They are affectionate with children but may be too active for some. Although seldom used for hunting now, the Smooth Fox Terrier retains a strong prey drive and will dig tirelessly after any underground vermin. The head is long and moderately narrow. When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are equal in length, parallel to one another, and joined by a barely perceptible stop. The skull is flat and moderately narrow, tapering slightly toward the muzzle.
Cheeks are flat and clean.
The muzzle is strong and tapers slightly from stop to nose. Jaws are strong and muscular. There is a minimum of falling away under the eye, giving a moderately chiselled look. Lips are tight and darkly pigmented. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a complete set of comparatively large, evenly spaced, white teeth with a scissors bite.