The Wire Fox Terrier was originally bred in England for hunting. Today they’re primarily used as companion dogs.
Alternate Names
Foxie
Fox Terrier
Wire-Haired Fox Terrier
Appearance:
Body: Small with a short, strong, straight back, deep chest, oblique, well laid back, sloping shoulders, and slightly arched loin.
Coat: Dense and wiry with a fine, soft undercoat.
Color: Predominantly white with tan and black markings.
Ears: Small, v-shaped, moderately thick, and folded forward.
Eyes: Moderately small, deep set, dark with dark rims; expressively intelligent and full of life.
Feet: Round and compact with tough, dense pads, and moderately arched toes.
Head: Skull is nearly flat and somewhat narrow with a slight stop, strong jaws, black nose, and dense facial whiskers.
Legs: Forelegs are straight and strong. Hindquarters are strong, and well-muscled with long, powerful thighs, and well bent hocks.
Neck: Moderately long, clean, well-muscled, and gracefully curved.
Size:
Weight: 16 – 18 pounds
Height: 14.5 – 15.5 inches
Tail: High set and carried erect. Customarily docked.
Behavior
Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Has a tendency to be snappy
Can be difficult to train
Can be aggressive with other dogs; may challenge them to fight
An attractive breed, the Wire Fox Terrier is obstinate, highly spirited, tireless, and mischievous. He loves to dig, play ball, and sound off by yelping at the sight of any movement he detects. His ancestors are believed to be the old rough-coated, black-and-tan, working terrier.
AKC Standard says, “The Terrier should be alert, quick of movement, keen of expression, on the tip-toe expectation at the slightest provocation.”
He should be kept on a lead or in a securely fenced in yard to prevent him from chasing prey out into traffic or other harmful situations. The Wire Fox Terrier has strong hunting instincts and quickness of speed capable of catching whatever he takes case after, including the neighbors cats or other small pers.
With his strong-willed, fearless attitude, investigative nature, and limitless energy, the wire Fox Terrier can be a lot of dog to handle. He is best suited for an experienced dog handler who appreciates his intense demeanor and has the leadership to gain his respect, the patience to accept his stubbornness, and a kind but firm approach to obedience training.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Terrier Group
Originally bred in England and used to hunt fox. The foxhounds would chase the fox to his den and hold him there. Once the hunter arrived the Wire Fox Terrier would bolt the fox from the den so the hunter could make the kill.
Today he is primarily used as a companion and family pet.
Recognized for winning more Best of Show titles at major dog shows than any other breed.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: A highly energetic dog in need of vigorous daily exercise.
Grooming: Brush one to two times weekly.
Some owners have their dogs stripped (plucking out of dead hair) three to four times annually.
Health
Life Expectancy: 13 – 14 Years
Possible Problems:
Deafness
Digestive problems
Epilepsy Legg-Perthes – deterioration of the femur (thigh) bone. Luxating Pattelar – dislocation of the knee caps. Seizures
Recommended Certificates:
CERF – for the eyes
OFA – for the hips
Country of Origin
England