Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed ComparisonFox Terrier (Smooth) is originated from United Kingdom but Schweizer Niederlaufhund is originated from Switzerland. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Schweizer Niederlaufhund are having almost same height. Fox Terrier (Smooth) may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Schweizer Niederlaufhund has almost same life span. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Schweizer Niederlaufhund has almost same litter size. Fox Terrier (Smooth) requires Moderate Maintenance. But Schweizer Niederlaufhund requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
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United Kingdom
Switzerland
Height Male:
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Height Female:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Smooths Fox Terrier Smooth Coat, Foxy, SFT
Small Swiss Hound.
Colors Available:
white with brown, black, tan or ginger markings
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
Coat:
dense, flat
smooth or coarse
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

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.

schweizer niederlaufhundOriginating in Switzerland, the Schweizer Niederlaufhund was established around 1900, when hunting became restricted to districts. The Swiss hunter needed a slower dog for the limited territory they could hunt in. Crossing selected Schweizer Laufhunds with Basset Hounds and other selected smaller, short legged hounds developed the Schweizer Niederlaufhund. By 1905 there was already a Schweizer Niederlaufhund Club.

The Niederlaufhund became one of the best hunting dogs in the world, with its powerful body and ability to outhunt the Laufhund in tracking big game. Slower of course than the Laufhund it has a great sense of smell and an ability to easily find wounded animals. There are a few varieties, just like with the Swiss Hound again mostly because of their coloring. The Luzerner Niederlaufhund, the Jura Neiderlaufhund, and the Schwyzerlaufhund. They have musical voices that they use to communicate with the hunters and each other as well as that amazing sense of smell. They can hunt for hours without tiring and without much information from the hunter.

They are a cross breed not recognized by the larger kennel club such as the AKC and the UKC. They are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Association Inc. (ACA) and most importantly by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This last one is important because it could lead to recognition as a new breed by the UKC and the AKC.

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund puppy - descriptionThe Schweizer Niederlaufhund is a medium size, short dog. They look like their cousins, the Schweizer Laufhund but smaller. Their body is just slightly longer than it is tall, so you are left with the impression of a mostly square dog. The Niederlaufhund is well put together, with strong legs, a noble head, long droopy ears, broad chest, and a low held tail.

The Small Lucerne Hound has a white cote with smooth speckles of black or gray making them appear to be blue.

The Small Bernese Hound has a tricolor coat of white, tan and black. There are tan marks on the eyebrows. There is a wire haired Small Bernese as well. He has a short beard.

The Small Schwyz Hound is smooth coated in white with orange or yellow-red patches. The wired haired version is extinct.

The Small Jura Hound is a single coated dog with a black coat and tan marking above his eyes as eyebrows as well. He might have some white as well.

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

schweizer niederlaufhund dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – yes, they are but use caution around small children and small prey.

2. Special talents – the breed exhibits and amazing sense of smell.

3. Adaptability - needs room to run and explore – is very frustrated when confined.

4. Learning ability – highly intelligent and eager to learn.

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund puppies - health problemsThe Niederlaufhund Is prone to a very medical issues to keep an eye on. They include:

• Hip Dysplasia – This comes from hip joints that are not well formed and cause reduced mobility and pain. Parents can be tested before the dogs are bred to make sure their hips are good, and that dysplasia will not be passed to puppies. This dysplasia can cause arthritis and even lameness.

• Ear Infections – With long drooping ears it is easy for the dog to acquire ear infections. This is even more so for a hunting dog like the Niederlafhund. It is important to clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis.

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - give 1 cup per day of high quality dog food divided into 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – give one and one half cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina

4. Games and Exercises – needs a lot of daily exercise and loves field trials, running and activities like barn hunt.

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
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  19. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
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  24. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison