The Wire Fox Terrier is short backed and square proportioned, but at the same time standing over a lot of ground. They are known for their speed, endurance, and power. The gait while trotting gets most of its propulsion from the rear quarters. The expression, like the attitude, is keen; the carriage is alert and expectant. The coat is dense, wiry, broken, and twisted, almost appearing like coconut matting, with a short, fine undercoat. Ready to see what dogs fit you best? Take our short quiz to find out! Breed Image Breed Weight 15-19 lb Breed Height 15.5" Similar Breeds Kerry Blue Terrier Dogs & Puppies Jack Russell Terrier Dogs & Puppies Irish Terrier Dogs & Puppies Lakeland Terrier Dogs & Puppies Manchester Terrier Dogs & Puppies Miniature Bull Terrier Dogs & Puppies Miniature Schnauzer Dogs & Puppies Norfolk Terrier Dogs & Puppies Parson Russell Terrier Dogs & Puppies Related Content Grooming Tips – How to Trim Your Dogs Nails What Dog & Puppy Breeds Are Considered Hypoallergenic? Temperament A true “live-wire,” the Wire Fox Terrier is always up for adventure. This breed lives to play, explore, run, hike, and chase. They can be mischievous and independent and may dig and bark. They are usually fairly reserved with strangers. The Wire has a reputation for being somewhat scrappier with other dogs when compared to the Smooth. Upkeep The Fox Terrier must have daily exercise. They will do much to exercise themselves given the room, but they benefit from a good walk on leash, a vigorous play session, or an off-lead outing in a safe area. The Wire’s coat needs combing two or three times weekly, plus shaping every three months. Health Major concerns: noneMinor concerns: lens luxation, distichiasis, cataract, Legg–PerthesOccasionally seen: deafness, patellar luxationSuggested tests: (eye), cardiac, kneeLife span: 10–13 years History The ultimate show dog, the Wire Fox Terrier has its roots as an effective hunting dog. The breed's forebears were adept at bolting and perhaps dispatching game, especially fox, that had gone to ground.Some speculation exists that the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers arose from distinct backgrounds, with the Wire descending from the rough-coated Black and Tan Terrier of Wales. The Wire entered the show ring about 15 to 20 years after the Smooth made its debut. The two varieties were interbred extensively at one time, mainly with the objective of improving the Wire variety by decreasing its size, increasing the amount of white on its coat, and imparting a sleeker outline. This objective was met quite early.Wire Fox Terriers became extremely popular in the years following World War II. In 1985, 100 years after the establishment of the American Fox Terrier Club, the AKC divided the Fox Terrier into two separate breeds. Breed Family Terrier Breed Type Terrier Energy Level 4 Playfulness 4 Friendliness to Dogs 1 Friendliness to Strangers 4 Heat Sensitivity 3 Exercise Requirements 3 Affection Level 4 Friendliness to Other Pets 2 Watchfulness 1 Grooming Requirements 4 Vocality 5 Ease of Training 4 Disclaimer Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Breed Size Small Plural Name Wire Fox Terriers Area of Origin England Date of Origin 1800s Species Dog or Puppy
