The Wire Fox Terrier Dog Breeds Information Every Owner Should Know
1. Confident and Highly Sociable The Wirefox Terrier or the Wirehaired Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog with males weighing around 18 pounds and females slightly lighter at 15 to 17 pounds
2. These delightful canines boast a strikingly robust and weather-resistant coat, predominantly white and often adorned with distinctive patches of black, brown, or Brindle Hughes. Renowned for its rugged qualities, this textured coat serves as a formidable shield against the most unforgiving environmental elements.
3. Characterized by their compact stature, these small dogs possess a remarkable combination of muscular strength and nimble agility. Their physique exhibits a harmonious blend featuring a deep chest and a straight back that imparts them with a robust and athletically poised presence.
4. The breed features a unique head shape marked by a flat skull and a robust muzzle. With ears taking on a distinctive V-shape, gracefully folding forward, they present a striking visage, imbuing them with an ever-alert countenance.
5. The Charming Wirehaired Terrier is also well distinguished by their captivating dark and round eyes that exude an unmistakable air of intelligence and boundless curiosity. Their expressive eyes typically showcase a rich shade of dark brown or hazel, further enhancing the allure of these curious and clever animals
6. Per the AKC breed standard, a wire fox terrier can be disqualified from conformation shows for having ears that stand straight up, curl, or furled like a tulip or rose. A nose that is entirely white, cherry-colored, or has significant spots in these colors can also result in disqualification.
Why is Wire Fox Terrier so famous?
7. In Stanley Corn’s book The Intelligence of Dogs, wire fox terriers are classified under the average working intelligence category, ranking 51st out of 79 dog breed groups in obedience intelligence. They typically grasp new commands in 25 to 40 repetitions and generally obey the first command 50% of the time.
8. smart dogs like wire fox terriers enjoy using their brains and learning new tricks. However, at times, they could be a bit stubborn and prefer doing things their way. Teaching them effectively requires patience, consistency with rules, and the use of rewards when they perform tasks correctly
9. The wire hair terrier possesses a strong prey drive rooted in their history as hunting dogs. Despite being less commonly used for hunting nowadays, their instincts remain robust.
These dogs will chase after anything that piques their interest, whether small animals, birds, or even other dogs people, or cars to prevent potential mishaps you gotta keep them on a leash when outdoors
10. The breed is also highly inquisitive and exhibits a significant wanderlust potential. These dogs may dash away from home chasing after interesting sights and smells if left unattended. To prevent your terrier from running away, ensure that the yard is securely enclosed preventing the dog from jumping over or digging under to escape
11. Renowned for their high vigilance and exceptional courage, Wirefox Terriers are recognized as top-notch watchdogs. Their remarkable intelligence along with keen eyesight allows them to swiftly notify their owners of any potential issues or disturbances.
12. These dogs have quite the reputation for being vocal, often expressing themselves with a chorus of barks. When lacking amusement, they may engage in excessive and bothersome barking. Including a quiet command in their training, especially if you live in a busy neighborhood, can be beneficial.
13. Typically a healthy breed, the wire-haired terrier has an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. With proper care and affection, many individuals within this breed can enjoy longer and more fulfilling lives.
14. Any dog is prone to encountering some health concerns, and the wire fox terrier is no exception. It’s crucial to know that this breed is susceptible to specific issues, including deafness, cataracts, luxating patellas, Weibler syndrome, heart diseases, lens luxation, elbow and hip dysplasia, skin problems, and leucoprothese disease.
15. The wild fox terrier originated in England and was meticulously developed by fox hunting enthusiasts. It is believed to descend from an extinct rough-coated black and tan working terrier found in Wales, Derbyshire, and Durham. The distinctive white coat was bred to differentiate them from foxes during hunts.
16. Named for their original purpose, these dogs were expert fox hunters during the 18th century. They were carefully bred for their hunting prowess, which involved skillfully tracking and cornering foxes in their burrows. Used alongside hounds, the fox terrier would give chase, burrowing into and bolting foxes out of their lairs, after which hounds and horsemen would continue the chase.
For the majority of their historical development, smooth fox terriers and wire-haired fox terriers were considered two variants of a single breed. However, It wasn’t until 1985, nearly a century after the initial recognition of the Fox Terrier by the American Kennel Club, that these particular types were officially and distinctly recognized as individual breeds.
