Fell Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison

Both Fell Terrier and English White Terrier are originated from United Kingdom. Fell Terrier may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than English White Terrier. Both Fell Terrier and English White Terrier are of same weight. Fell Terrier may live 6 years more than English White Terrier. Fell Terrier may have less litter size than English White Terrier. Both Fell Terrier and English White Terrier requires Moderate maintenance.

History

fell terrier - historyFell terriers, known by other names such as Lakeland-, Patterdale-, Red Fell or Black Fell Terrier are small working terriers, hailing from the fell or hilly country of northern England.

Several breeds have been developed from the Fell terrier, of which the Patterdale Terrier, Lakeland are some as well as other locally developed breeds. All these particular breeds are sometimes referred to as the Fell Terrier, and in fact the National Terriers Club LLC has published a Fell Terrier standard.

It is also believed that the long legged Fell Terriers may have descended from an old type of terrier referred to as the rough-coated Black and Tan. The Black and Tan Terrier is now extinct but was drawn into The Kennel Club as the Welsh Terrier.

The English White Terrier was developed in the 1860’s by a group of breeders from the Sealyham terriers, the Jack Russell terrier, and the Fox Terrier. These breeders were looking for a white terrier that could be more successful in the show ring than the current prick-eared English terrier. They named their new breed, the English White Terrier or the Old English terrier. In later years in the United States, the English White Terrier was mixed again with the Rat Terrier and the Old English Bulldog to create both the Boston terrier and the Bull terrier.

Although the breed did not last long it did have a prestigious ancestry that could be traced back centuries in England among ancient terriers. The word terrier was in use in England in 1440, showing that the dogs were well known at that time. Most historians agree that the dogs were even older than the 1400’s. It is believed that terriers who “went to ground” after prey, existed as far back as the time of Christ in England.

Most of these ancestors of the English White Terrier were not white. White terriers came onto the scene around the 1700’s.The first picture of white terriers appeared in 1790 when Sawre Gilpin, a British artist, painted “A Huntsman with Hounds Foxhunting” and the terriers in the painting were white with brown marks. Others began to show the same kind of terriers in their artwork – white coated. Before this it is believed that breeders killed the white terriers at birth because they were often deaf and inferior to the other terriers. In the early part of the 19th century, the white terrier began to be completely white with no markings. The Kennel Club recognized them in 1874 as the White English Terrier.

The breed faced many genetic issues, deafness and the Kennel Clubs felt there was no difference between the current White English terrier and the English White terrier despite the difference in their ears. The new English White Terrier had dropped ears instead of Prick-ears. They considered them to be the same breed and not even different types. They were the smallest of all terriers and considered to be a good pet but not a show dog or a working dog. Because of this it was not very popular, and it actually had been bred to be a show dog and not a working dog. The English White Terrier was not recognized by any Kennel Club and within 30 years it was extinct.

Description

fell terrier puppy - descriptionSmall and feisty, the Fell Terrier is a working dog used for hunting purposes. He stands at roughly 31cm to 38cm in height and ways between 6 to 9kg.

The dogs were sought after for their hunting skills as being the small dog they were, and with their narrow chests, they were able to move around in small, narrow underground tunnels.

The Fell has long legs, and his coat is shortish but with a rough texture to it. The coat is found in different colors such as white, black and tan, chocolate, red, black and bronze. The ears are medium length and floppy while the tail of the dog is traditionally docked, but these days the tail is often left long, and then he becomes less distinctive.

Temperament:

Used to having hunted in packs, the Fell Terrier has always been used to getting along well with other dogs. He makes a fantastic family pet and will get on well with children who have been been taught to respect animals. He is an independent, strong-willed dog and will certainly need socialization and training to turn him into an obedient dog.

He is energetic, fearless, strong-willed, determined and always ready for a game or some form of action.

The English White Terrier had a pure white coat with no markings of any kind. His coat was short, hard, and glossy and his body was firm, muscular and hard. The breed was small – almost a toy. They had a body like the Manchester Terrier. They had long legs and large feet. The tail was medium size and straight out from the body.

The English White Terrier had a very refined head with a fairly long muzzle. Their bite was even, and their eyes were brown, amber or black. Their ears dropped – unlike the pricked ears of the White English Terrier.

