Wire Fox Terrier

Breed Description

The Wire Fox Terrier is a tall terrier from the United Kingdom. There are two varieties: the wire-haired and the smooth-haired. The name “terrier” comes from the Latin word “Terra” meaning earth. This is how dogs for earthworks underground came into existence. The other part of its name, “Fox,” refers to the English word for the animal. Originating as a “fox earth dog,” its job was to “flush” out foxes from their burrows, as hunters say. In fact, terriers like the Fox have been used for hunting foxes and badgers since time immemorial. Because they often had to run with a pack during hunting, Fox Terriers are not low-bodied like dachshunds. One can imagine that a fox, being a very defensive predator, will not willingly leave its den. Therefore, a Fox Terrier must be very brave, fearless, and protective.

Today, the Fox Terrier remains a highly valued hunting dog. Its tasks are primarily above ground and it has become a versatile hunting companion. Additionally, it is successfully used in hunting and driving wild boar, where it displays remarkable traits. Its tireless work ethic and courage are especially appreciated by hunters. Fox Terriers are fearless and strive to perform their tasks to the best of their ability. We can also experience these traits in the Fox Terrier as a companion dog. These qualities make them special yet also complex.

The typical appearance and unique character have ensured its widespread popularity as a household and companion dog for over a century. The Fox Terrier is one of the oldest dog breeds in modern pedigree dog breeding. The first breed standard for smooth-haired and wire-haired Fox Terriers was established in England in 1876 with the founding of the “Fox Terrier Club.” The “German Fox Terrier Club” was established even earlier, in 1889, and its successor, the “Association of German Fox Terriers,” continues to operate successfully today.

Originally, Fox Terriers were bred for hunting foxes alongside hounds, helping to locate them when they burrowed underground. There are two types of Fox Terriers: the smooth-haired and the wire-haired, which are mainly kept as companions. However, they also excel in modern dog sports.

The Fox Terrier stands up to 40 centimeters at the shoulder and weighs around 8 kilograms. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females.

These are intelligent, energetic dogs that protect their families and love to play with children. They make excellent playmates and can be great companions for the whole family!The price for a puppy ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Wire Fox Terrier is a medium-sized dog with an impressive appearance. Its build is almost square. The legs go straight down, the tail is held high, as is the neck. Its head, eyes, and ears highlight its alert expression. You can feel that every cell of its athletic body is tense. The standard describes it as: lively, quick in movement, with a penetrating expression, full of eager anticipation for the slightest challenge. Friendly, open, and fearless.

The Wire Fox Terrier has always been available in two coat variations. The smooth-coated version is considered older as an alternative to the wiry-coated one. In the latter case, the hair should be thick and have a very coarse texture. The standard requires the following colors for both:

Predominantly white with black, black and tan, or tan markings.

Fox Terriers are bred in two lines: the hunting dog and the companion dog. Overall, this is a relatively healthy breed of dog. Attention has always been paid to balanced conformation over the years, without emphasizing exaggerated individual traits.

Active and lively, the Fox Terrier was originally bred for hunting. Their legs are neither too long nor too short, which aids them in hunting as they can cover large areas, reach high speeds, and jump well.

They have a smooth, coarse, and dense coat that sheds very little.Fox Terriers have a long muzzle, natural erect ears, a short back, and predominantly white thick coarse fur with black and/or brown markings. Small dogs reach a maximum height of 39 centimeters at the withers, while females are slightly shorter. Male Fox Terriers weigh approximately 7.3 – 8.2 kilograms, and females weigh 6.8 – 7.7 kilograms.Active and lively, sturdy yet strong in a compact body, never bulky or rough. The build shows ideal balance; in particular, this relates to the relative proportions of the skull and the front part of the face, as well as the height at the withers and the length of the body from the shoulder point to the hips appearing approximately equal. They stand like a hunter with a short back, covering a large territory.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of a Fox Terrier is proportional to the size of its body. It has a square shape with a flat skull and a smooth transition to the muzzle. The lips are tight, and the eyes are of medium size with a lively expression.

