Smooth Fox Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog
Breed Compatibility
74% Compatible
Energy Level
Smooth Fox Terrier: Energetic0.8
Shetland Sheepdog: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Smooth Fox Terrier: Agreeable0.6
Shetland Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Smooth Fox Terrier: Weekly Brushing0.4
Shetland Sheepdog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Smooth Fox Terrier3/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Smooth Fox Terrier3/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Strangers
Smooth Fox Terrier3/5
Shetland Sheepdog2/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Smooth Fox Terrier
Lens luxation: Eye lens displacement
Cataracts: Vision clouding condition
Deafness: Hereditary hearing loss
Epilepsy: Neurological seizures
Patellar luxation: Kneecap issues
Legg-Calve-Perthes: Hip joint problem
Shetland Sheepdog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision problems
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalances
MDR1 Gene: Medicine sensitivity
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent family dog
Low maintenance cost
Good with children
Cons
Excessive barking tendency
Heavy shedding
Can be shy with strangers
Requires extensive grooming
Smooth Fox Terrier Fun Fact
Their distinctive white coat helped hunters distinguish them from foxes during traditional hunts!
Shetland Sheepdog Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
Heritage & Purpose
Smooth Fox Terrier
Origin:
Developed in England during the 19th century, these terriers excelled at fox hunting, particularly in driving foxes from their dens. Their smooth coat allowed easy movement through underground burrows.
Shetland Sheepdog
Origin:
Developed in the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, these dogs were bred to herd sheep and small livestock across rugged terrain while being compact enough to maintain on limited resources.
Special Considerations
Smooth Fox Terrier
Requires secure fencing due to high prey drive. Weekly grooming maintains coat condition. Regular exercise essential to prevent destructive behavior.
Shetland Sheepdog
Regular grooming sessions needed for double coat maintenance. Requires early socialization to prevent shyness. Tendency to bark needs early training attention.
Shedding
OccasionalShedding
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