Jack Russell Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier: full comparison

Key differences at a glance

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

Size and living space

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Smooth Fox Terrier is a medium-sized dog 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 Jack Russell Terrier is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Smooth Fox Terrier is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Jack Russell Terrier asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Smooth Fox Terrier asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Jack Russell Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Smooth Fox Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Jack Russell Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Smooth Fox Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

• For apartment or apartment living, Jack Russell Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
• For families with young children, Jack Russell Terrier and Smooth Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
• For first-time dog owners, Smooth Fox Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
• For being left alone during the workday, Jack Russell Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
• For allergy sufferers, Jack Russell Terrier and Smooth Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Jack Russell Terrier if you want a longer-lived breed or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

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

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