing lameness
Est. treatment: $1200–$2000
Low thyroid hormone
Est. treatment: $150–$400/year
Autoimmune neuromuscular condition
Est. treatment: $500–$1500/year
Pet Insurance for Fox Terrier (Smooth)
Avg Annual Insurance: $650
Monthly Estimate: $30–$50/month; readily available; no breed restrictions in Australia.
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Fox Terrier (Smooth)
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Fox Terrier (Smooth) Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$800 - $2,500 |
| Food |
$1,400 |
| Vet |
$450 |
| Grooming |
$200 |
| Insurance |
$650 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$1,976 |
| Monthly |
$98 |
| LIFETIME (14 yrs) |
$27,664 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$27,664
Estimated lifetime cost (14 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Fox Terrier (Smooth) Grooming Guide
Frequency
Weekly brushing, monthly bath
Brushing
Rubber mitt, soft brush
Professional Cost
$50–$70
Coat
Smooth, short, dense
Shedding
★★☆☆☆/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Fox Terrier (Smooth) Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
60 minutes
Type
Brisk walks, running, fetch, play
Energy
★★★★☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Low
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Fox Terrier (Smooth)
Trainability: ★★★☆☆/5
First-Time Owner: ★★★☆☆/5
Intelligent and independent; retain strong terrier drive. Respond well to consistent, firm training but can be stubborn. Early socialisation crucial to manage prey drive and potentially territorial behaviour. Enjoy training when it feels like a game.
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Fox Terrier (Smooth) Feeding Guide
Annual Food Cost: $1,400
1–1.5 cups quality kibble daily. Active breed needs good protein (22–26%). Feed twice daily. May have food-related aggression; supervise mealtimes with other dogs.
Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias
Finding a Reputable Fox Terrier (Smooth) Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au)
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Fox Terrier (Smooth) in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Fox Terrier Rescue Australia (limited activity)
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Fox Terrier (Smooth) — Frequently Asked Questions
Are Smooth Fox Terriers suitable for apartments?
Moderately. They need good exercise (60+ minutes daily) but can adapt to apartments with adequate activity.
How much grooming do Smooth Fox Terriers need?
Minimal. Weekly brushing, monthly baths. Short coat requires little maintenance ($50–$70/visit if professional).
Can they live with cats or small pets?
No. High prey drive makes them unsuitable for small animals. Not recommended in multi-pet households.
What's the annual cost to own a Smooth Fox Terrier in Australia?
Approximately $1400–$2000/year including food ($70–$100/month), grooming ($50–$70/visit, 6 visits/year), insurance ($30–$50/month), and veterinary care.
How much exercise do they need?
60–90 minutes daily including brisk walks, running, and play. Active breed unsuitable for sedentary owners.
Do Smooth Fox Terriers get along with other dogs?
Variable. Early socialisation important; can be territorial, especially same-sex pairings. Requires careful introduction.
How long do Smooth Fox Terriers live?
12–15 years, typically 13–14 years with good care.
Are they good for first-time owners?
Moderately. They require understanding of terrier temperament and firm, consistent training. Not ideal for complete novices.
What health issues should I be aware of?
Lens luxation (especially important—can cause sudden blindness), patellar luxation, deafness, and shoulder instability. Regular eye checks essential.
Why were they originally bred?
Developed to flush foxes from dens during hunts. This independent, courageous hunting instinct remains strong today.
