Wirehaired Fox Terrier: Personality, Health, Grooming

(Wire Fox Terrier)

Group: AKC Terrier; KCGB Terrier

AKC Ranking: 78

Also Known As: Fox Terrier (Wire); Fox Terrier (Wire-coated)

About Wirehaired Fox Terrier

Origin and History of the Breed Terriers were developed through crosses of ancient Dachshunds, the English Hound, the Fox Hound and the Beagle. The Fox Terrier is one of the oldest terriers and was used in England to hunt foxes during the 18th century. Its job was to harass the fox out of its hole by snapping, growling and lunging at the fox until it bolted. They were also very useful in eradicating rats. Today’s Fox Terriers are mainly companion dogs. They are great at hunting, tracking, watchdogging, agility, and performing tricks.

A General Appearance of the Dog

The Wire Fox Terrier’s back is shorter than his legs are long. He shows good muscle throughout. He appears to be on tiptoe with expectation. His eyes, ears and tail all give the impression of being alert and ready. His tail is docked to ¼ its length and stands straight up most of the time.

The Wire Fox Terrier’s head is square and his V-shaped ears are folded well above his skull with the points dropping down toward his cheek. His skull should be flat and should narrow going down his muzzle.

The Fox Terrier is a well-built, elegant dog - concentrating a lot of strength in a little space. He is blessed with many weapons of attack such as strong jaws, well-developed teeth, eagerness, physical strength, and above all, courage.

Coat Color

White is the predominant color on the Wire Fox Terrier. He can have markings of any color other than brindle, red, slaty blue or liver. Black and Brown are the most common colors. Those markings can be as patches or swatches over his body.

Coat Type

The coat of the Wire Fox Terrier is coarse and wiry like a coconut matting. The hairs grow so closely and strongly together that, when parted with the fingers, the skin cannot be seen. At the base of the stiff hairs is a short, fine, soft undercoat.

The hair on the upper and lower jaws should be crisp and only sufficiently long enough to give the idea of strength.

Height

Males: 14 – 15.5 inches
Females: 13 – 15 inches

Weight

Males: 14 – 18 lbs
Females: 12 – 16 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The Wire Fox Terrier is a spunky dog who is brave and scrappy. He is a very typical terrier who is willing to take on animals several times his size. He even picks fights with other dogs. Other pets, especially small ones – and birds – are not safe with a Fox Terrier. He is also a digger.

Wire Fox Terrier is a clown of a dog that makes a great pet for families with older children that would enjoy the rewards obedience or agility training could bring.
He is an eager learner and with continued reinforcement will learn to direct its energy into positive activity. If left bored or to its own devices, this terrier can become disobedient and destructive.

As a family member, he is loyal and devoted. He loves being with his family. Enthusiastically playful with children, he loves to learn tricks and show off.
They are willful and need to be firmly obedience trained from an early age. Behavior problems may include dominance challenges and guarding objects, toys, places and their own food.

This breed is not for the timid owner and older adults will not likely enjoy their excessive energy. Wire Fox Terrier is almost too smart for his own good and is always alert to its surroundings. A small yard is good for exercise but walk on lead to keep him socialized and obedient.

Aggression with other canines, no matter the size is common, so keep him on lead around other dogs. Fox Terriers love to chase and have very quick responses, so keep them in safe area when off lead.

This breed makes a nice urban dweller but loves to bark and should be trained early when enough has been said. Crate training early will keep this pet safe and eliminate destructive behavior due to boredom.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

Wire Fox Terriers prefer to live indoors.

The Wire Fox Terrier does okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Because he is very active indoors, he will do fine without a yard or with a very small yard if he is walked.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

As a family member, he is loyal and devoted. He loves being with his family. Enthusiastically playful with children, he loves to learn tricks and show off.

Wire Fox Terrier is a clown of a dog that makes a great pet for families with older children that would enjoy the rewards obedience or agility training could bring.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

Because he is very active indoors, he will do fine without a yard or with a very small yard if he is walked.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

Puppies, as usual, will need more exercise periods than adults.

Grooming

Wire Fox Terriers need a very complex routine to keep their coats in show condition. However, as a pet, he will only need some brushing and three to four visits a year to the professional groomer for stripping and other care. The Wire Fox Terrier sheds very little, so he can be a good breed for allergy sufferers.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

Since these dogs are predominantly white, deafness can be an issue. Post nasal drip, lens luxation, distichiasis, cataracts, Legg-Perthes, and shoulder dislocation are problems with Fox Terriers.

Life Span: 15 or more years.

National Breed Clubs

British - Fox Terrier Club – www.thefoxterrierclub.co.uk
Wire Fox Terrier Association - www.Wirefoxterrierassociation.co.uk
US – American Fox Terrier Club – www.aftc.org

Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link: www.aftc.org/#rescue