Wire Fox Terrier
 Questions
About Wire Fox Terriers? Click Here for
the Kennel.com Forum!
 Description:
The Wire Fox Terrier is medium sized, sturdy,
well balanced and proportioned. He stands
proud and alert giving the impression of
confidence, strength and determination.
The Wire Fox Terrier has a distinctive broken,
wiry and dense coat which is predominantly
white with black or tan markings that appear
to be saddled upon the back.
The Wire Fox Terrier originated in England
in the 18th century and was used in hunting
to 'go to the ground' and drive foxes out
from hiding in their lair. They were also
used as ratters. It is believed the black-and-tan
working terrier of Wales, Durham and Derbyshire
- all which were rough coated - are ancestors
of the Wire Fox Terrier. The first breed
standard was written in 1876 in Great Britain
by the Fox Terrier Club.
There were two varieties of this breed -
the Wire and the Smooth type. Both types
were recognized by the American Kennel Club
in the Terrier Group in 1885. However, the
two were officially separated as different
breeds which became effective in 1985.
Height:
The maximum height for a Wire Fox Terrier
is 15½ inches (39 cm) tall at the
shoulder. However, females can be a bit
shorter, as long as they are in proportion
and balanced.
Weight:
The weight of a Wire Fox Terrier is 18 pounds
(8 kg). Females can weight up to two pounds
(.9 kg) less.
Coat
Type: The Wire Fox Terrier
has a rough, broken, very dense and wiry
coat. The hair appears to be twisted, or
wavy, but never curly. The undercoat is
shorter, finer and softer. Basic grooming
of the Wire Fox Terrier's coat involves
regular brushing with a firm bristle brush
which will help eliminate matting. In addition,
clipping and stripping need to be done on
a regular basis. The Wire Fox Terrier is
a minimal shedder.
Color:
The color of the Wire Fox
Terrier's coat is mostly white with black
or tan markings.
Temperament:
The Wire Fox Terrier is active, friendly,
curious and affectionate. This entertaining
and playful breed makes a wonderful family
pet and is great with children (although
some suggest it's best with older kids).
A Wire Fox Terrier thoroughly enjoys being
with his family and thrives in their company.
That being said, these dogs should not be
left alone for long periods because they
may then start to develop behavior problems.
The Wire Fox Terrier needs to have an assertive,
confident and very firm master. This is
a very intelligent breed that is easy to
train, but he needs to know his owner is
his pack leader. Training should be done
in a positive manner and never should be
harsh. Wire Fox Terriers need to be well
socialized and properly introduced to other
animals. They are usually fine with other
non-aggressive large dogs, but will not
back down if approached by one that is aggressive
- no matter the size. It is very important
to properly introduce other small pets to
the Wire Fox Terrier when they are a young
age, otherwise, they may be seen as prey.
This is a high energy breed which needs
daily exercise for both his physical well
being and to keep him mentally stimulated.
Be sure to keep your Wire Fox Terrier either
on a leash or in a secure area, since his
natural hunting instinct will lead him in
the direction of an inviting scent. Also
be forewarned, this breed loves to dig as
this is also one of his natural instincts.
Health
Concerns: The Wire Fox
Terrier is a healthy breed and can live
a long life with proper care. Some health
issues which may affect this type breed
include epilepsy, cataracts and deafness
(in those with predominantly all white coats).
Wire Fox Terriers can also be affected by
luxating patellas, Legg Perthes disease
and can suffer from post nasal drip. The
life expectancy of a Wire Fox Terrier is
up to 15 years, although some can live several
years longer.
Special
Interest:
• The first breed standard for the
Fox Terrier was approved in 1876 by The
Kennel Club, although at that time the Smooth
and Wire type were classified as one breed.
The two varieties were separated as different
breeds in 1984 - yet effective in 1985 which
is exactly 100 years since recognized by
the American Kennel Club.
Classifications:
AKC: Terrier Group
ANKC: Terriers Group 2
CKC: Terrier Group 4
FCI: Group 3 Section 1 Large & medium-sized
Terriers
KC: Terrier
NZKC: Terrier
UKC: Terriers
|
