Wire Fox Terrier
About Wire Fox Terrier
Meet the Wire Fox Terrier - a small but fiery bundle of fun! These agile, compact dogs are full of personality. Even in their mature years, they retain a charismatic puppy-like spirit and zeal for life. Wire Fox Terriers are distinguished from other breeds by their dense, wiry coat, giving them an interesting, rugged look in their mostly white coat color accented by brown, black, or tan patches.
They're intelligent, fearless and occasionally stubborn creatures that will keep you on your toes. If you appreciate a little bit of a challenge and enjoy a good laugh, life with these dogs is never dull. Their high energy needs make them perfect fuel for family games, walks or runs; they'll keep you active and on the move!
Caring for a Wire Fox Terrier comes with some grooming requirements due to their unique coats. Regular brushing to prevent matting, and occasional hand-stripping, a type of grooming specific to wiry breeds, will keep them looking their best.
The Wire Fox Terrier has a heart and vivacity matched only by its loyalty. These dogs are pure entertainment, filled with lovability, and ready to become the new "fun factor" in your home!
Interesting Facts
The Wire Fox Terrier originated in England during the 17th century, and was bred for one specific job: to assist in fox hunts by flushing the foxes out of their holes.
Unlike many dog breeds, both the Wire Fox Terrier's name and purpose are directly linked; the "Wire" in their name pertains to their unique, dense, pin-curl coat, while "Fox Terrier" refers to their hunting skillset.
Not only is the breed known for their robust physicality — they are also famous for their distinct, "foxy" facial features that bear a striking resemblance to the foxes they were trained to hunt.
These dogs hold an impressive record in the show-ring world; a Wire Fox Terrier named 'King' has won the coveted 'Best in Show' award at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show a record-setting 14 times.
In addition to being successful show dogs, Wire Fox Terriers have also made a name for themselves in Hollywood. Asta, the canine companion in 'The Thin Man' movies of the 1930s and 1940s was a Wire Fox Terrier!
Remarkably, Wire Fox Terriers have a heightened sensitivity in their whiskers. This gives them an exceptional ability to navigate and extract small critters out of dark, narrow spaces.
These dogs are not only good at hunting, but they’re also intelligent and highly trainable. They can be seen performing tricks at dog shows, and they can learn commands quickly compared to other breeds.
Wire Fox Terriers are an agile breed. Standing only about 15.5 inches tall, they are capable of jumping significantly tall fences, so it's essential to have a secure yard if you have one as a pet.
Although these dogs were originally bred to be working dogs, they’ve proven to be excellent companions. Their outgoing and friendly nature makes them one of the top choices as a family pet among terriers.
Last but not least, Wire Fox Terriers have an extended natural lifespan compared to other breeds. These little powerhouses can live up to 15 years, making their companionship a long-term commitment.
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