Wire Fox Terrier Dog Breed Description, History, Grooming, Health Issues and Living Conditions

Description: The Wire Fox Terrier is a medium-sized dog, whose high is 14-16 inches, in the dog and 13-15 inches, in the bitches. The dogs' weight is 15-20 pounds and the bitches' weight being 13-18 pounds. The Wire Fox Terrier has a flat skull, and the muzzle gradually tapers to a black nose. The eyes are dark in colour as well as the eye rims. This breed has small V shaped ears that drop forward and hang close to the cheek. This dog has a thick and muscular neck, with straight legs. The Wire Fox Terrier tail in countries that permit docking is docked to ?or ?of the tails original length. The coat is wiry and dense twisting is seen throughout. This is such coarse hair it has been described as being like the outer shell of a coconut. This is such a thick coat that even if parted you do not see the skin. The Wire Fox Terrier has a soft and short undercoat. Their coat is mainly white with brown or black markings.

History: The Wire Fox terrier was developed by crossing the Dachshund, English Hound and then later in the history by using the Fox Hound and Beagle. This is one of the oldest Terriers, coming from England in the 17th century. This dog like most of the terriers was developed to help on the farms, to rid them of rats and mice also to work in the fields to get rid of the foxes. This breed would dig out the dens and get the fox into the open where the farmer could kill the fox. The Wire Fox Terrier came in smooth and wire coats, which for a long time were considered the same breed. The breed we see today was due to crossing the rough coated black, and tan terrier. The first standards came into being in 1876 this separated it from the wired haired dogs. The USA separated the breeds in 1984. This dog is good at; being a watchdog, tracking, hunting and, in time, as a good agility dog that can perform tricks.

Temperament: The Wire Fox Terrier is brave, bold and cheerful. This dog is affectionate and good with children. They will show great loyalty to the family and love the company of their family. This dog can is not to be trusted with non canine pets, as it has such a high instinct to hunt. They will love to go exploring and really need a good enclosed garden and to be kept on the lead when out walking. This dog needs good socializing, when young, which will help greatly for the dog to mix and get on with other dogs. This is a dog with good intelligence and can be taught to perform tricks. They can be a dominant dog with high energy levels. If this is not released with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation they can become stressed. This dog needs to have both, full walks, and their mental energy to be used daily. This dog needs a firm 100% consistent owner that has good leadership qualities to enable this dog not to take over the role and develop small dog syndrome. If theydo get small dog syndrome you will get behaviour issues such as dominance, guarding objects, jealousy, and excessive barking along with separation anxiety. This doesn't have to happen, and it can be sorted by the owner meeting the dog's natural instincts and becoming stable, firm and above all else consistent with firm rules to follow. This dog really needs good daily walks, as they burn up energy helping the dog to be calmer.

Health issues: Epilepsy is quite common in the Wire Fox Terrier and there are a few, more minor concerns, so check with the breeder.

Grooming: For the wire fox terrier a good weekly brushing is all that is required, if it's only a pet dog. If you wish to show the dog, more care is needed. Stripping the dogs' coat a few times a year, but there is a complicated show grooming routine.

Living conditions: The Wire Fox Terrier will do fine in an apartment if given the right amount of exercise daily.