The Wire-haired fox terrier is an exceptional dog with a friendly and outgoing character. He is a perfect companion for very different types of families who seek to have a jovial, affectionate and self-confident dog by their side. However, it is a very active dog, so visits to the pipi-can or to mountainous areas will be a priority to keep it active, happy and stress-free.
If you are thinking of adopting a wire-haired fox terrier, you have come to the right place. In this tab of our site we will detail with you all the care that this beautiful dog requires and we will detail curiosities about his character. It is very important to thoroughly review all the characteristics of this dog before adopting him.
Keep reading and discover everything about the wire-haired fox terrier:
History of the wire-haired fox terrier
The origin of this breed is not known for certain, but it is known that comes from England, where it was used for fox hunting. Hence the name ("fox" is fox in English). The selection for this type of work was intense and the dogs obtained were small but very strong and aggressive, capable of pulling the fox out of its burrow.
At one time, the Wire-Coated Fox Terrier and the Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier were considered the same breed. However, by the mid-1980s they were recognized as separate breeds. Some cynological associations, however, still consider the two breeds as varieties of the same breed.
Today the wire-haired fox terrier is a very popular dog with exhibitors and has become one of the most appreciated dogs in competitions of structure and beauty. It is also a popular mascot in many countries and excels in some dog sports such as agility and flyball.
Characteristics of the wire-haired fox terrier
This terrier is small to medium in size, but very agile and powerful. Its body is square in structure, the height at the withers being equal to the length from the shoulder to the buttock. The back is short and strong, with a very short, slightly arched loin. The chest is deep and the limbs are strong. According to the breed standard, the wire-haired fox terrier "stands like a hunting horse that has a short back and is capable of covering a lot of ground."
The face of this fox terrier is very characteristic, as it has a beard formed by the curly fur that covers it. The skull is about the same length as the snout, tapering gradually from behind to the eyes. Round and moderately small eyes give the dog a cunning and intelligent expression. They are dark in color and the light-colored eyes are not visible. The ears, small and in the form of "V", fall forward near the cheeks. The nose is black.
The coat is undoubtedly one of the main characteristics of the wire-haired fox terrier. Dense and rough, its length varies from about two centimeters at the shoulders to four centimeters at the withers. The back, ribs and hindquarters have a softer undercoat. On the jaws, the hair is curly and long, forming the characteristic beard of the breed. On the extremities, the hair is dense and curly. The predominant color of the wire-haired fox terrier is white, which covers most of its body. In addition, it has black, tawny or black and tawny spots.
The tail is set high and erect, without curving over the back. In the past it was compulsory to amputate, but currently the entire tail is accepted. The FCI breed standard accepts both the docked tail and the entire tail, but fortunately the laws of several countries prohibit tail docking for aesthetic purposes.
According to the official breed standard (of the International Cinological Federation), male fox terriers reach a maximum height of 39 centimeters at the withers. Females are slightly smaller. The ideal weight of an adult male is 8.25 kilograms, with females being a little lighter.
Wire-haired fox terrier character
The wire-haired fox terrier is a dog that wastes of energy and needs a lot of physical and mental exercise. This is definitely one of the most complicated dog breeds for a novice owner, because it takes a lot of time. It is the best pet for very active people, those who like to do outdoor activities and have experience handling dogs.
Although he is a more independent dog than others, he also demands a lot of company and can be very insistent when he wants something. Leaving a wire-haired fox terrier alone for too long means trouble. When he's bored, this terrier tends to bark and dig in the garden, as well as nibble on anything he finds.
The past hunter of this breed has left a very marked heritage. The prey drive of these fox terriers is very intense and therefore they tend to hunt any small animal. A wire-haired fox terrier is not the ideal choice if you have other pets. Never forget that they were originally burrowing hunting dogs.
Socializing with people is also important, as Fox Terriers tend to be reserved as adults. On the other hand, this characteristic, added to the fondness for barking, can be an interesting quality for those looking for a small-sized guard dog.
Despite the difficulties that the temperament of these dogs can bring, it also has good things. Being very active dogs, they are also very playful, even as adults. So, they are excellent companions for young and active people. They can also be ideal pets for slightly older children, capable of treating the dog with respect. They are not ideal pets for small children, because these dogs tend to bite easily when disturbed or feel threatened.
Wire-haired Fox Terriers were once considered not to respond well to dog training due to their strong personalities. However, with positive training methods, such as clicker training, very good results are achieved.
Wire-haired fox terrier care
Coat care is easy when the Fox Terrier is a pet dog. All it takes is brushing two to three times a week and bathing when the dog gets dirty, plus the occasional service at the dog groomer. However, when the fox terrier is for show, hair care is more complex and must be done by an expert, either the owner himself or a professional dog groomer.
These dogs need a lot of physical and mental exercise to get rid of their extra energy. They can live well in an apartment, but it is advisable that they have some outdoor space, but fenced, where they can run and play off the leash. Canine sports like agility can help these dogs burn off energy. Discover on our site different types of exercise for adult dogs.
On the other hand, although they are independent dogs, they also need company. It is not a good idea to leave them alone for a long time. Fox terriers that live in the garden tend to dig and destroy plants. Those left alone inside the house tend to become destructive dogs.
Education of the wire-haired fox terrier
In order for us to enjoy a sociable and well-behaved dog in the future, it will be very important to work on the puppy's education, especially if we want our dog to mix with other dogsand all kinds of pets it will be very important to pay attention to the socialization process and carry it out in a positive and pleasant way for the dog.
It will also be very important to teach him the basic commands for dogs so that he can find himself off the leash and respond well to your directions. In addition to helping the dog's safety, practicing obedience fosters bonds between pet and owner, which will be greatly strengthened.
Wire-Coated Fox Terrier He alth
Wire-haired Fox Terriers tend to be long-lived dogs, reaching a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. This breed does not present very frequent hereditary problems, but it can present some less frequent ones, such as: epilepsy, deafness, cataracts, predisposition to dislocations, thyroid problems and digestive dysfunctions. Visiting the vet, following the vaccination schedule and deworming are the best tools to prevent he alth problems.
