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History
The Fox Terrier is one of the very oldest terrier breeds. Like other terriers, the Fox Terrier was developed as a hunter, in this case of fox (and rats) in England in the 18th and 19th centuries. The dog's job wasn't actually to attack the fox, however. Instead, its goal was to "bolt" a fox from its den or hiding place by barking and lunging at it until it finally fled. As such, this breed had to be small enough to get into a fox's hole, but long-legged enough to keep up with fox hounds.
Though their ancestry may originally have been quite different, the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers were interbred for many years and were long considered to be varieties of a single breed. By the early 1900's this crossing of the Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers stopped, and the two eventually became officially recognized as separate breeds.
Today the Wire Fox Terrier is primarily a companion dog, and one whose playfulness, spunkiness, quickness, and scrappiness are deeply admired by its devotees.
Description
The Wire Fox Terrier has a flat, tapering, narrow skull, and ears that fold forward making "V" shaped flaps. The eyes should be "keen" and "fiery" in expression. The tail is normally docked to 3/4 its length and stands on top of the dog rather than hanging out behind. The coat is predominately white, with spots of black and ginger; the twisting hairs are wiry in texture. The dog's overall impression should be one of speed, power, and endurance.
Talents
Hunting, watchdog, agility, and performing tricks.
Personality
The Wire Fox Terrier is adored by those who, well, adore him. But the dog is not for everyone. Intelligent and easily trained, the Wire Fox Terrier is also easily bored. And while these dogs bond with their family and are generally eager to please, their prey drive is so strong that they just cannot contain themselves if they see a fox, opossum, or even a cat wandering within eyesight.
Unlike many terrier breeds, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier is excellent with children: he can be patient, protective, and extraordinarily playful with small humans. In addition, this breed doesn't shed, which means busy parents don't have to worry about grooming as much as with some breeds (although the dogs do have to be clipped three to four times a year). They can be excellent watch dogs. They generally don't do well in the obedience ring, but they excel at agility and performing tricks.
Behavior
Children: Good with children.
Friendliness: Fairly friendly with strangers.
Trainability: Easy to train.
Independence: Moderately dependent on people.
Dominance: Moderate.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Combativeness: Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive.
Noise: Likes to bark.
Notes
One of the most aggressive breeds, the Wire Fox Terrier has a pronounced tendency to pick fights with other dogs. Be careful, as he is often bitten! Keep this breed properly leashed or in a completely enclosed area, because the Fox Terrier likes to go off and explore. Willful—needs firm obedience training. Don't overfeed. Barks a lot. The coat must be stripped several times a year and more frequently for show dogs. Show grooming is quite complex.
Grooming
Grooming: A little grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: Moderate trimming or stripping needed.
Coat: Medium coat.
Shedding: Very light.
Docking/Cropping: The tail is customarily docked.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Jogging: A fairly good jogging companion though small.
Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors.
Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
Outdoor Space: A small yard is sufficient.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Not recommended for novice owners.
Longevity: Fairly long lifespan (about 12-15 years).
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