Морда

The face is strong and straight, with powerful jaws and a correct bite. The black nasal septum is well defined and completes the overall appearance of the face.

Уши

The ears are of medium length and straight, resembling "rabbit" ears. They are closely positioned to the head and face forward, giving them a lively and attentive expression.

Глаза

The eyes are dark, lively, and full of expression. They are set fairly close together and radiate intelligence and sharp observation.

Зубы

The Wire Fox Terrier has strong and robust teeth that are shaped in a proper scissors bite. This allows them to bite well and refine their hunting skills.

Корпус

The body is compact and muscular. It has a straight back, a strong chest, and a well-defined loin. The body supports a harmonious and graceful posture of the dog.

Конечности

The legs are straight and have sturdy bones. The front legs are straight, with well-developed shoulder muscles, while the rear legs are strong and muscular, providing the dog with effective speed and jumping power.

Хвост

The tail of the fox terrier is another characteristic feature of the breed. It is strong, straight, and set high on the back. The tail should not be docked, and when at rest, it is carried straight, but in motion, it may rise slightly above the back.

Шерсть

The Wire Fox Terrier has a stiff, coarse, and straight coat that protects them from the weather and various thorns and bushes while hunting. It closely fits the body and forms a small undercoat for additional insulation.

Окрас

The color of a Fox Terrier can vary. They can be solid-colored (usually red), two-colored (red and white), or even three-colored (red, white, and black). They may have distinctive spots or markings on their heads and bodies that add a special charm to them.

Character

The Wire Fox Terrier is a bundle of energy. It is not suited for people who envision a couch potato. Even those who are not hunters should consider its history and hunting qualities when bringing a Fox Terrier into their family as a companion. The Fox Terrier is a hunting dog by its nature and history. Its courage, cleverness, and hunting intelligence are remarkable. When you hear about the hunting achievements of the Fox Terrier, the first thing that comes to mind is hunting Latin. Yet, there are always documented accounts where dog lovers express astonished respect for the Foxy. Nevertheless, the Fox Terrier is also an excellent companion and family dog. It is loyal, attentive, warm, and sometimes amusing, making it a wonderful partner for both young and old, provided you allow yourself and it to engage in physical activities. The Fox Terrier is essentially a daredevil, not a lap dog. It is an energetic being that loves and needs physical and mental challenges. It can be trained only to a limited extent due to its stubbornness. If you keep this in mind, you will have a great time with it as a family dog. Therefore, it is recommended as a beginner dog only to a
Wire-haired Fox Terriers are known for their bravery, boldness, and friendliness, making them wonderful family companions. They get along well with children thanks to their cheerful and carefree nature. Fox Terriers have sharp intelligence and respond well to positive training methods. If you are looking for an active pet that enjoys participating in lively games, then the Fox Terrier is the perfect choice.

Wire-haired Fox Terriers can coexist well with other pets, although males may show aggression towards other males. They might exhibit protectiveness over their food and toys, which could cause some inconveniences. Therefore, socialization from an early age, especially with cats and other pets, is particularly important. With proper socialization, your Fox Terrier puppy will grow into a well-adjusted and balanced pet.

Vigilant, quick in movement, sharp in expression, always on tiptoe waiting for the slightest hint. Friendly, open, and fearless in temperament.

Care and Maintenance

The Wire Fox Terrier requires some attention in terms of grooming. They should be brushed several times a week to keep their coat clean and free from tangles, preferably with a natural bristle brush. Occasional grooming may be needed, but this can soften the texture of the coat; hand stripping is necessary to maintain the right texture, although it is too challenging for most pet owners.

If you dislike dog hair all over the place or suffer from allergies, then wirehaired fox terriers might be the right fit for you. Their coat is not as common as that of their smooth-coated counterparts. This is because their fur resembles human hair more than typical dog fur, which means it doesn’t shed at the same rate as most other dogs.

Although they do need to be clipped and trimmed every few months to maintain their coarse, hypoallergenic coat.

