Color: White with black, black and tan, tan markings.
Height: Males: 15.5 inches / Females: smaller
Weight: Males: 18 lbs / Females: smaller
Life Span: 12-15 years
Breed Health Concerns: Cataracts, deafness, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, megaesophagus, lens luxation, glaucoma, distichiasis, and skin allergies.
Coat: Double coat. Soft, dense undercoat. Wiry, hard, dense outercoat.
Country of Origin: England
Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.
The Wire Fox Terrier was bred to be a quick thinker, compact, energetic, and bold. In the 18th century fox hunters used the dog to rout them out when the fox took cover. History therefore dictated that the dog have absolutely no red color allowed in the coat, so the dog was easily distinguishable from the fox. There are two types of Fox Terriers, Wire and Smooth Coat. The Fox Terrier was originally shown in the United States as one breed with two varieties. The American Kennel Club (AKC) approved separate standards in 1984.
The Wire Fox Terrier is a wonderful pet for active families. This breed is energetic, out-going, and very self-assured. He is curious and alert and requires both mental exercise and lots of attention from his family. The breed tends to be quite vocal and may bark a lot. Although a well socialized Wire Fox Terrier will do well with other dogs, the breed should not be left alone with smaller animals, as the dog may view them as prey.
Exercise:
The Wire Fox Terrier makes an excellent partner for dog sports, as he is very high energy and needs lots of physical and mental exercise. The breed needs long daily walks as well as a chance to explore his neighborhood. This dog is a high energy level breed! A Wire Fox Terrier that is not properly challenged will mostly likely develop a barking habit.
Grooming:
A professional groomer who understands what the breed's coat is supposed to look like should be used for the Wire Fox Terrier. If the Wire Fox Terrier's coat is hand-stripped and tidied up by a professional groomer several times a year, he will only require occasional brushing. The Wire Fox Terrier's coat is almost nonshedding.
Training:
Positive reinforcement training is required for this energetic breed. The Wire Fox Terrier is very smart and curious, but easily distracted. Socialization is extremely important to keep the Wire Fox Terrier from becoming overly territorial. Potty training the Wire Fox Terrier can take longer than other breeds. To keep this breed interested in training, it must remain upbeat, challenging, and fun for the dog.
