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Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Borders or Decker Giant or Foxie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier" Compare Border Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Border Terrier Rat Terrier Smooth Fox Terrier
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland United States flagUnited States England flagEngland
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank9297122
Reviews121
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier breeds.
Borders Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Foxie
Smooth Fox Terrier
Fox Terrier
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg) Male: 15-20 pounds (7-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Males 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.5 kg) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg) Male: 17.5 pounds (8 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier? Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier height comparison:
Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 cm) Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 14.5 inches (37 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1400 $300-$500 $700-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier?
Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Smooth Fox Terrier is easier than average to get.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Border Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Smooth Fox Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Smooth Fox Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Smooth Fox Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Obedient
Outright
Tempered
Fearless
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Active
Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Fearless
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Border Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Smooth Fox Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier?
High: Border Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Smooth Fox Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier social needs comparison:
Border Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Smooth Fox Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Smooth Fox Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Border Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Smooth Fox Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed.
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Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
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Average: The Smooth Fox Terrier barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Smooth Fox Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Smooth Fox Terrier indoors.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Border Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Smooth Fox Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Smooth Fox Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Border Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Smooth Fox Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Border Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Smooth Fox Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Border Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Smooth Fox Terrier bite force: Weak.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Smooth Fox Terrier: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
The Border Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Border Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Smooth Fox Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier health problems comparison:
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism
Seizures
Malocclusions
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Distichiasis
Lens Luxation

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Border Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Smooth Fox Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Border Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Smooth Fox Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier?
Border Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Smooth Fox Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Smooth Fox Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which needs most food?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. No data available 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. What colors are available?
Tan
Red
Blue
Grizzle
Wheaten
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Black
Red
White
Brown
Black & Tan
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Smooth Fox Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which drools least?
The Border Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Smooth Fox Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Border Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Smooth Fox Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Double
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier? Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
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Smooth Fox Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Smooth Fox Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Smooth Fox Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Smooth Fox Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Smooth Fox Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Smooth Fox Terrier?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Smooth Fox Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier?
Yes
Border Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Smooth Fox Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Border Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Smooth Fox Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Border Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Smooth Fox Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Border Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Smooth Fox Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which has most puppies?
2-8 puppies 5-7 puppies 3-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section. Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc.
Club Espanol De Terriers
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers

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