Dog Breeds > Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier is a wonderful dog and will make a great family pet. It is a loyal and reliable dog but is independent in its own way. Also known as “Wirehaired Fox Terrier” or “Foxie” ,it belongs to the family of fox terriers and is similar in appearance to the Smooth Fox Terrier.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The Wire Fox Terrier originated from England and was bred from a currently extinct terrier. It was originally bred to pursue foxes and hunters made use of their strong tail to pull them out. This breed is very popular and is usually entered in dog shows. It is said that famous persons like King Edward VII and Queen Victoria owned one. This is also the breed of dog used in the popular comic strip The Adventures of Tintin.

Physical Appearance

The Wire Fox Terrier is a medium sized dog with a well-built framework. Its coat is primarily white with patches of black, grey or brown. Its coat has two layers, a rough outer coat and a soft inner coat. They usually reach a height of 15 inches while weigh up to 21 lbs. Its skull is wide with a long muzzle and deep set eyes.

Grooming

Wire Fox Terriers coat need to be hand-stripped if their hair grows too long or if joining a dog show. Many owners prefer getting professional dog groomers because grooming this breed can be tedious. Their hair is also clipped but this can sometimes dull the color of the coat. Regular brushing of the coat is also needed and a bath only when necessary.

Mood

Wire Fox Terriers have a friendly facial expression and can socialize well with people. They are known for being overly energetic and intelligence. They easily get bored which is why they need constant attention and care. They are also very curious dogs often exploring new sights or new things.

With Children

Wire Fox Terriers will make good playmates and companions for children. They love playing games and are fun to be with. This dog is very affectionate but may become too rowdy when they get too excited. They might accidentally knock over smaller children which is why supervision is needed when left alone with smaller children.

Training & Exercise

Wire Fox Terriers are highly intelligent and can be easily trained to perform tricks. Because of their energy and intelligence, constant physical and mental activities are needed to keep them entertained. This breed also needs to be regularly exercised which can be in the form of jogging or running in a wide lawn. When jogging with their owner, the owner needs to lead the dog or else it may think that it is the pack leader which may cause behavioral and obedience problems. Since they are naturally hunters, they have a tendency to chase other small animals. To avoid this, they should be socialized with other animals at a younger age.

Health & Life Expectancy

This breed is relatively healthy and can live up to 16 years. However, it is suspected that this breed may have a genetic problem causing epilepsy. Other health issues like cataract and post nasal drip have been reported.

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