Kuvasz vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison

Kuvasz vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed ComparisonFox Terrier (Smooth) is originated from United Kingdom but Kuvasz is originated from Hungary. Fox Terrier (Smooth) may grow 35 cm / 13 inches shorter than Kuvasz. Fox Terrier (Smooth) may weigh 43 kg / 94 pounds lesser than Kuvasz. Fox Terrier (Smooth) may live 3 years more than Kuvasz. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Kuvasz has same litter size. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Kuvasz requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
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United Kingdom
Hungary
Height Male:
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
65 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
65 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
35 - 52 kg
77 - 115 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
35 - 52 kg
77 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Smooths Fox Terrier Smooth Coat, Foxy, SFT
Hungarian Kuvasz
Colors Available:
white with brown, black, tan or ginger markings
White
Coat:
dense, flat
Medium length to long, wavy or straight
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

fox terrier smoothThe Smooth Fox Terrier is one of two Fox Terrier breeds, the other being the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. Fox Terriers are believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds and the ancestor of many terriers who came after. The Fox Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and the smooth Fox Terrier as a separate breed 100 years later in 1985. Some clubs still consider the two types of Fox Terriers as the same breed. The standard for smooth Fox Terrier was written in 1876 but not accepted until 1985.

Both breeds of Fox Terriers are thought to originate in the late 1800’s descended from various British Terriers, the beagle, the dachshund and the Fox Hound. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a base coat that is white. The hunters bred them this way, so they would not mistake them for the fox during the hunt. They have also been very successful in prestigious dog shows including Crufts in England and New York Westminster in the United States.

They are not that popular today unless you are hunting and showing them in Confirmation Competitions. However, the Smooth Fox Terrier is significant because of all the terriers that consider it their direct ancestor. This would include the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier and the Miniature Fox Terrier.

kuvaszThe Kuvasz is an ancient dog breed from Hungary. It is believed that the dog is the oldest of the ancient Hungarian dog breeds, and in fact a fossilized skeleton dating back to the 9th century, and almost identical to the modern Kuvasz, was found near Keszthely.

During the 15th century the Kuvasz became very sought after, being found in royal courts. Puppies were given as royal gifts. Later the popularity of the breed waned and then it was found in its traditional role of guarding livestock.

As Kuvasz numbers dwindled, breeding efforts were started but it is believed that other large dogs such as the Great Pyrenees were used with the Kuvasz to continue with the breeding programs.

In 1884, the first Hungarian standard for the breed was written. It was in 1966 that the Kuvasz Club of America was established.

Description

fox terrier smooth puppy - descriptionThe Smooth Fox Terrier is distinguished from the Wirehaired and other terriers by his V-shaped head and white based coat. The coat can have tan, black and black and tan marks on the white coat. The Smooth Fox Terrier is sturdy, strong, sleek and symmetrical. The breed has a short back, and proportioned legs. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a flat skull and tapered muzzle. The nose is black, and the eyes are dark. He has v-shaped ears and a docked tail. Docking is no longer legal throughout the United Kingdom.

kuvasz puppy - descriptionThe beautiful Kuvasz is a large, muscled dog standing at 65 – 76cm in height and weighing 35 – 52kg. He has a double coat of dense white hair which can be straight or wavy.

It is natural for the dog to lose most of the long coat during the Summer months. In other words this dog has a seasonal coat.

The nose is black, the eyes brown and alert, the ears are of medium length and floppy and the tail is carried long and low.

Temperament:

The Kuvasz is an intelligent dog who will benefit from training and socialization. It is always wise to have large dogs like this trained because just his size can cause problems if he isn’t obedient.

He is also described as a clownish type of dog which means he’ll entertain and amuse you. Certainly he is playful as a puppy but he calms down quite a bit as he grows into maturity. He is independent, and those who have owned such a dog report that he can be loving and loyal with his human family, wanting to guard and protect them. Others will say that he tended to be aloof, even with his human family.

Used as working dogs, the Kuvasz has learned to be independent and they will need a firm, strong owner who is also fair with them, otherwise they just do their own thing. They’re active dogs and because of their size they won’t suit city living where there is a tiny garden.

