The Smooth Fox Terrier shares its American history with the Wire variety — both developed from English fox-hunting terriers, both AKC recognized, and both managed by the American Fox Terrier Club with identical CHIC health requirements. The Smooth's shorter, harder coat produces a lower-grooming-maintenance dog compared to the Wire, though the terrier character and energy level are entirely comparable. In the US show ring, the Wire variety has historically dominated Best in Show competition, but the Smooth maintains an active following of enthusiasts who appreciate its clean-lined appearance and the slightly more readable expression that the shorter facial hair provides.
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Smooth Fox Terrier
Lifespan13-15
Average Price$700 - $1,500
Weight7.5 - 8.56.5 - 7.5
Height38 - 3936 - 38
PedigreeNo
Health tests availableOFA eye examination (CAER) — lens luxation monitoring, OFA patella evaluation, DNA test for hereditary late-onset ataxia (HLOA), OFA cardiac evaluation
NicknamesSmooth, Smooth Terrier
Pros
Lower grooming maintenance than the Wire variety — the smooth, short coat needs minimal professional attention
Same classic terrier spirit as the Wire in a shorter-coat package — bold, energetic, and genuinely funny
AKC recognized with an active US parent club (American Fox Terrier Club)
Well-represented in US earthdog competitions and AKC terrier events
Cons
Somewhat less popular in US show competition than the Wire — finding breeders may require more research
Same intense prey drive and management requirements as the Wire Fox Terrier
Stubbornly independent terrier character — consistent training effort required
Not suitable for households with small pets due to the prey drive
The Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier shared a combined standard until 1984 when the AKC formally recognized them as separate breeds. Both were developed from English hunting terriers in the 18th and 19th centuries and arrived in the US with the English sporting tradition in the late 19th century. The Smooth's shorter coat was originally preferred for show purposes — the wire coat's development came later — and the breed was more common in American competition through much of the early 20th century before the Wire's show dominance was established.
The Smooth Fox Terrier's conformation standard is essentially identical to the Wire's with the coat being the primary distinction: the Smooth carries a short, flat, hard coat with no feathering that gives the breed a clean, sculpted appearance quite different from the Wire's textured, beard-framed profile. The white-dominant coloring with tan and black markings is the same. Males stand approximately 15.5 inches; females proportionally smaller; weight 17-19 pounds for males. The Smooth's expression is often described as slightly more open and easily read than the Wire's beard-framed face.
Same as the Wire Fox Terrier: bold, curious, energy-driven, and fully possessed of the terrier independence and prey drive that defines the type. American Smooth owners frequently describe the breed as slightly more accessible in energy level than the Wire — an individual variation that experienced Fox Terrier enthusiasts note as line-dependent rather than breed-reliable. The stubbornness, the prey drive, and the need for secure containment and daily vigorous activity are consistent across both varieties.
Training approach is identical to the Wire: positive reinforcement, short sessions, variation, and the acceptance that the terrier will test rules persistently and creatively for its entire life. Earthdog trials available through AFTC clubs provide structured prey-drive outlet. The Smooth's more easily read facial expression makes some American trainers feel their signals are more clearly communicated — an anecdotal observation, not a documented training advantage.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is an outstanding companion for children — these outgoing, energetic dogs genuinely enjoy the active interaction and play that children provide. Their high-spirited temperament matches well with older children who can keep up with the breed's energy and understand how to engage a terrier appropriately. With younger children, adult supervision is recommended, as the breed's independent streak and terrier reflexes can lead to impulsive behavior when play becomes too rough. Early socialization with children of different ages helps the Smooth Fox Terrier develop into a reliable, cheerful family companion.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is generally a healthy and long-lived breed with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The primary hereditary concerns are congenital deafness — particularly in dogs with large areas of white coat — and Primary Lens Luxation (PLL), a potentially blinding eye condition with an available DNA test. Reputable breeders affiliated with the American Fox Terrier Club (AFTC) conduct routine genetic testing and eye clearances before breeding. Ask for OFA health records and PLL DNA test documentation when purchasing a puppy. The AFTC Breeders Directory lists members who adhere to club health standards.
Same framework as the Wire but with significantly less grooming investment. The Smooth's coat needs only weekly brushing with a rubber mitt and monthly bathing — professional grooming is not required for pet dogs. Exercise (30-45 minutes vigorous daily), secure fencing, and consistent training are the primary care commitments.
The Smooth Fox Terrier's short, dense coat is one of the lowest-maintenance coats of any terrier. Weekly grooming with a thick bristle brush or hound glove removes loose hair and keeps the coat looking sharp. Bathing is needed only occasionally. No professional grooming or coat trimming is required for the smooth variety, which is a practical advantage over the Wire Fox Terrier. Trim nails monthly, clean ears weekly, and brush teeth several times per week. The predominantly white coat can show dirt quickly — a quick wipe-down after outdoor sessions keeps the dog looking clean.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a high-energy breed with the stamina of a working hunting dog. Plan for at least one to two hours of vigorous exercise per day, including brisk walks, fetch sessions, and free running in a securely fenced yard. Off-leash exercise outside enclosed areas is not safe — the breed has a powerful prey drive and will bolt after squirrels, rabbits, and other small animals with complete disregard for traffic or commands. The Smooth Fox Terrier participates competitively in earthdog trials, agility, and conformation events sanctioned by the American Fox Terrier Club (AFTC).
Feed the Smooth Fox Terrier one and a half to two cups of high-quality dry kibble per day, divided into two or three meals. The breed is highly active and burns calories efficiently; adjust portions to maintain a lean, athletic build — you should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard. Choose a food appropriate for small-to-medium active breeds with a quality protein source as the first ingredient. Avoid free-feeding. Fresh water should always be available. Senior dogs may need a lower-calorie formulation as activity levels decrease with age.
Smooth Fox Terrier puppies from AFTC-affiliated breeders with OFA and genetic health testing typically cost $1,000 to $1,500 in the United States. The breed is less commonly available than many small breeds; the AFTC breeder directory at aftc.org is the most reliable source for finding responsible breeders. Monthly ownership costs include food ($35–55), pet insurance ($25–40 per month), routine veterinary care, and dental supplies. The low grooming requirement is a notable financial advantage compared to coat-intensive terrier breeds.
Contact the American Fox Terrier Club for Smooth variety breeders. Request the same documentation as for the Wire: CAER, HLOA DNA, patella, cardiac. The Smooth Fox Terrier's relative show rarity in the US means individual breeders may have smaller litters less frequently — patience and early contact with breeders is recommended.