Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier

15-17 lbs
14-16"
United States
The Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier is a hybrid mix of the purebred Smooth Fox Terrier and American Rat Terrier.  Both parents are smooth-coated, small Terriers and the Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier maintains the small dog.  The hybrid is a true Terrier, both tenacious and feisty in its disposition with plenty of energy for playtime.  The Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier is an excellent ratting dog and capable of bolting and dispatching vermin for hiding places.  The American Rat Terrier makes the hybrid slightly smaller than the Smooth Fox Terrier, so this hybrid is capable of getting into some tight spaces while it chases its quarry.
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Smooth Fox Terrier and American Rat Terrier

Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier Health

Average Size
Male Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier size stats
Height: 14-16 inches Weight: 15-18 lbs
Female Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier size stats
Height: 14-16 inches Weight: 15-17 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Glaucoma
  • Allergies
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Bladder Stones
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Patellar Luxation
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Radiographs
  • Complete Physical Examination

Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier Breed History

The Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier is a hybrid mix of two true Terrier breeds.  The dispositions of both parent breeds are similar, and only general appearance marks the real difference between the two parents.  Currently, documentation on the Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier is limited, and this hybrid does not have a breed history.  However, owners can review the respective histories of both parent breeds for additional insight into their Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier. The Smooth Fox Terrier developed in the United Kingdom when fox hunting became popular in the 18th century.  Sportsmen needed a dog that could go to the ground and bolt foxes out of their hiding spots.  Originally, the Fox Terrier breed had both Smooth and Wire coated varieties, but the Smooth Fox Terrier is now considered a separate breed.  The Smooth Fox Terrier is the most decorated breed at the Westminster Kennel Club, having won 13 Best-in-Show awards over its breed history and was, at one point, the most recognizable breed.  The Smooth Fox Terrier went to America in 1879, and by 1885, the American Kennel Club registered its first Smooth Fox Terrier, a dog named Cricket.  While today, the breed is not as popular as it once was, the Smooth Fox Terrier continues to be a star in the show ring. The American Rat Terrier is an American breed of Terrier that developed in the 19th and 20th centuries as the result of breeding several Terrier breeds, including the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Manchester Terrier, and the Old English White Terrier.  Toy Fox Terriers that were too large for their breed class were used in the American Rat Terrier breeding program to reduce the size of the Rat Terrier.  Additionally, the Whippet breed was used to increase the fleet abilities of the Rat Terrier while the Beagle was used for its pack mentality qualities.  The resulting Rat Terrier breed is a large mix of several bloodlines.  The Rat Terrier may have been named by President Theodore Roosevelt, who kept one at the White House for the rat problem.  Rat Terriers developed to assist farmers with rat problems in their barns, and the breed's size allowed them to fit in tight spaces to get to vermin.  The breed was highly popular between the 1910s and the 1940s, but the increased use of poisons on farms reduced the popularity of the Rat Terrier in the 1950s.  Thankfully, the breed was maintained by some breeders and re-emerged in the 1970s.  The Rat Terrier went unrecognized by the American Kennel Club until 2013 and has moderate popularity today. 

Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier Breed Appearance

The Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier can come in many different colors but is usually white with black or black and tan markings.  They are a small dog with short, sturdy legs and a high set tail.  The head is small and in proportion to the body with medium ears that stand up or flop over.  The Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier has dark, round eyes and a black nose.  Their muzzles are thin and tapered but may be slightly smaller and shorter if the dog resembles the Rat Terrier.  The Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier is tight-lipped and may have either a level or a scissor bite.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brown Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier coat
Brown
red Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier coat
Red
black Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier coat
Black
white Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier coat
White
Coat Texture
coat texture
Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier Breed Maintenance

Maintaining the Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier is easy considering how short and smooth their coats are.  However, they are moderate shedding dogs and will need weekly brushing to reduce the amount of loose and dead hair.  Brushing will also help remove any dirt or debris that gets caught on the Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier's coat.  Dirt is easy to remove from the hair with a brush or even a pet wipe due to the smooth coat.  Smooth Foxy Rat Terriers do not need frequent baths, which may also strip the natural oils from the body.  However, if you do choose to bathe your Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier, use hypoallergenic shampoo and pat dry the coat and skin to prevent any irritation.  The Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier does not usually have a doggy odor and is not a hypoallergenic dog.
Brushes for Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier Temperament

The Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier is a true Terrier with a feisty disposition and full of energy.  However, these dogs are also highly affectionate with their families and settle down when inside.  The Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier is fond of children and can play for hours with the kids.  The Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier is also an excellent companion for other dogs though cats and small pets might excite the prey-mind.  However, with early and consistent socialization, the Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier can learn to live in harmony with other pets too.  This breed is intelligent and have an active mind but can be a little stubborn when it comes to training.  Novice dog owners and those who don't have a lot of time to devote to their Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier may have difficulty with training.

Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier Activity Requirements

The Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier is an active dog with an active mind as well.  They require daily exercise that engages their body and mind.  Without daily exercise that stimulates their minds and bodies, the Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier may become bored and resort to negative behaviors, such as chewing or digging.  The Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier has a high tolerance for hot weather and is not fond of cold weather.  When it comes to apartment and small space living, the Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier can adapt to city living, but a small yard is ideal for this breed that loves to run.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
10 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $1.20
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 14.0 inches Weight: 15.5 lbs
Female Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 14.0 inches Weight: 15.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 16.5 lbs
Female Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 16.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 16.5 lbs
Female Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 16.0 lbs

Smooth Foxy Rat Terrier Owner Experiences

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