Wire Fox Terrier

ATTRIBUTES: Alert, Confident, Gregarious

GROUP: Terrier Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Likes To Be Vocal

COAT TYPE: Wiry, Double

COAT LENGTH: Long

SHADDING: Infrequent

SIZE: Small

TRAINABILITY: Agreeable

CHARACTERISTIC: Smallest Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Rough- Coated Black and Tan Terrier

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Origin

England

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Registration

1885

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Size

15½ Inches

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Weight

18 Pounds (Male)

15 - 17 (Female)

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Expected Life

12 - 15 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a dog breed displays can vary significantly and is influenced by various factors, including breeding, socialization and individual temperament. Some dog breeds are known for their strong loyalty to a single owner often remaining somewhat indifferent or aloof to strangers or even other family members. An example of such a breed might be the Akita or the Chow Chow which are often described as being very loyal to their owners but reserved with others.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
A breed's tolerance and patience level with children can often be aligned with its general nature, but as with all aspects of canine behavior individual disposition plays a significant role. Breeds known for their patience and gentle behavior can be more accommodating and tolerant of the unpredictable behaviors and noises of children. However, every dog, regardless of breed is unique and can exhibit different levels of comfort around children.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The friendliness of a dog breed towards other dogs is partially influenced by breed characteristics but is also heavily affected by individual personality, socialization and training. Certain breeds are known for their sociable nature and ease around other dogs.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
Shedding rates can vary significantly among various breeds of dogs, owing to the distinct characteristics of their fur. While some canines experience considerable and regular shedding other breeds may hardly shed, if at all, or do so principally during certain seasons. If you’re an allergy sufferer or if you simply prefer a cleaner living space with minimal dog hair it’s essential to take into account the amount of shedding when selecting your new furry friend.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
Reflect on the grooming demands associated with each dog breed, from the necessary baths to brushing, trimming, or other fur care. Assess how these factors align with your time, patience and financial ability to commit to the grooming process, which should also include regular nail trimming for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The propensity for drooling varies among dog breeds and if you're someone who prefers a spotless environment, breeds known for leaving trails of saliva or soppy marks on your wardrobe might not align with your lifestyle.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Wiry, Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Long
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The inclination of a dog breed to be friendly with strangers varies widely. Some dogs might consistently exhibit cautiousness or restraint in the presence of unfamiliar people, while others are universally friendly, always ready to welcome a new human into their circle.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
When choosing a breed, think about playfulness as a lasting trait. While some breeds stay eager to engage in playful activities like fetch or tug-of-war well into maturity others tend to shift towards a more sedentary companionship content with simply lounging by your side.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Some dog breeds have a sharp instinct to alert their owners about the presence of strangers often reacting to anything they perceive as a potential threat be it a mailman or a mere squirrel outdoors. These same breeds however, generally grow accustomed to strangers welcomed into the home by their owners.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a dog breed to change is an important consideration for potential owners. Some breeds adjust seamlessly to new living conditions, fluctuations in noise, shifts in weather and alterations in daily routines, whereas others may require a steadier, more predictable environment to thrive.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The trainability of a dog breed is a crucial aspect to consider, as it determines how smoothly the training process will go and how receptive your dog will be to learning. While some breeds are eager to please and strive to fulfill their owner's wishes other breeds show a strong independent streak following their own whims more often than not.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
Training your new dog and introducing them to new concepts can be a rewarding journey, but the ease of this process can vary considerably by breed. Some breeds are highly motivated to gain their owner's approval, often making them attentive and eager students. Other breeds, however march to the beat of their own drum preferring spontaneous acts of willfulness to structured learning sessions.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Likes To Be Vocal
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The necessity for mental engagement varies considerably from one dog breed to another. Breeds that have been meticulously developed for specific roles often thrive on tasks that demand problem solving, strategic thought, and intense focus. Absent sufficient mental stimulation, these intelligent and inventive canines may resort to self-assigned tasks often to the dismay of their owners as these "projects" may not be particularly household-friendly. It's crucial for potential dog owners to match their pet's intellectual needs with the right amount of brain games, training and interactive play to ensure a harmonious and fulfilling environment for their four-legged companions.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

White

199

White & Black

202

White & Tan

217

White Black & Tan

219

White Tan & Black

220

PATTERNS

.

About The Breed

The Wire Fox Terrier is indeed a breed full of life and excitement, often described as being on the alert and ready for action. Their history as fox hunters has ingrained in them a high level of energy and a keen sense of awareness, making them both agile hunters and engaging companions. At 16 to 18 pounds, the Wire Fox Terrier is a balanced, sturdy breed with a strong hunting instinct. Their dark round eyes exude intelligence and determination characteristics well-suited to both the thrill of the hunt and the competitive show ring. Their coat, predominantly white is notable for its rough wiry texture requiring regular grooming to maintain its distinct terrier look. 