Fox Terriers require more food than many expect. They should be given between 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. Clean and safe water should be available at all times.

Training and Education

Caring for a Fox Terrier poses no problems. There are no requirements regarding apartment size. The biggest challenge is their temperament. Fox Terriers need physical and mental stimulation, and many of them hunt quite successfully. As companion dogs, they are suited for a variety of tasks. Fox Terriers excel in various types of dog sports. They make excellent partners for racers, runners, or cyclists. Their high level of physical fitness, often robust health, and eagerness to work present both a challenge and a responsibility for their owners-regardless of the weather. They need to be socialized with other pets from birth; otherwise, they may see them as prey. Fox Terriers are great playmates for children, as they are always ready for adventures and durable enough to keep up with kids. However, it is essential that household rules are clear, and the terrier knows its role in the family. They should not be allowed to overestimate themselves or take on the role of a teacher for children. Thanks to their moderate size, light weight, and good obedience-when properly trained-they are easygoing companions in any situation, such as at restaurants, during trips, or on vacations.
Fox Terriers, with their lively temperament, require regular exercise and challenges. Stubbornness can sometimes impose limits in dog sports. Typical Fox Terriers can be well-trained and educated under strong guidance. Some Fox Terriers are even suitable for training as therapy or rescue dogs.

The wire-haired Fox Terrier is intelligent but can be a bit complicated, like most terriers.

Since they are smart, consider incorporating obedience tasks into their exercises. It is also a great idea to combine play with training. Use positive reinforcement to motivate them more.

Wire-haired Fox Terriers need plenty of exercise. They have a lot of energy and require time to expend it. They enjoy active recreation and games with other children. Their agility is impressive; they love playing with balls and engaging in other intense physical activities. Zoonika offers elite breed puppies with complete documentation.

How to Choose a Puppy

If you want to share your life with a Fox Terrier, you should search for a breeder and make contacts long before you buy one. The breeder should be affiliated with VDH and test their dogs for specific hereditary disease risks. This is a given for serious breeding. Additionally, there should be no inbreeding, which can be determined by the pedigree, ensuring that no name appears twice. The breeder should have well-documented information about the litter, including photographs. Ideally, you should have the opportunity to see the litter along with the mother dog on-site. Please do not purchase a Fox Terrier online, as there is a very high risk that the puppy may come from a dog trader or a breeder who is usually a well-disguised dog trader.

Mixes with Fox Terriers are not uncommon. The strong temperament of the terrier almost always manifests in the offspring, even after many generations. A pet store is the best place to look, as you can choose from a variety of listings.

Health and Diseases

The Wire Fox Terrier is an active and resilient breed with robust health; however, like other breeds, it has a tendency to certain health issues that owners should be aware of. One of the most common problems is hip dysplasia, which can cause discomfort and limit mobility. To minimize the risk, it is important to choose a puppy from parents tested for this condition and to monitor the dog’s physical activity, especially in its younger years.

Another characteristic of the breed is its predisposition to eye diseases. Fox Terriers may develop cataracts, corneal dystrophy, or progressive retinal atrophy, which leads to deteriorating vision. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect and address these issues in a timely manner. Additionally, Wirehaired Fox Terriers may experience lens luxation, which requires surgical intervention.

The breed is also prone to allergies, which can manifest as skin irritation, redness, or scratching. This may be related to diet, the environment, or parasites. Regular grooming and skin care can help minimize the risk of skin problems. It is also important to maintain a proper diet, avoiding foods that may trigger allergic reactions.

Some Fox Terriers may develop epilepsy, which presents as seizures. This condition requires monitoring by a veterinarian and appropriate treatment if necessary. The breed may also experience Legg-CalvГ©-Perthes disease, which affects the hip joint and causes pain when moving.

Wirehaired Fox Terriers are high-energy dogs that require ample physical and mental stimulation. With proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, timely vaccinations, and parasite prevention, they can remain healthy and active throughout their lives, which typically lasts 12-15 years. Thinking about getting one? There is a vast selection of listings on the Zoonika map by city.