Wire Fox Terrier History
17. The Wire Fox Terrier wasted no time in securing a spot within the American Kennel Club’s ranks. In 1885, a mere year after the breed’s club’s inception in America, the breed gained formal recognition. The very first Fox Terrier to grace the AKC’s registry bore the delightful name Cricket.
18. In the latter parts of the 20th century, the breed experienced a decline in popularity, possibly influenced by changing living conditions and the challenges of accommodating hunting terriers in urban settings. However, it made a remarkable comeback, driven by its historical significance and distinctive traits.
19. . Today, the breed, while not highly popular, has a dedicated fan base in America. According to the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds in America in 2022, based on nationwide registrations, it ranked 102nd out of a total of 199 registered dog breeds.
20. Be prepared to make a significant investment if you’re considering a wire-haired pup. These lovable dogs, when obtained from a reputable breeder, can cost anywhere between a thousand dollars and two thousand dollars exceptional pups with showing qualities or outstanding bloodlines may command even higher prices of three thousand dollars or more
21. it’s unsurprising that Charles Darwin, history’s most famous naturalist, had a fondness for dogs. Growing up in 19th-century England, he had various canine companions, including terriers, retrievers, a Pomeranian, and a Scottish deerhound. his later years, he adopted Polly, a white-haired fox terrier, originally owned by his daughter. Polly even served as a model for illustrations in Darwin’s final book, Expression of Emotions in Men and Animals.
22. A wire fox terrier named skippy had a notable career in the 1930s, featuring in numerous movies. Most famously known as asta in the thin man movies, which revolve around a detective and his wife, Skippy earned 250 a week as an actor. Now, that’s some real showbiz
23. Wirehaired Terriers have left a lasting mark in the world of dog shows, particularly at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Cup. Boasting an impressive record, they have secured 15 Best in Show titles as of 2019, which is a feat unparalleled by any other breed. An exemplary figure of their excellence is Mattford Vick, clinching victory at the competition in both 1915 and 1916, showcasing the breed’s exceptional performance in the competitive realm of dog shows.
24. One of the most iconic logos in history showcases the famous dog and gramophone image, widely recognized on products and advertisements from audio companies and record labels such as the RCA. This logo is adapted from a painting titled His Master’s Voice by Francis Barad featuring the original canine model Nipper, a fox terrier.
25. Beauty, a remarkable wire fox terrier, earned the prestigious Dickin Medal for her acts of conspicuous gallantry and unwavering dedication to duty during the Second World War. This valiant canine demonstrated exceptional bravery and unwavering courage in the line of military responsibilities, making her a deserving recipient of this esteemed accolade.
26. The breed has made history as a companion to famous personalities. Boar, the loyal wire-haired terrier of General Alexei Brusilov, Renowned for the Brusilov Offensive, shared an unwavering bond with his owner. Known for intelligence and agility, Bohr accompanied the general in crafting wartime strategies.
27. Mickey, a cherished Firefox terrier, held a special place in the heart of renowned French composer Francis Poulenc, accompanying him in the shared journey in life and music
28. In the literary masterpiece, Three Men in a Boat, by renowned author Jerome K. Jerome, Montmorency, a charismatic wire fox terrier, takes center stage as an unforgettable character, adding an endearing dimension to the narrative with his distinctive personality and charm.
29. Pan, an endearing wire fox terrier, was the loyal companion of A.L. Westgard, a prominent figure in the American Automobile Association’s pathfinding endeavors. The loving terrier played a pivotal role as the mascot during the grand dedication tour of the National Park to Park Highway in the year 1920.
30. In the classic 1941 film High Sierra, Humphrey Bogart’s character finds a loyal and charming companion in his trusty canine sidekick, Pard. What makes this cinematic partnership truly special is that Pard is portrayed by none other than Humphrey Bogart’s very own four-legged friend, Zero, a wild fox terrier.
31. The breed has also been an esteemed companion to royalty. Caesar of Knott, the fox terrier of King Edward VII, proudly wore a collar that declared, I am a Caesar, I belong to the king. He even marched in the king’s funeral procession.