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Smooth Fox Terrier

Illustration courtesy of the Swedish Kennel Club

The Smooth Fox Terrier has the distinction of being the first terrier recognized by the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom. Doesn’t sound impressive? Well, it is! The breed received this honor in 1875, which is a good deal earlier than most other breeds, terrier or not. Their notoriety stems partly from the fact that they have been a popular and distinct breed for quite some time, at least since the 18th century. They made their way to the United States not long after, and they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.

Fun Fact

Skipper from the book “My Dog Skip” is a Smooth Fox Terrier. In the movie version, starring Frankie Muniz, Skipper is incorrectly played by a Jack Russell Terrier.

  • About the Smooth Fox Terrier
    The Smooth Fox Terrier has the distinction of being the first terrier recognized by the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom. Doesn’t sound impressive? Well, it is! The breed received this honor in 1875, which is a good deal earlier than most other breeds, terrier or not. Their notoriety stems partly from the fact that they have been a popular and distinct breed for quite some time, at least since the 18th century. They made their way to the United States not long after, and they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.

    While Smooth Fox Terriers are suspected to be the grandparent to many other breeds, they are not particularly widespread in modern day. They look similar to a lot of other dogs—Jack Russell Terriers and Rat Terriers, for example—so they are easily mistaken for other breeds. But the true Smooth Fox Terrier is a distinct breed and has a very distinct look—so if you would like to be the proud pet parent of one of them, make sure to do your research!

    That being said, Smooth Fox Terriers are not for everyone. While they are loyal and intelligent little dogs, they can be a handful for a novice owner. Their intelligence and activity level make them a tricky pet that can outpace a new dog parent. They are not known for being particularly dog-friendly, so you should exercise caution when bringing one into a multi-dog household. Naturally, every dog is different, but most Smooth Fox Terriers will bond best with other dogs when they are introduced as puppies. They are also not often kid-friendly. Terriers in general can have a low tolerance threshold for children, especially young children, and the Smooth Fox Terrier is no different. Older children should be fine, but keep that in mind before falling in love with the breed.

    An active and experienced owner will find a great and energetic running companion, a quick learner, and a people-friendly dog. Smooth Fox Terriers, given their history as vermin hunters, should not be mixed with pet rodents unless the rodent in question is kept safely out of their reach. If you’re a rodent enthusiast—yes, that’s a thing—you may want to err on the side of caution and find a different breed to share your life with.

    For the right owner, the Smooth Fox Terriers’ vibrant history and equally vibrant personality make them a great choice.

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