Whippet vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison

Whippet vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed ComparisonBoth Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Whippet are originated from United Kingdom. Fox Terrier (Smooth) may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than Whippet. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Whippet are having almost same weight. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Whippet has almost same life span. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Whippet has almost same litter size. Fox Terrier (Smooth) requires Moderate Maintenance. But Whippet requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
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United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
45 - 56 cm
17 - 23 inches
Height Female:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
45 - 56 cm
17 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
6 - 13 kg
13 - 29 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
6 - 13 kg
13 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
1 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Smooths Fox Terrier Smooth Coat, Foxy, SFT
Snap dog, English Whippet
Colors Available:
white with brown, black, tan or ginger markings
Tan, black white,brindle an bi- or tri-colored., silver
Coat:
dense, flat
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
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.

whippetYou can just see that Whippets are designed for speed with those super lean, slender bodies. They were developed by crossing Greyhounds with smaller terriers.

In open areas, they can pick up a high speed. In the 19th century in certain parts of England, they were used in races. They actually originated in England.

The Whippet is an ancient dog breed if you can go according to artwork which dates back to ancient Egyptian times.

They were also known as Snap dogs or small Greyhounds. You can say that the modern Whippet emerged in 1891. This was when the Kennel Club gave the breed official recognition. It was in 1888 that the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

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.

whippet puppy - descriptionThe Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound breed standing at between 45–56cm in height and weighing anything between 6 and 13kg.

They descended from Greyhounds, resembling them in looks, just smaller. They are part of the Hound group, It’s a deep-chested dog with a long, lean head with fairy large eyes, a long neck, floppy ears and slim legs. The tail is long and slender. The coat is short and smooth and comes in many colors – tan, silver, black white, brindle and bi- or tri-colored.

Temperament:

The Whippet loves to run but when they’re not prancing around, they love spending time with their human family and that includes other pets as well as children.

They’re demonstrative and love showing their love for their family. They’re able to adapt to life in the city or the countryside but they will need exercising.

This is also a dog that rarely barks. They’re willful dogs so will do well with training and socialization. In fact, without proper socialization, they can become timid in unknown environments. They're intelligent so wont have problems with learning.

If you’re looking for a good watchdog and protector, you won’t find these characteristics in the Whippet.

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

whippet dog - characteristicsWhen you bring a sweet-natured Whippet into your life and home you’ll discover that apart from reveling in having a good run, their next favorite thing is to be resting quietly wherever their human companions are.

They’re docile dogs, loving to snuggle up to you, and not enjoying the cold. These quiet, gentle dogs are totally non- aggressive, just wanting to be with you, making you a splendid companion and pet.

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.

whippet puppies - health problemsThe lean Whippet doesn’t have any particular health problems but it is always a good idea to be clued up on some of the more common dog diseases there are.

Buying a Whippet puppy from a responsible breeder will help with ensuring a healthier dog as dogs like these have had a good start and will have been vaccinated and dewormed.

One of the diseases that you may want to be aware of is arrhythmia.

Arrhythmia:

This is when the heart of the dog beats too fast or too slow or it may even skip a beat. It is fairly common in dogs and it could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

An irregular heartbeat can bring about physical weakness and even loss of consciousness. Your veterinarian will want to examine your dog and listen to the history of symptoms and events that could have led to the condition. Your vet will then discuss treatment.

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.

Exercise:

whippet dogs - caringWhippets love running so if you’re lucky to live on a farm or at the beach, he will love those short bursts of speed in open places, chasing a ball. You can take him for a walk every day too.

Grooming:

Whippets are looked upon as low maintenance dogs that don't shed much. A good brush twice a week will be adequate for this slender dog. The skin is vulnerable to cuts so check him over when you’re brushing him and make sure he hasn’t any sores or scrapes on the skin.

Trim the nails and check inside his ears and mouth for signs of infection.

Diet:

How much your adult dog eats depends on his size and his activity levels. Dogs are individuals and not all Whippets will eat the same amount of food. Puppies require 4 bowls of food a day while the adult Whippet will want 2 bowls of food.

There are excellent dry kibble dog foods on the market but your Whippet will also like some home-made food like chicken and vegetables. The quality of dog food you provide for your Whippet will make a huge difference to his health.

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