The fold of the V-shaped ears adds to their keen expression which many find utterly captivating. In a home environment the Wire Fox Terrier is known for being a friendly and high-spirited family pet with an abundance of personality. Though they share the independent streak common to terriers along with a strong prey drive they are also affectionate and sociable. Their intelligence means training is essential and should start early; they respond well to positive reinforcement methods and consistent rules. For families ready to provide plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and the companionship this breed craves, the Wire Fox Terrier can be a wonderfully rewarding pet. They're known for being excellent athletes, playful and often comical in their antics, which can add joyful energy to a household. Furthermore, being long-lived and low-shedding ads to the practical appeal of the Wire Fox Terrier for those who are up for the vivacity and engagement this breed requires.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A WIRE-FOX-TERRIER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Wire Fox Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

Generally speaking Wire Fox Terriers boast robust health, and diligent breeders routinely check their breeding dogs for a range of health issues, including ocular abnormalities like cataracts primary lens luxation, and glaucoma as well as joint problems such as luxating patellas plus elbow and hip dysplasia. They also look for a neurological disorder referred to as 'wobbler's gait'. Wire Fox Terriers typically exemplify healthiness. Breeders committed to their dogs' health test for eye conditions that include cataracts primary lens luxation and glaucoma, as well as joint conditions like luxating patellas elbow and hip dysplasia and the neurological condition recognized as 'wobbler's gait'.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Patella Evaluation

  • Cardiac Exam

Health

Grooming

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The grooming demands for a Wire Fox Terrier vary greatly based upon your dog's lifestyle. If you're preparing for show rings you'll either need to perfect the art of hand-stripping the coat or find a professional who can. For those who have Wire Fox Terriers as family pets, a simpler less time-consuming option is to achieve a show-like appearance with a straightforward clipper trim. All terriers need their coats brushed routinely to prevent tangles and mats. Moreover, maintaining nail health with monthly trims and weekly ear checks to clear build-up will help fend off infections.
Health

Exercise

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Wire Fox Terriers true to their terrier lineage, crave ample physical activity. Enjoyable jaunts alongside their human companion, spirited sessions of fetching a tennis ball or engaging frolics within the confines of a well-fenced expanse all serve as excellent avenues to ensure your canine stays both mentally sharp and physically robust. It's imperative though, to keep your Wire Fox Terrier securely leashed during outings to prevent his innate prey drive from leading him astray.
Health

Training

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When it comes to guiding your Wire Fox Terrier a steady hand a patient spirit and a lively sense of humor go a long way. These spirited and cheerful pups are quite the clever bunch; however, they do possess a streak of independence and a rather short attention span, meaning it's key to keep their learning experiences engaging and entertaining. They're really responsive to positive reinforcement techniques and don't respond well to stern treatment, often withdrawing if they feel mistreated. These bright-eyed Wires fit beautifully into the world of earth dog trials and other dynamic activities that tap into their innate agility, quickness, and smarts.
Health

Nutrition

+
Ensuring your Wire Fox Terrier is fed a premium diet is crucial whether its top-tier store-bought kibble or a meal plan crafted at home under the careful eye of your vet. It's essential to tailor your furry friend's meals to their specific life stage be it as a lively puppy an active adult or a dignified senior. Bear in mind that these energetic pups can sometimes tip the scales if their munching isn't monitored so it's wise to keep a close watch on their intake and maintain a healthy weight. While nibbles and treats are fantastic for reinforcing positive behavior during training offering too many can inadvertently lead to weight gain. It's also a good idea to get savvy about which snacks from your plate are dog-friendly and which ones to avoid. If you're ever in doubt about your terrier's dietary needs or their waistline, your veterinarian should be your go-to for advice. And, of course, make sure that a bowl of clear, refreshing water is always within your doggo's reach.

Historiography

The Fox Terrier as we recognize it came into prominence in the late 18th century amidst the peak of fox hunting in Britain. These terriers excelled in their role flushing out the fox for the hounds and horse-mounted hunters to chase across the fields. Their coats primarily white to prevent confusion with the fox during hunts are distinctive, with a strict no-red rule. Notably, the Wire Fox Terrier has earned considerable accolades in the show ring boasting an impressive record of 13 Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show titles to date. One remarkable example of the breed's show success includes Matford Vic a Wire obtained from a farmer for a modest $10, who clinched the Westminster title in 1915 and 1916.

In Britain, Wires and their Smooth-coated cousins have been distinguished as individual breeds with their own standards and registries since the tail-end of the 1800s. However, it wasn't until 1985 that the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially separated the Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers into distinct breeds. Among the famed Wires throughout history is Caesar, who won the heart of King Edward VII and charmed the entirety of the British Empire. The Wire's ascent in popularity soared in the 1930s and '40s, in part thanks to Asta, the endearing Wire that shared the silver screen with William Powell and Myrna Loy in the delightful 'Thin Man' movies. Since Asta's cinematic days, the Wire's remarkable appearance, emotive face, and innate aptitude for performance have made them staples in both film and television.

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