Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox terrier is, with the exception of its coat, identical with the Smooth Fox terrier, full brother in fact to him. The two varieties are much interbred, and several litters in consequence include representatives of both; and not only this, but it is quite a frequent occurrence to get a smooth puppy from wirehair parents, although for some generations neither of the parents may have had any smooth cross in their pedigrees.

Origin: The Fox Terriers are thought to have descended from dogs used in fox hunting in the early 19th century. Some were crossed with the Wire Fox Terrier, and others with the Old English White Terrier to give the smooth variety.

In the early days the smooth was not crossed with the wire to anything like the extent that it was later, and this fact is probably the cause of the salvation of the variety. The wirehair has had more harm done to him by his being injudiciously crossed with the smooth than probably by anything else.

Temperament: The energy and hunting instincts of Fox Terriers are irrepressible, but with firm handling they make affectionate and protective family pet even with small children.

Grooming: The coat needs regular grooming with a stiff brush and to be hand stripped three times a year to keep a smart appearance. Click here for more in depth on grooming Wire Fox Terrier coat.

Exercise: Plenty of activity and long walk. Not an ideal pet for people who work long hours.

Training: Very trainable with firm handling.

Physical appearance of Wire Fox Terrier

Head: Should give an impression of lean strength, with neither hollowing nor fullness. Skull is flat, and should be of roughly equal length to the foreface.

Nose: Black.

Eyes: Small, dark, round and set fairly close.

Ears: V-shaped, small, and folded forward so that tips hang close to cheeks.

Coat: Very dense and wiry, with a softer undercoat. Never curling. Predominantly white in color.

Body: A short, level back over slightly arched, muscular loins, and deep chest.

Tail: Set and held high. Docked to three quarters of original length.

Height: 38 cm / 15 in

Weight: 7 to 8 kg / 16 to 18 lb