Grooming
Smooth Fox Terriers are relatively low maintenance in the grooming department, so they’re easy to keep in show dog shape. These smooth-coated pups have short, thick hair that sheds minimally throughout most of the year but somewhat heavily when the weather changes during the spring and fall. To minimize shedding, use a rubber slicker brush or a grooming glove to remove excess shed fur. Regular brushing should be done once a week for most of the year and every other day during their seasonal shed.
Fox Terrier dogs are pretty easy to keep clean; you should only need to bathe them once every four to six weeks. If they somehow find themselves in the middle of a mud puddle between regular baths, just take them in, towel them off then let them dry; most of the dirt will fall right off. You can always keep them smelling like roses with a dog cologne.
Their nails need to be trimmed about every two weeks (assuming they haven’t already been worn down by exercise). When you hear them tapping on your hardwood floor then it’s time to get the clippers out.
Dental hygiene is also important for your Smooth Fox Terrier’s health, so aim to brush their teeth daily. Take them to the vet once a year for a dental check-up and professional cleaning, too, to be doubly-sure their mouths are in good condition.
Your Smooth Fox Terrier’s ears can get a build up of wax or debris, which can cause them discomfort and infections. Check them regularly for redness, swelling and debris, and call your vet if you notice anything unusual. They may recommend cleaning your dog’s ears.
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Training
The Smooth Fox Terrier dog breed is smart, attentive and eager to please, which makes them wonderful students. They do have an independent streak, however, so their trainers (that’s you) need to be confident, clear and consistent. Training for Smooth Fox Terriers should begin early on; the sooner you begin, the better. Start your puppy on the right paw once you get them home with a puppy training 101 class that teaches them the basics, like sit, stay and come and how to walk nicely on a leash. With their strong prey drive, it’s best to train them in a place with few distractions so they’re better able to focus.
It’s also well worth spending time on socialization training with your pup. This gets them accustomed to meeting and greeting people and other dogs who’ll they encounter on almost every adventure.
Because these dogs are such enthusiastic learners, they’re always paying attention and picking up on behaviors—even when you’re not intentionally trying to teach them. That means you have to be deliberate and consistent with your training at all times, including when you’re just hanging out at home. Make sure to keep any house-rules in action, even during playtime, or you may end up with the contents of your laundry hamper scattered about the living room.
Like other breeds, the Smooth Fox Terrier responds best to positive reinforcement (rewarding good behavior with treats, toys and praise). So go ahead, let your pup know when they’ve been a very good dog, and always have a few training treats close at hand.
Training your Smooth Fox Terrier is a daily commitment because they are quite stubborn and are likely to pick up bad habits that are hard to shake. So keep training consistent, frequent and interesting, especially if you like the unchewed look of the legs on your dining table.
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Diet
Smooth Fox Terriers are very good eaters (and not terribly picky) so they can easily thrive on high-quality commercial dog food, as long as it’s complete and balanced and tailored for their age (puppy, adult, or senior), weight and activity level. Most young and active dogs require a bit more protein, but consult with your vet on what the best diet and feeding schedule is for your fur baby.
To ensure the food is nutritionally complete and balanced, look at the bag to see if it meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This non-profit organization is responsible for setting quality, safety and nutritional criteria for dog food in the US; high-quality kibble will meet these standards and provide your dog with the nutrition they need to stay healthy.
Treats are an absolute must (at least according to your dog). Since Smooth Fox Terriers, like most dogs, are highly motivated by food, treats will keep them focused during training sessions. You’ll also need to keep some around to encourage positive behaviors throughout the day. But be careful not to overfeed them. While extra calories can be burned off during exercise, too many treats will turn your Smooth Fox Terrier into a chubby pup, leading to a risk of health issues like heart disease.
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Exercise
Smooth Fox Terriers have a high energy level, which means their exercise needs are considerable. Ideally, they’ll get at least two hours of moderate to vigorous activity per day. The good news is that this exercise can take practically any form: They love to swim, run, play and explore, so you can take your pick!
Hiking is another great choice, but only on leash. Smooth Fox Terriers are known for their speed and hunting abilities, so if they smell or see a squirrel, mouse, rabbit or any other interesting critter, they’re likely to give chase. Don’t risk them running off into the woods—keep them on leash and skip the high drama of a pursuit.
Thanks to their history of hunting fox, this tenacious breed also excels at digging. If you’re looking for a little help in the garden, you’ve found the ideal companion. But if you like to keep your flower beds nice and tidy, it’s best to channel that energy into something more productive, like nose work, agility events and other dog sports.
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Environment
With their high energy and loving nature, Smooth Fox Terriers are the perfect match for an active family, and they are great with children. But terrier breeds do tend to guard their resources, so make sure kids know to respect the dog’s space, especially when your pup has food or toys.
The Smooth Fox Terrier’s love of people also extends to those who aren’t family members. Whenever you have guests over, your dog will welcome your visitors with lots of love and kisses, like they’re seeing an old friend for the first time in years.
Unfortunately, this love doesn’t apply to other pets. They can often get rowdy with other dogs in the household and may chase smaller pets. If you have gerbils, guinea pigs or rabbits in your home, it’s best to look for another breed. If introduced to other dogs and cats while they’re still a puppy, Smooth Fox Terriers can learn to adapt, especially with other dogs of the opposite sex.
The Smooth Fox Terrier dog breed needs space to run around and play, so they’re best suited to a single-family home with a large yard. They can adapt to an apartment, but only if they’re provided with plenty of exercise every day. Otherwise you’ll end up with a bored, restless dog who burns energy by chewing up your furniture. If outdoor activity is out of the question because of inclement weather, entertain them with some interactive toys.
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