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Pronunciation

Description

The Wirehaired Fox Terrier is a medium sized dog. The skull is flat, moderately narrowing to the eyes. The stop is slight. The muzzle gradually tapers to the black nose. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The eyes and eye rims are dark in color. The small V-shaped ears drop forward close to the cheeks. The neck is thick and muscular. The legs are straight. The tail is high set and is usually docked by 1/4, leaving 3/4 of the original length. Note: the practice of docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe. The wiry coat has dense twisted, hairs similar to the hair on the outside of a coconut. The hairs are so thick and close together that when they are parted you cannot see the skin. It has a short, soft undercoat. The coat is predominately white with black or brown markings.

Temperament

The Wirehaired Fox Terrier is a brave and bold terrier. Cheerful, lovable, enthusiastic and playful especially with children. Affectionate, very devoted and loyal with the family, they truly enjoy their company. Because of their strong hunting instincts, the Fox Terrier will also hunt and possibly kill other none K-9 animals, such as rabbits and birds, if given the chance. Keep this breed properly leashed or in a completely enclosed area, because the Fox Terrier likes to go off and explore. If the Fox Terrier is properly socialized and introduced they can get along just fine with other dogs. Very intelligent they can be taught to perform tricks. This is a relatively dominant, very high energy dog that can become stressed and frustrated without the proper type and amount of exercise both mental and physical. They not only need their bodies exercised but their minds as well. It is paramount, you are this dogs 100%, firm, consistent pack leader. If the dog has meek owners, and they allow this terrier to take over the home, developing Small Dog Syndrome, they will begin to display varying degrees of behavior issues. The issues may include, but are not limited to, dominance challenges, guarding objects or places or even their own food from the owner, excessive barking, jealousy, separation anxiety, destructiveness, dog aggressiveness, willfulness, growling, snapping, biting, untrustworthy with kids and sometimes adults. They may become ready to charge at all times, scrappy and impulsive, as they attempt to defend THEIR top position in the alpha order. These are not Fox Terrier traits, but rather behaviors brought on by the way the dog is treated by the people around them. These behaviors can be corrected as soon as the dog's instincts are met. Stable, firm, consistent rules to follow, limits to what they are and are not allowed to do, along with a daily pack walk or jog.

Height, Weight

Health Problems

Epilepsy is highly suspected to have a genetic component in this breed. Some minor concerns are post nasal drip, lens luxation, distichiasis, cataracts, Legg-Perthes disease, and shoulder dislocation.

Living Conditions

Exercise

Wirehaired Fox Terriers need a daily walk or jog.  If it is possible, they would love to run free in a safe area. Keep this dog on a leash if there are small animals around. The urge for these dogs to hunt is strong and they are likely to take off chasing a small animal.

Life Expectancy

Grooming

Origin

The Fox Terrier was developed by crossing ancient Dachshunds, English Hounds, and later the Fox Hound and Beagle. It is one of the oldest terrier type dogs, originating in the British Isles in the 17th century. They were used by farmers who needed dogs to help get rid of the animals that would prey on the farmers stock, such as fox and rats and other small vermin. The Fox Terrier would find the animal in the ground relentlessly, digging, barking, growling and lunging until it harassed the animal out of its den where the hunter could then kill it. The Fox Terrier came in both a smooth coat and a wirehaired coat and were considered the same breed for many years. The Wirehaired Fox Terrier was bred by crossing in the rough coated black and tan terrier, for use in rough country, its coat being less vulnerable to damage than that of the Smooth Fox Terrier. The first standard for the Smooth Fox Terrier was established in 1876, separating it from the wirehaired dogs. However they are still considered the same breed with different coat varieties by some clubs, but have been separated in the United States since 1984. Both the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wirehaired Fox Terrier were recognized by the AKC in 1885. Some of the Fox Terrier's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdog, agility and performing tricks.

Group

Recognition

CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
CET = Club Español de Terriers (Spanish Terrier Club)
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

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