Wire Fox Terrier
Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier was developed to hunt with a pack of scenthounds. Its role is to bolt the fox from its den if it took to ground. Today they are kept primarily as companions.
Wire Fox Terrier Standards
- AKC (Terrier)
- FCI (Group 3)
- KC (Terrier)
- UKC (Terrier)
- 16-18"
- 14-16 lbs
- small terrier
- v-shaped, small ears that fold over
- tail is traditionally docked where legal
- dense, wiry coat, like coconut matting
- tricolor
- white and black
- white and tan
History of the Wire Fox Terrier
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Traditionally all dogs that were bred to bolt foxes were known as fox terriers. The Wire Fox Terrier is thought to have developed in the 1800s from the extinct Wirehaired Terrier from the coal mining regions. It was not recognized until 15-10 years after the Smooth Fox Terrier and when it first entered the show ring no distinction was made between the two. At the time they were both considered to be the same breed and were interbreed for many generations. Although it is now believed that their ancestry is not shared the continual breeding (which was discontinued in the mid-1980s) has resulted in two breeds that are almost identical save for coat type.
Is the Wire Fox Terrier Right for You?
- may have difficulties with other dogs
- can be difficult to train
- can adapt to apartment life
- adjusts well to both hot and cold climates
- has a moderate activity level
- lives 13-14 years
- prone to epilepsy and luxating pattela
- may develop eye problems