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

Both the Parson Russell Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Parson Russell Terrier or the Smooth Fox Terrier?

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

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

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

Is Parson Russell Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier bigger?

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

Which barks more, Parson Russell Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

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

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

Parson Russell Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier: Adapts Better?

Parson Russell Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Parson Russell Terrier	Smooth Fox Terrier
Size	Small	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	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 Parson Russell Terrier, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Parson 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 Parson 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 Parson Russell Terrier asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Smooth Fox Terrier asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Parson Russell Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and gets on with children when raised around them. The Smooth Fox Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Parson Russell Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Smooth Fox Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Parson Russell Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Parson 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, Parson Russell Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Parson Russell Terrier and Smooth Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

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

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

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Parson Russell Terrier or the Smooth Fox Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Parson Russell Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Parson Russell Terrier or the Smooth Fox Terrier?: The Parson Russell Terrier and Smooth Fox Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Parson Russell Terrier or the Smooth Fox Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Parson Russell Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier bigger?: Smooth Fox Terrier is the larger breed; Parson Russell Terrier is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Parson Russell Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Parson Russell Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Parson Russell Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier