Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison

Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Border Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoth Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Border Terrier are originated from United Kingdom. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Border Terrier are having almost same height. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Border Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Border Terrier has same life span. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Border Terrier has same litter size. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Border Terrier requires Moderate maintenance.

History

fox terrier smooth - historyThe Smooth Fox Terrier is one of two Fox Terrier breeds, the other being the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. Fox Terriers are believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds and the ancestor of many terriers who came after. The Fox Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and the smooth Fox Terrier as a separate breed 100 years later in 1985. Some clubs still consider the two types of Fox Terriers as the same breed. The standard for smooth Fox Terrier was written in 1876 but not accepted until 1985.

Both breeds of Fox Terriers are thought to originate in the late 1800’s descended from various British Terriers, the beagle, the dachshund and the Fox Hound. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a base coat that is white. The hunters bred them this way, so they would not mistake them for the fox during the hunt. They have also been very successful in prestigious dog shows including Crufts in England and New York Westminster in the United States.

They are not that popular today unless you are hunting and showing them in Confirmation Competitions. However, the Smooth Fox Terrier is significant because of all the terriers that consider it their direct ancestor. This would include the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier and the Miniature Fox Terrier.

border terrier - historyAs a working dog, the Border Terrier comes from the border country between England and Scotland. To be more specific, the dog originates from the rough hill country in the areas on both sides of the border between England and Scotland – an area known as 'The Border Country'. The breed was developed by the farmers, using the Terriers to help contain the fox population.

It is believed that they are related to other kinds of terriers which also came from this region such as the Bedlington- and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The first Border Terrier was registered in 1913 with the British Kennel Club. Later, the Border Terrier Club was also formed. A club for these dogs was also registered in the United States in 1930.

Description

fox terrier smooth puppy - descriptionThe Smooth Fox Terrier is distinguished from the Wirehaired and other terriers by his V-shaped head and white based coat. The coat can have tan, black and black and tan marks on the white coat. The Smooth Fox Terrier is sturdy, strong, sleek and symmetrical. The breed has a short back, and proportioned legs. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a flat skull and tapered muzzle. The nose is black, and the eyes are dark. He has v-shaped ears and a docked tail. Docking is no longer legal throughout the United Kingdom.

border terrier puppy - descriptionThe Border Terrier is a small to medium sized dog, weighing roughly between 5- and 7kg and standing at anything between 28 and 40cm in height. With his dark brown eyes and keen, alert expression, and with ears dropping forward, people describe the head as being like that of an otter. He is a courageous worker and a loyal companion but some people may not take kindly to him wanting to dig under-, or climb over barriers to get out to follow a scent or to go exploring.

The Border Terrier is a rough coated dogs of medium size with narrow build. The dog’s height is slightly greater than the dog’s length. The coat can be tan and black or dark grey. Sometimes the coat is described as grizzle - dark tipped hairs which give an overlay of color to the tan or red coat. You can also possibly find some white on the muzzle or chest. He has a double coat, with the outer coat being short, dense and wiry. The tail is of medium length and the ears drop forward toward their cheeks.

Characteristics

Characteristics

fox terrier smooth dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness They shouldn’t be trusted with young children but if raised with older children ok

Special talents

They are good at performing tricks, Search and rescue, narcotics detection, tracking, and disability assistance.

Adaptability

Fox Terrier is adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

They have very good learning ability and are very intelligent but can be stubborn

border terrier dog - characteristicsA Border Terrier is a dog that has to be part of the family. You can’t just stick him in your back yard as he will just pine away with unhappiness. Boredom and loneliness will cause him to bark and he has a loud bark. He’ll become destructive – characteristics that aren’t his fault because he didn’t ask to be bought and just stuck away.

Train and socialize your Border Terrier so that he becomes the great dog he is intended to be. He gets on well will children who have been taught to be kind to animals and he will get along with other pets in the home. The Border Terrier is an affectionate, sensitive dog and once trained he is willing to obey your commands.

