Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison

Both English White Terrier and Fox Terrier (Smooth) are originated from United Kingdom. Both English White Terrier and Fox Terrier (Smooth) are having almost same height. Both English White Terrier and Fox Terrier (Smooth) are of same weight. English White Terrier may live 7 years less than Fox Terrier (Smooth). Both English White Terrier and Fox Terrier (Smooth) has almost same litter size. Both English White Terrier and Fox Terrier (Smooth) requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
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United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
44 - 46 cm
17 - 19 inches
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
Height Female:
42 - 44 cm
16 - 18 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
5 - 8 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
6 - 8
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Old White English Terrier, White English Terrier Old English Terrier British White Terrier. Old White Terrier
Smooths Fox Terrier Smooth Coat, Foxy, SFT
Colors Available:
brown, white with brindle, black or other markings
white with brown, black, tan or ginger markings
Coat:
Close, hard, short, and glossy
dense, flat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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