Caring for Your Fox Terrier Smooth Haired: Key Health Concerns and Solutions

by Dani Graymore. Reviewed by Fitpetgo

Updated: Sep 15, 2024

Introduction

The Fox Terrier Smooth Haired (also known as the English Foxhound) is a popular dog breed known for its distinctive appearance and lively personality. Originating in England, this breed was developed primarily for hunting purposes but has since become a beloved companion animal. With their short, smooth coats and long legs, Fox Terriers are well-suited to active families or individuals who can provide them with the exercise they need.

General Care

To keep your Fox Terrier Smooth Haired healthy and happy, consider the following aspects of care:

Nutrition

Fox Terriers require a balanced diet that meets their energy needs. Feed high-quality commercial dog food suitable for adult dogs, and consider switching to puppy food if you have a young pup. A minimum of two times a day feeding is necessary with an adult Fox Terrier.

Exercise

Fox Terriers are energetic animals that need regular exercise to maintain their physical health. For adult dogs, engaging in 30-minute walks or short play sessions at least twice daily may help keep fit. If you have a puppy under six months old, restrict exercise for the first 12 weeks due to bone growth.

Living Space

The smooth Fox Terrier is adaptable and fits well in homes with moderate space. Providing an indoor area large enough for your dog's comfortable movement can lead to better training results.

Fox Terrier Smooth Haired Issues

Some inherited health issues can affect your smooth-haired Fox Terrier:

• Patellar luxation: this condition arises when the kneecap falls out of place and may cause discomfort or difficulty moving.
• Deafness: as with some other breeds, partial deafness, particularly in white-colored dogs might arise due to color genetics.
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: an early decline that affects one knee joint
• Von Willebrands Disease (vWd): a blood clotting problem affecting the smooth-haired Fox Terrier as in many other breeds, with bleeding signs being noticeable as soon as the dog is injured.
• Trapped leg syndrome

Feeding a Fox Terrier Smooth Haired

Fox Terriers require high-quality nutrition to support their activity level. Feed twice daily. Here are some food recommendations suitable for fox terriers:

• Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 years dog food,
• Royal Canin Miniature 0-10 M months puppy.