Smooth Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier

Smooth Fox Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier

Friendly, Independent, Amusing

West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terrier

Loyal, Happy, Entertaining

Breed Compatibility

86% Compatible

Energy Level

Smooth Fox Terrier: Energetic0.8
West Highland White Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible

Trainability

Smooth Fox Terrier: Agreeable0.6
West Highland White Terrier: Agreeable0.6
Very Compatible

Grooming Needs

Smooth Fox Terrier: Weekly Brushing0.4
West Highland White Terrier: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible

Cost Category

Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible

Compatibility with Others

Good with Children
Smooth Fox Terrier3/5
West Highland White Terrier5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Smooth Fox Terrier3/5
West Highland White Terrier3/5
Good with Strangers
Smooth Fox Terrier3/5
West Highland White Terrier4/5

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

West Highland White Terrier

Craniomandibular Osteopathy: Jaw bone growth
Legg-Calve-Perthes: Hip joint issue
Addison's Disease: Hormone deficiency
White Shaker Syndrome: Tremor condition
Pulmonary Fibrosis: Lung tissue scarring
Skin Allergies: Dermatological issues

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

West Highland White Terrier

Pros
Adaptable to different living situations
Good with families
Low-shedding coat
Alert watchdog
Cons
Can be stubborn
Regular grooming required
May chase small animals
Can be vocal

Smooth Fox Terrier Fun Fact

Their distinctive white coat helped hunters distinguish them from foxes during traditional hunts!

West Highland White Terrier Fun Fact

Their white coat was specifically bred after a farmer accidentally shot his reddish-brown terrier, mistaking it for a fox!

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.

West Highland White Terrier

Origin:

Developed in Scotland during the 1800s, these terriers were bred to hunt rats, foxes, and other vermin in the Scottish Highlands, with their white coat making them easily distinguishable from prey.

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.

West Highland White Terrier

Regular grooming is essential for their double coat. They need consistent training to manage terrier stubbornness and require proper socialization to prevent small animal chasing.

Shedding

Occasional

Shedding

Seasonal

Related Comparisons