Wire Fox Terrier
dog Breed Profile
The Wire Fox Terrier is so called because of the dense, wiry texture of his coat.
In this article
Dolichocephalic (long face), upright ears (naturally)
Size
Weight
17-19 lbs.
15-17 lbs.
Height
14 in.
(at withers)
15 in.
Coat
Length
Medium
Color
White with tan, black, etc.
Care
Exercise
>40 minutes/day
Energy level
Very energetic
Longevity
10-13 yrs.
Needs
High
Traits
High
Low
Drooling
Low
Digging
High
Grooming Needs
High
Social Needs
High
Club recognition
AKC Class.
Terrier
UKC Class.
Terrier
Prevalence
Common
Like the Smooth Fox Terrier, the wire fox terrier is a natural hunter bred for bravery and determination.
The Wire Fox Terrier is so called because of the dense, wiry texture of his coat.
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Wire fox terrier are lively and will not blend quietly into the background of your home. They thrive when given a job to do and strive to please their owners. By nature, they love to dig and may do so, especially if bored. They are best suited to a family who wants to include their pet in lots of active play.
The wire fox terrier is an alert dog and will let its owner know if a stranger is approaching. These dogs are easily trained, and obedience classes are recommended to curb the strong hunting instinct. They can learn to get along with other pets, but males can be aggressive toward other males.
The biggest consideration in owning a wire fox terrier is the boundless energy of the breed. Wire Fox Terrier make excellent companions for children, because they never tire of games or playing outside. They are eager to please and will respond well to training. They need an abundance of exercise to keep fit.
Regular brushing with a natural bristle brush is needed to keep the coat healthy. Occasional clipping of the coat may be necessary but will soften the texture of the coat hand stripping is required to maintain the correct texture but is too difficult for most pet owners.
Foxhound masters who wanted a quick, alert little dog that could easily accompany them on the hunt developed the modern Fox Terrier. The job of the wire fox terrier was to work with the mounted hunters chasing the fox. Like the smooth fox terrier, the wire fox terrier is a natural hunter bred for bravery and determination. Until quite recently, the two breeds were only considered coat varieties within the same breed.
The wire fox terrier originates in England. It likely developed from the white english terrier being crossed with the bull terrier or the beagle. The most important trait being the size, the wire must be small enough to go into the earth to flush out the fox. The name terrier is derived from terra meaning earth. Any worthy terrier had to be able to go to ground.
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