History

The Wire-Haired Fox Terrier was developed in England by fox hunting enthusiasts and is believed descended from a now-extinct rough-coated, black-and-tan working terrier of Wales, Derbyshire, and Durham.The Wire-Haired Fox Terrier was not popular as a family pet until the 1930s, when The Thin Man series of feature films was created. Asta, the canine member of the Charles family, was a Wire-Haired Fox Terrier, and the popularity of the breed soared.

In the late 20th century, the popularity of the breed declined again, most likely due to changing living conditions in the Western world and the difficulty of keeping hunting terriers in cities due to their strong instincts. Among the less desirable traits of all fox terriers are their energy, digging, stalking, and chasing of other animals and yelping bark.

This notwithstanding, the Wire Fox Terrier has the distinction of having received more Best in Show titles at major dog shows than any other breed.

Characteristics

The Wire Fox Terrier should have a flat skull and a narrow head. The jaws should be strong and muscular with a complete scissor bite. The eyes should be small, round, dark and deep set. The ears are V shaped and drop forward close to the cheeks. The neck is muscular and of a good length. The chest should be deep but not too broad, the shoulders long and sloping. The topline should be level with a short and straight back. The front legs should be straight when viewed from any angle and the back legs should be strong and muscular. The feet should be small, round and compact. The tail should be high set and carried erect but not curling over the back. Tails are customarily docked by approximately one third, but this is now optional. The topcoat should be dense and wiry and the undercoat should be short and soft. Hair should be longer on the muzzle and legs. The colours desired are white with black, black and tan or black markings. White should predominate.

Exercise

80 - 100 minutes per day.

This dog should have lots of exercise, they are full of energy and like nothing better than a long walk. They do well in agility and fly ball games. A Wire will happily join in with any outdoor games the children are playing, the rougher and dirtier the better.

Temperament

In general the Wire is a friendly, devoted and affectionate dog with lots of personality. They can be protective if they feel a member of their family is in danger or being threatened. In the past they have had a reputation a being a bit snappy and wilful but if you select your puppy carefully this should not be a problem. Wires get on well with children and do make ideal family pets. They have to be socialised from an early age especially with cats and any other household pets. Keen gardeners may find that this dog digs up their plants rather quickly as digging is one of their favourite pastimes if not corrected, but as with many other breeds, with initial training this is not a problem. The breed is suitable for hot, sunny climates but also thrives in cool ones.

Grooming

Grooming the Wire does require a bit of time and it can be expensive, as you will need to get a professional groomer to keep the dog’s coat looking its best. Hand trimming will be necessary several times a year; this can be time consuming so it can be easier to get someone else to do it for you. The distinctive Wire Fox Terrier trimming should be first carried out when the puppy is around three months old. The Wire should be brushed and combed several times a week to keep the coat clean and tangle free.

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.