Characteristics

fell terrier dog - characteristicsThe Fell Terrier still has dreams of the hunt in him and with his strong prey instincts, he isn’t really suited to city living, but will fit ideally into life in the country.

He is a high spirited, working dog with an endless amount of energy. He bonds closely with his human family, and for all his robust, larger-than-life attitude and boldness, when he is with his human family he can be gentle, calm and loving, just thriving on the love he receives.

Your Fell Terrier is just waiting to be your best friend and a never ending source of unconditional love.

The English White Terrier was affectionate and devoted to his family. It was the softest tempered of all terriers and made an excellent pet. Some of the English White Terriers were animal aggressive while others were not. Training was difficult because of the wide-spread deafness in the breed. IT loved to be cuddled and held. They were also tenacious and game for any type of fight or hunt despite their size and deficiencies.

Health Problems

fell terrier puppies - health problemsCaring for your Fell Terrier requires knowing what do do with him when he develops certain common dog illnesses. He is a robust dog and is not likely to get any serious illnesses, but still you want to know about some of the more common ones.

If you suspect an illness, get your pet to the vet who can provide you with a treatment plan for your dog.

Dental Disease:

Your Fell Terrier can easily fall prey to dental disease if you don't brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week. Unfortunately bad teeth isn't just a case of losing a tooth or two, bad teeth can cause serious diseases such as kidney disease. Tarter build-up progresses to infection of the gums as well as roots of the teeth. So serious is dental disease that your dog can actually have his life shortened.

Obesity:

Your Fell Terrier is a small dog and obesity can easily creep up if you don't control your pet's diet. Obesity is a serious illness that can increase problems with the joints and digestion.

The breed was considered to be unhealthy for the most part and became extinct because of this. Many complained that the breed was inbred and had a weak constitution because of it. Deafness was prevalent throughout the breed. This deafness occurs in many white animals, but the English White Terrier had the highest rates among all white dogs.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

fell terrier dogs - caringYour Fell Terrier is an active dog who won’t thrive if he is cooped up and ignored. He thrives on action and will need to be taken on walks with you and involved in all your games and sports, such as when you go jogging, swimming or cycling.

Diet:

Feed your Fell Terrier the best quality commercially manufactured foods if you opt to feed your pet this way. Include cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken into his kibble from time to time and always ensure there is cool, fresh drinking water available to him.

Grooming:

It depends on whether your Fell Terrier has a short, smooth coat, or the longer-haired coarse coat. He will certainly need brushing twice a week and sometimes, with the longer coats, he may require professional trimming or stripping.

Always check nails, in and outside the ears and remember to brush his teeth with canine toothpaste and toothbrush twice a week at least.

Feeding

It was best to feed the English White Terrier 1-2 cups of dry meal per day served in 2 meals.

Health issues

As mention previously, the English White Terrier was congenitally deaf and had a weak constitution.

Exercise and games

This little dog with all its problems was still a very energetic dog and needed considerable exercise. Owners had to develop exercises and games to keep the English White Terrier occupied as with any terrier. If they didn’t have a job or something to occupy their minds and bodies, they were destructive.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
31 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
44 - 46 cm
17 - 19 inches
Height Female:
31 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
42 - 44 cm
16 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 14 Years
5 - 8 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
5 - 9
Size:
Small dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Black Fell, Patterdale Terrier, Red Fell
Old White English Terrier, White English Terrier Old English Terrier British White Terrier. Old White Terrier
Colors Available:
black and tan, White, chocolate, black, red, bronze
brown, white with brindle, black or other markings
Coat:
Short or longer - coarse
Close, hard, short, and glossy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Jack Russell Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Schnauzer vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Rat Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Scottish Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Patterdale Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Norwich Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Norfolk Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Parson Russell Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Russell Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Manchester Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Schnorkie vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Sealyham Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Fell Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Fell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Fell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Fell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Fell Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Fell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Fell Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  22. Fell Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Fell Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  24. Fell Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Fell Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Jack Russell Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Schnauzer vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Rat Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Scottish Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Patterdale Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Norwich Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Norfolk Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. English White Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. English White Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. English White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. English White Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. English White Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. English White Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. English White Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  40. English White Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. English White Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. English White Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. English White Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. English White Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Parson Russell Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Russell Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Feist vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Manchester Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Miniature Fox Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds