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Description
The Wirehaired Fox Terrier, also called Wire or the Wire Fox Terrier, is a trendy breed of medium-sized dog that originated in Britain. It belongs to the Terrier breed family which is remarkable for its distinct personality and exceptional hunting skills. Wire Fox Terriers have been bred to become vermin hunters. Their wiry double coat is dense, tight, and twisted outside, and smooth underneath. Their coat color is predominantly white coupled with brown or black markings.
Height and Weight
The male members of the Wire breed normally stand a height of 14 to 16 in at the withers, and weigh 15 to 20 lbs. Bitches, on the other hand, commonly have a height of 13 to 15 in, and a weight of 13 to 18 lbs.
Temperament
Wirehaired Fox Terriers, in general, are enthusiastic, bold, and brave dogs. They are cheerful, playful, and lovable. The breed has also been identified to be very devoted, loyal, and affectionate towards their family owners. Because of their great hunting instincts, Wires have the propensity to hunt and kill small none-canine animals like birds and rabbits. Consequently, handlers have to keep the breed constantly leashed or confined in a large, secure area. Additionally, Wire Fox Terriers are quite dominant, and highly intelligent. They can be easily trained to perform tricks, and are highly energetic. Without adequate exercise, the breed can become stressed and frustrated. Handlers have to be firm yet gentle, and consistent in disciplining the dogs. Otherwise, the breed will develop behavior issues such as excessive barking, aggressiveness, and biting.
Grooming
Owners who wish to have their Wire pets kept in a pet trim shall visit professional groomers about 3 to 4 times a year to keep the dog’s coat in good and pleasing condition. Those who want to have their Wire dogs in a show trim would need to utilize clippers to keep the pet’s coat short.
Health Concerns
Some of the common health complications associated with Wire Fox Terriers are epilepsy, distchiasis, lens luxation, cataracts, shoulder dislocation, Legg Perthes Calves disease, and post-nasal drip. With proper attention, diet, and exercise, the breed can live for as long as 15 years.
Best Environment
Wires are tolerant with apartment-living as long as they get to receive sufficient exercise. To keep the breed from turning out to be destructive, plenty of mental and physical exertions, such as good runs, have to be provided.
It is a common misconception that wire-haired fox terriers need always to be leashed in open spaces. I live in Scotland and, as you will see if you visit my blog http://www.bouncingbertie.blogspot.com, I and my two year old wire fox terrier wander together all over the mountains, through forests and by rivers and the sea, and I only need to leash him if we are near livestock or traffic. Like most dog breeds, with proper training, they will come when called.
Gail in Aberdeen.