English Foxhound vs Smooth Fox Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
English Foxhound
Hound Group
Smooth Fox Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
English Foxhound Overview
English Foxhounds embody strength and endurance with their muscular build and deep chest. Standing 24 inches at the shoulder, these athletic hounds showcase a short, dense coat in tricolor or black-white-tan combinations. Their long legs and powerful shoulders enable remarkable stamina, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reflect their amiable nature. Distinguished by melodious voices and keen hunting instincts, they move with grace and purpose.
Smooth Fox Terrier Overview
Smooth Fox Terriers possess a distinctive sleek white coat with black or tan markings, embodying elegance and athleticism. Their compact, well-balanced frame supports remarkable agility and strength. Alert expressions, V-shaped ears, and a confident stance reflect their spirited nature. These terriers combine independence with playful charm, displaying quick reflexes and natural hunting instincts.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Foxhounds are less energetic than Smooth Fox Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Foxhounds require less grooming attention compared to Smooth Fox Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Foxhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Smooth Fox Terriers.
- Trainability: Smooth Fox Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Smooth Fox Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Smooth Fox Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while English Foxhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Foxhound and Smooth Fox Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Foxhound | Smooth Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Foxhound | Smooth Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-24 inches 61-61 cm | 15-15 inches 38-38 cm |
| Weight | 60-75 lbs 27-34 kg | 15-18 lbs 7-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Foxhound | Smooth Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Gentle, Sociable | Friendly, Independent, Amusing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Foxhound | Smooth Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
English Foxhound Temperament
The English Foxhound is known for being affectionate, gentle, sociable, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Smooth Fox Terrier Temperament
The Smooth Fox Terrier is characterized by being friendly, independent, amusing, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the English Foxhound and Smooth Fox Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
Smooth Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
Smooth Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
Smooth Fox Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Smooth Fox Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Smooth Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
English Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Foxhounds require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, English Foxhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Smooth Fox Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Smooth Fox Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Smooth Fox Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
English Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Renal Disease
- Epilepsy
- Thrombocytopathy
- Eye Problems
Smooth Fox Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lens luxation
- Cataracts
- Deafness
- Epilepsy
- Patellar luxation
Pros & Cons
English Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with other dogs
- Gentle temperament
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong hunting instincts
- Not apartment suitable
- Can be vocal
Smooth Fox Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Low maintenance coat
- Excellent watchdog
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- Requires firm training
- High exercise needs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Foxhound and Smooth Fox Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.