Characteristics

Characteristics

fox terrier smooth dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness They shouldn’t be trusted with young children but if raised with older children ok

Special talents

They are good at performing tricks, Search and rescue, narcotics detection, tracking, and disability assistance.

Adaptability

Fox Terrier is adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

They have very good learning ability and are very intelligent but can be stubborn

kuvasz dog - characteristicsKuvasz are guarding dogs, they’re intelligent and loyal, making them excellent family dogs with the right training and socialization.

They’re able to get on well with other pets in the home as well as children. He is a beautiful dog and another bonus is that he isn’t particularly high maintenance.

As is common with many other large-breed dogs, he will have a shorter lifespan than what you’d get with a smaller dog breed, but if you feed him high quality food, exercise him and involve him in your activities, this large dog can become a wonderful friend and protector for you.

Health Problems

fox terrier smooth puppies - health problemsOne of the major problems for the Smooth Fox Terrier that the Wirehaired does not face is the potential for deafness. This is an issue in dogs that are mostly white in color. Other concerns that he does share with the Wirehaired Terrier are:

  1. Distichiasis
  2. Eye lash in an abnormal place causing pain
  3. Legg-Perthes Disease
  4. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
  5. Shoulder Dislocation
  6. Causes pain and arthritis
  7. Post-nasal Drip
  8. Just annoying
  9. Mast Cell Tumor
  10. Cancer – could be fatal
  11. Myasthenia Gravis

Causes muscle weakness and problems swallowing.

kuvasz puppies - health problemsThe large Kuvasz is a healthy dog breed that with good care can reach 12–14 years of age. Being the large dog that he is, he may well be prone to bone and joint problems. It is why good nutrition is so important for this dog - feeding him the best food with vitamins and minerals.

You know the saying ...you are what you eat... and this applies to dogs too. Good food can help to ward off serious illnesses. Big dogs like this often have to contend with hip dysplasia which can be both painful and debilitating as well as eye diseases.

Entropion:

This is where the eyelid of the dog rolls inwards, causing irritation and pain for the dog. There is also Ectropion, where the eyelid rolls outwards.If you see your pet has a red eye which is watery and which has pus, visit your vet. Entropion surgery will correct and repair and condition.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

fox terrier smooth dogs - caringFeed 2-3 meals per day and divide 1/8-1/4 cup

Feeding the adult

Feed two meals per day and divide ½ cup

Points for Good Health

hearing and vision

Games and Exercises

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an athlete requiring a lot of exercise. Take him on long walks and play with him in a large fenced yard. Don’t coup him up in the house. Be careful not to exercise him off leash as he will chase anything that moves and will not come when called. They need mental stimulation as well as physical. They are good at hunting, agility, tracking, performing tricks and being a watchdog.

Grooming:

kuvasz dogs - caringThe coat may be fairly long and thick but it doesn’t require any special kind of grooming. A good brush twice a week will be adequate and will help with getting rid of stubborn knots and matting.

He is a seasonal shedder and this frequent brushing will make sure the coat remains groomed and shiny.

General Care:

The Kuvasz is a hardy breed who just loves the outdoors. He is a dog that doesn’t do well in the heat. Make absolutely sure that he has a cool, sheltered spot where he can lie down. Ensure that there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.

Diet:

There is quite a bit of conflict and controversy regarding nutrition in dogs. The idea is to keep it simple. If you buy a commercially manufactured dog food, check the ingredients on the packaging.

You want to be sure your pet is getting vitamins and minerals in instead of preservatives, fillers and colorants. Try and give him some home made food too such as some chicken, brown rice or pasta and some vegetables. You can mix this into his dry kibble occasionally with a little bit of raw meat too when you have.

Avoid feeding your dog things such as chocolates, nuts, onions, sweets and chips.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Kuvasz vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Kuvasz vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Kuvasz vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Kuvasz vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Kuvasz vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Kuvasz vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Kuvasz vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Kuvasz vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Kuvasz vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Kuvasz vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Kuvasz vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Kuvasz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Kuvasz vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Kuvasz vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Kuvasz vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Kuvasz vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Kuvasz vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Kuvasz vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Kuvasz vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Kuvasz vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Kuvasz vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Kuvasz vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Kuvasz vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Kuvasz vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Kuvasz vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison