Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison

Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Chihuahua - Breed ComparisonChihuahua is originated from Mexico but Fox Terrier (Smooth) is originated from United Kingdom. Chihuahua may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Fox Terrier (Smooth). Both Chihuahua and Fox Terrier (Smooth) are having almost same weight. Chihuahua may live 5 years more than Fox Terrier (Smooth). Chihuahua may have less litter size than Fox Terrier (Smooth). Chihuahua requires Low Maintenance. But Fox Terrier (Smooth) requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Terrier dog
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Mexico
United Kingdom
Height Male:
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
Height Female:
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 20 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 5
6 - 8
Size:
Toy
Medium
Other Names:
None
Smooths Fox Terrier Smooth Coat, Foxy, SFT
Colors Available:
Fawn, white and black, tan
white with brown, black, tan or ginger markings
Coat:
Short- and long haired
dense, flat
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

chihuahuaQuite a bit of the Chihuahua’s history is shrouded in mystery, and there are different versions about its origins.

While historians speculate, most will agree that the tiny dog hails from Mexico. The UK Kennel Club considers the smooth- and long coat Chihuahuas as 2 distinct breeds.It was in 1904 that the Chihuahua became a registered breed by the American Kennel Club.

Chihuahua is actually the name of a state in Mexico, and it is amazing that Chihuahua specimens were found way back in the 1800's already. Today the Chihuahua is a very popular dog breed in several countries.

fox terrier smoothThe 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.

Description

chihuahua puppy - descriptionThe small Chihuahua stands at about 15 – 23 cm and he weighs about 1,5 – 4kg.

You’ll notice that he shivers when he is excited or when he is cold or frightened. Some people buy him a jersey to don on cooler days. With this tiny toy dog, you get a short- and a long coated Chihuahua.

This is the smallest dog breed and his coat is available in a number of colors such as fawn, tan, white and black. It is the dog’s round apple-shaped head which is a distinctive feature. He has erect ears and huge fruit-bat type eyes.

Temperament:

The Chihuahua is such an alert, fun-loving, feisty little dog, and though he may appear to be an ideal pet for children, he actually isn’t. He is too dainty and frail, and a child, during play, could accidentally crush him.

It’s a pity though because he just loves being around his human family. He is also a highly strung dog, and given the chance, he’ll nip and even bite during games. It is why socialization and training are considered important for the Chihuahua.

Just like with children, how you raise and treat your Chihuahua will determine how he turns out. He is such a sweet little dog that training and socialization can remove these unwanted characteristics. He is very intelligent and responds well to training.

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.

Characteristics

chihuahua dog - characteristicsSmall and feisty, the Chihuahua’s personality isn’t set in stone, and the tiny dog can be either shy and timid or he can be social, confident and jaunty.

They're always loyal and affectionate to their human owners, but they don’t get on too well with- and are wary of small children who aren’t disciplined and who could hurt them.

With his big eyes and big ears together with his comical antics, they can be a source of entertainment for their human owners. He is easy to train too and even though he is small, he doesn’t think he is, and he is willing to use his big personality to make you a loving, loyal and devoted companion.

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

Health Problems

chihuahua puppies - health problemsThe Chihuahua doesn't have any particular health issues, more so when you get him from a reputable breeder. With good care he can reach 20 years of age.

Hypoglycemia:

Known as low blood sugar, hypoglycemia is easily treatable, but if it isn’t caught early it can be fatal.Hypoglycemia makes a dog lethargic and he’ll shiver and could go into a coma. Get him to the vet immediately.

Bloat:

Gastric Dilatation or bloat is when the stomach twists, it becomes enlarged and blood supply is cut off to the stomach. Left untreated, it can be fatal.

Dental Disease:

Chihuahuas are susceptible to dental problems, so you will need to brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to prevent tartar build-up, gum disease, loss of teeth and other diseases.

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.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

chihuahua dogs - caringAlways make sure to choose a high-quality dog food for your Chihuahua as this will keep him in tip-top health. A healthy Chihuahua can live to be 20 years of age. Speak to a veterinarian for recommendations on the best type of food to feed your tiny pet.

Giving him some home-made food such as brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken for instance will be a welcome treat for him. Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water close by.

Exercise:

The Chihuahua may well be the smallest toy sized dog breed, but don’t be mistaken – he has plenty of energy and is constantly prancing around. He is more than capable of living in a small apartment, but even so he needs to be taken outside every now and then for a game or a walk.

Be careful with your small pet though, as too much exercise can lead to elbow- and hip dysplasia.

Grooming:

The Chihuahua is a moderate shedder with Spring being their heavier shedding period. Because of his small size, you won’t be bothered by too much hair. The short haired Chihuahua is easy to maintain and with a rubber brush, you can brush him gently twice a week.

You’ll also need to clip his nails and if you can’t manage this your vet can also help you.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Chihuahua vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Chihuahua vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Chihuahua vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Chihuahua vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Chihuahua vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Chihuahua vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Chihuahua vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Chihuahua vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Chihuahua vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Chihuahua vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Chihuahua vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Chihuahua vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Chihuahua vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Chihuahua vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Chihuahua vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Chihuahua vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Chihuahua vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Chihuahua vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Chihuahua vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Chihuahua vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Chihuahua vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Chihuahua vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison