Is the Feist or the Smooth Fox Terrier better for families with children?

The Feist tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Feist or the Smooth Fox Terrier?

The Feist and Smooth Fox Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Feist or the Smooth Fox Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Feist or Smooth Fox Terrier bigger?

Smooth Fox Terrier is the larger breed; Feist is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Feist or Smooth Fox Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Feist or Smooth Fox Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Feist has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Feist vs Smooth Fox Terrier: Which Is Better With Kids?

Feist vs Smooth Fox Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Feist	Smooth Fox Terrier
Size	Small	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	15 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a larger dog than the Feist, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Feist is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Smooth Fox Terrier is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Feist is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Smooth Fox Terrier is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Feist needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Smooth Fox Terrier needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Feist picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Smooth Fox Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Feist announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Smooth Fox Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Feist has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Feist has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Feist and Smooth Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Feist and Smooth Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Feist and Smooth Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Feist if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Smooth Fox Terrier if you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Feist or the Smooth Fox Terrier better for families with children?: The Feist tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Feist or the Smooth Fox Terrier?: The Feist and Smooth Fox Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Feist or the Smooth Fox Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Feist or Smooth Fox Terrier bigger?: Smooth Fox Terrier is the larger breed; Feist is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Feist or Smooth Fox Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Feist or Smooth Fox Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Feist has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Feist vs Smooth Fox Terrier