Wire Fox Terrier
Also known as: Wire Hair Fox Terrier Wirehaired Terrier Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier originated in England as a hunting breed, bred to chase small game. The Wire Fox Terrier comes from England. Individual Wire Fox Terriers vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- England
- Other names
- Wire Hair Fox Terrier Wirehaired Terrier Fox Terrier
About the Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier originated in England as a hunting breed, bred to chase small game. Known for its distinctive wire coat and energetic personality.
Overview
The Wire Fox Terrier (also known as Wire Hair Fox Terrier, Wirehaired Terrier or simply Fox Terrier) is a breed of dog , one of many terrier breeds. It is a Fox Terrier , and although it bears a resemblance to the Smooth Fox Terrier , they are believed to have been developed separately. It originates from England.
Health
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.5 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds .
History
The Wire Fox Terrier was developed in England by fox hunting enthusiasts and is believed to be descended from a now-extinct rough-coated, black-and-tan working terrier of Wales, Derbyshire, and Durham. The breed was also thought to have been bred to chase foxes into their burrows; the dogs'' short, strong, usually docked tails were used as handles by the hunter to pull them back out. Although it is said [ by whom? ] Queen Victoria owned one, and her son and heir, King Edward VII, did own a Wire Fox Terrier named Caesar, the breed was not popular as a family pet until the 1930s, when The Thin Man series of feature films was created. Asta , the canine member of the Charles family, was a Wire Fox Terrier, and the popularity of the breed soared. Milou ( Snowy ) from The Adventures of Tintin comic strip is also a Wire Fox Terrier. In the late 20th century, the popularity of the breed declined again, most likely due to changing living conditions in the Western world and the difficulty of keeping hunting terriers in cities due to their strong prey instincts. As of 2019, the Wire Fox Terrier has the distinction of having received more Best in Show titles at Westminster Kennel Club dog shows (currently 15) than any other breed. Matford Vic , a Wire Fox Terrier, is one of only five dogs to have won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on more than one occasion. She won the competition twice, in 1915 and 1916. The only dog to win it on more occasions was Warren Remedy, a Smooth Fox Terrier , who won it on three occasions between 1907 and 1909.
Grooming
Wire Fox Terriers kept for show are hand stripped; if the hair becomes too long, it is taken out by hand in order to preserve the colours and the glossiness of the coat. Many kept as pets are clipped monthly by a groomer. Clipping dulls the colours and makes the coat soft, curly and more difficult to keep clean, but it is preferred by many owners due to being a simpler (and cheaper) procedure than stripping.
Appearance
The Wire Fox Terrier is a sturdy, balanced dog weighing 7.7 to 8.6 kg (17 to 19 lb) for males and 6.8 to 7.7 kg (15 to 17 lb) for females. It should not be more than .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);clip-path:polygon(0px 0px,0px 0px,0px 0px);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px} 39 cm ( 15 + 1 ⁄ 2 in) at the withers . Its rough, broken coat is distinctive. Coat colour consists of a predominant white base with brown markings of the face and ears, and usually a black saddle or large splotch of colour; there may be other black or brown markings on the body.
Temperament
Two of the Wire Fox Terrier''s most distinctive traits are its energy and intelligence. It has a low threshold for boredom and requires stimulation, exercise and attention. The Wire Fox Terrier is a companion animal that requires near-constant attention. The dog should be alert, quick and ready to respond swiftly with enthusiasm. However, they should also be friendly, communicative, and playful if they receive the proper care and exercise. Bred to be independent thinkers, they are capable of tactical maneuvering for vermin and other sport. Often, Wire Fox Terriers are abandoned or surrendered for reasons including running away contrary to owner command, chasing objects or other animals, and taunting or attacking other animals with the ability to cause serious damage or harm. Despite this, this is normal behavior for the Wire Fox Terrier due to their training in hunting. Ownership requires firm control, and the dog must be provided with enough exercise and diversion.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Wire Fox Terrier?
The Wire Fox Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive wire-haired coat, erect ears, and a friendly, outgoing temperament. They typically weigh between 15-18 pounds and stand 15-17 inches tall at the shoulder. Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Is the Wire Fox Terrier a good family dog?
Wire Fox Terriers are generally good with children, especially if socialized from an early age. However, their energetic and playful nature requires regular exercise and attention. They can be suitable for families with older children who can understand and respect their needs. Supervision is essential to ensure harmonious household dynamics.
What health problems do Wire Fox Terriers have?
Wire Fox Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential issues early on.
How much does a Wire Fox Terrier puppy cost?
The cost of a Wire Fox Terrier puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, you can expect to pay between $800-$1,200 for a puppy from a reputable breeder. Additionally, there may be costs associated with spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Where do Wire Fox Terriers come from?
The Wire Fox Terrier comes from England. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Wire Fox Terrier, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.