The Border Terrier isn’t the greatest guard dog but is best known for his loving, devoted and loyal nature. He loves his food, and if you feed him well, provide him with a warm, dry place to sleep and provide him with lots of attention and exercise, you’ll have the most devoted and loving friend for life.

Health Problems

fox terrier smooth puppies - health problemsOne of the major problems for the Smooth Fox Terrier that the Wirehaired does not face is the potential for deafness. This is an issue in dogs that are mostly white in color. Other concerns that he does share with the Wirehaired Terrier are:

  1. Distichiasis
  2. Eye lash in an abnormal place causing pain
  3. Legg-Perthes Disease
  4. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
  5. Shoulder Dislocation
  6. Causes pain and arthritis
  7. Post-nasal Drip
  8. Just annoying
  9. Mast Cell Tumor
  10. Cancer – could be fatal
  11. Myasthenia Gravis

Causes muscle weakness and problems swallowing.

border terrier puppies - health problemsBorder Terriers are a healthy breed and with good food and plenty of love and attention, they can reach 14 years of age. It is to be noted with this dog breed that he doesn’t show signs of pain or sickness easily so you want to watch him closely.

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome - This is a disease which can be evident from 7 months of age already. The disease was once known as Spike's Disease, and its an hereditary disease of Border Terrier dogs. The cause of the disease is unknown but it is similar to canine epilepsy. It is thought that a contributing factor can be gluten, so a gluten-free diet will be recommended.

Heart defects can also affect Border Terriers, one of which is pulmonic stenosis. This is a narrowing of the valve which separates the right chamber of the heart from the lungs. It can ultimately lead to arrhythmia to congestive heart failure. He’ll have difficulty with breathing, suffer from abdominal distension and won’t be able to exercise properly.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

fox terrier smooth dogs - caringFeed 2-3 meals per day and divide 1/8-1/4 cup

Feeding the adult

Feed two meals per day and divide ½ cup

Points for Good Health

hearing and vision

Games and Exercises

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an athlete requiring a lot of exercise. Take him on long walks and play with him in a large fenced yard. Don’t coup him up in the house. Be careful not to exercise him off leash as he will chase anything that moves and will not come when called. They need mental stimulation as well as physical. They are good at hunting, agility, tracking, performing tricks and being a watchdog.

Grooming

border terrier dogs - caringBecause the topcoat of the Border Terrier is dense and harsh with a thick undercoat, he will require moderate grooming. He doesn’t shed too much. Brush your Border Terrier twice a week to remove dead hair and keep your dog’s coat healthy. As part of his grooming, keep his nails clipped as well as his teeth checked and brushed at least twice a week. Make use of specialized dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

The Border Terrier can quickly put on weight so it is important to feed him according to the instructions on the packaging if you’re going to be feeding him with commercially manufactured dog food. Make sure its a quality brand and one which caters for his energy requirements.Dogs are individuals, and they don’t all eat the same amount. As a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to monitor your pet and understand his unique requirements.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
Height Female:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
28 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
2 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Smooths Fox Terrier Smooth Coat, Foxy, SFT
Russian Bear Schnauzer, Munich Schnauzer, Munchener, Riesenschnauzer
Colors Available:
white with brown, black, tan or ginger markings
Tan and black, red or dark grey. Sometimes Grizzle - dark tipped hairs and overlay of color
Coat:
dense, flat
Short, dense and springy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Jack Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Schnauzer vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Cairn Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Border Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Border Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Rat Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Scottish Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Patterdale Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Bull Terrier Miniature vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Norwich Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Norfolk Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. English White Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Parson Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Feist vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Manchester Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Cesky Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnorkie vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Sealyham Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Chilean Fox Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Schnauzer vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  27. Irish Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  28. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  35. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  39. Lakeland Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  40. Jagdterrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  41. Indian Bull Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  42. Irish Bull Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  43. Japanese Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  44. Old English Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  45. Scoland Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  46. Skye Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  47. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  48. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  49. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  50. Welsh Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds