Wire Fox Terrier

If there was a dog for a farm environment and that needs to be kept busy, the Wire Fox Terrier is a most suitable option. Because of their high energy and curiosity, they are not recommended as city pets. They need room to roam and explore, to be able to run and discover whatever suits their mind at the time.

They are excellent watchdogs, so if someone new was to intrude on either the property or the home, they would know when to alert their owner.

Behavior

Known for their intelligence and energy, this particular breed needs a lot of stimulation. They do not bode well with being bored, and requires a constant amount of attention. Along with training, they enjoy swimming and other cardiovascular-related activities.

When dealing with other people, they are alert, respond quickly, and are extremely communicative of their needs.

They are prone to behaviors such as running away, not responding to obedience training, or independently setting their own goals unbeknownst to the owner. All of this can be avoided if the right amount of attention and direction is provided to this particular breed.

Because of their need for attention and constant stimulus, they are ideal family pets and do very well with children.

Appearance

Going up to roughly 8 pounds on average and fifteen inches in height, the Wire Fox Terrier primarily sports a white, rough coat, with off-color markings including tan and grey.

Their legs are thick and solid, full of muscle and showing an average stride for when they walk and run.

They have a long snout and a short, stubby tail. The stubby tail was originally bred into them for the case of if they caught prey in a hole, their owner would be able to pull them back out again.

Grooming

It is not uncommon for owners to take this dog once a month or once every two months to have their coat clipped down. This allows for less brushing and for their coat to have a glossy, curly effect which many people (and the dogs themselves!) find aesthetically pleasing. Another effect of snipping the hair shorter is that it brings out the colors brighter than if it was to be left to grow at an extreme length.

The majority of their coat is kept at a short length, while keeping the hair on the muzzle at a longer length, giving them the appearance of having a long, drooping mustache.

Given the length and speed that their hair grows, they actually shed a very minimal amount.

History

Originally bred to hunt vermin and prey such as badgers, foxes, and other ground-dwellers, they later on become known as very companionable pets.

The Wire Fox Terrier did not become popular as a pet until the 1930’s, when they were featured in several popular films such as “The Thin Man Series.”

The Wire Fox Terrier is also shown in popular culture in the comics, and later on, films, of the “Adventures of Tin Tin,” where the dog “Snowy” is shown as an excellent detective and companion to the protagonist.