Like the Smooth Fox Terriers, the availability of the Wire Fox Terriers is also fairly subpar in India. But, just like their smooth coated brothers, the Wirehaired Terriers are also a decent fit for this country mainly because they can easily thrive in almost any climatic condition, whether hot or cold, their tolerance to both low and high temperatures is pretty good. Also, these canines tend to remain healthy and fit for the majority of their lifetime and do not require the attention of a vet on a frequent basis. However, the cost of bringing a Wire Fox Terrier home and then properly maintaining it is quite high when compared to the Smooth Fox Terriers. So, in the end, you cannot go wrong either way while choosing a suitable pet for your home as both the SFTs and WFTs are awesome canines. It all just comes down to a personal preference and predilection.
The Fox Terriers (Wire) are medium-sized canines who always remain alert and aware of their surroundings and carry a keen expression on their face. They possess a sturdy outer structure which is complemented by a fair amount of agility and power. The official standards for the WFTs are given as follows:
These canines are compactly built and they possess a well-balanced overall body. The average weight of the Wire Fox Terriers is around 6-9 Kilograms and their height mostly lies between 13-16 inches (at the shoulders).
|
WEIGHT |
HEIGHT |
|
|
MALE |
07-09 kg |
14-16 inch |
|
FEMALE |
06-08 kg |
13-15 inch |
These canines are double coated in which the undercoat is short, fine and soft and the outer coat is dense, comparatively longer and has a wiry-texture. Their coat is quite hard on the back region and on the quarters but is somewhat softer on the sides.
They have a well-developed exterior structure which is quite durable and strong. Their neck is of fair length, muscular in nature and is free from throatiness. The chest area is deep but not broad and the back region is rather short and leveled. The tail is set quite high on the back and it possesses good strength and substance. The forelegs and hind legs are reasonably strong, muscular and are of fair length.
They have a well-proportioned head in which the eyes are moderately small, dark-colored and are set rather deep in the skull. The ears are V-shaped, small and are of moderate thickness.
They possess a well-developed jaw region and the teeth are strong and white and are firmly placed inside their mouth. The overall muzzle is fairly sturdy and is covered with crisp and sufficiently long strands of hair.
The Wire Fox Terriers are very lively and energetic canines that are known for their dynamic personality. They don’t like to sit idly inside the house and they can become bored and frustrated if they are not receiving the proper amount of exercise and movement. These canines are quite friendly with their housemates but they remain a little reserved with other people. and, that’s why early socialization is very important for them. They love to be around kids and are happy to play numerous games with them. The WFTs are also quite fearless and bold and combining this with their excellent watchdog ability, they make awesome guard dogs who effectively protect their home and property from any intruders and external harm. General temperamental traits of the Wire Fox Terriers are listed below:
The Wire Fox Terriers hail from the United Kingdom and are immensely popular in several European and North American countries. They are famous all around the world because of their unique coat and their feisty personality. These canines have a hard-wiry coat which is a trademark of this breed and an extremely lively and enthusiastic personality which is adored by most people.
The WFTs are considered decent house pets as they mostly check all the boxes of being a great pet. They are affectionate to their family members, fine with the small children present in the house, protective of their property and housemates and are quite adaptable in nature. But, still, they are not highly recommended to the first time or novice dog owners as their feisty character needs a little more handling and training than some other breeds which would not be a very easy task for an inexperienced dog parent. Therefore, anyone who is looking to raise a WFT should be aware of its high affinity for energy and should have the knowledge and experience to handle a spirited and frisky canine.
The Wire Fox Terriers can be divided into different types on the basis of various combination of colors that their coat is available in. These colors are listed below:
|
Adaptability |
**** |
Sensitivity Level |
*** |
|
Affection Level |
***** |
Potential for mouthiness |
*** |
|
Apartment-Friendly |
*** |
Drooling Potential |
* |
|
Barking Tendencies |
**** |
Energy Level |
**** |
|
Friendly towards dogs |
** |
Health Issues |
*** |
|
Friendly towards other animals |
** |
Intelligence |
***** |
|
Child Friendly |
***** |
Playfulness |
***** |
|
Exercise Needs |
**** |
Shedding Level |
** |
|
Grooming Needs |
*** |
Social Needs |
*** |
|
Good for novice owners |
** |
Stranger Friendly |
*** |
|
Trainability |
**** |
Watchdog Ability |
***** |
|
Tolerates Heat |
*** |
Tolerates Cold |
**** |
The Wire Fox Terriers should be given a nutrition rich feeding material which is low in calories and high in essential elements like vitamins and minerals. The feeding material can be home-cooked or commercially manufactured but it should be appropriate to the dog’s age.
The WFT require a pretty decent amount of exercise on a daily basis to remain healthy and fit. Long walks with their leash on, at least one or two times a day, are necessary for them. Also, these canines are fond of playing numerous games with their loved ones, hence, providing them with a brief amount of playing time on a regular basis will be beneficial for their body and mind by keeping them in shape and content.
These canines are mostly very agreeable and positive toward any kind of training exercise. They learn the things which are taught to them quite quickly because of their attentiveness and intelligence. But, it is advised to start their training at a young age as it can be a little hard to train them once they achieve maturity, especially by a novice dog owner.
The WFTs although possess a hard, wiry and long coat when compared to the Smooth Fox terriers, but they still require an average amount of grooming to look neat and tidy. Weekly brushing and occasional bathing and trimming of nails are enough for them. Also, these dogs, just like the SFTs are infrequent shedders and only shed their coat during the shedding season and that too in a limited amount.
The WFT is a fairly healthy breed, but they are prone to some health-related issues just like every other breed. The common health problems found in the Wire Fox Terriers are:
This breed remains quite healthy and fit (if provided with proper care, nutrition, and exercise) throughout its lifetime and hence, frequent visits to the vet’s clinic are not required for it.
Around the late 17th century, Fox hunting became quite a popular sport in England. The English hunters were not satisfied with their current hunting companions and they needed someone who could track the foxes efficiently and, after finding them, could make them come out of their dens.
And, this led to the birth of Fox Terriers. The breeders started cross-breeding several canines like the English Hounds, the black & tan Terriers, the Beagles, the Foxhounds and the Dachshunds. These different breeds formed the basis of what we know today as the Fox Terriers.
The Fox Terriers (both wired and smooth) were exceptional at their jobs as they were very successful in tracking a fox’s den and then making it come out in the open from its hiding place so that the hunter could easily hit their target. The wire and smooth fox terriers were separately recognized as unique breeds after several years of existence but, they both were equally admired for their skills by most people all around the world and since then, they are climbing the ladder of popularity at a slow but consistent pace.
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