General

Active and lively, bone and strength in small compass, never cloddy or coarse. Conformation to show perfect balance, in particular this applies to the relative proportions of skull and foreface, and similarly height at withers and length of body from shoulder-point to buttocks appear approximately equal. Standing like a short backed hunter covering a lot of ground.

Characteristics

The Wire Fox Terrier is friendly, alert, active, and lively without being high-strung. Through his keen expression and alert bearing, ears up and tail quivering, the Wire Fox Terrier gives the impression of a dog ready to go anywhere and take on any task. The Wire Fox Terrier is bold but not aggressive with people. They are affectionate with children but may be too active for some. Although seldom used for hunting now, the Wire Fox Terrier retains a strong prey drive and will dig tirelessly after any underground vermin.

Temperament

Friendly, forthcoming and fearless.

History

When fox hunting became popular in England in the late 17th century, hunters found the need for a dog that could go to ground and bolt the quarry. Terriers, game and eager, were ideal for such a purpose but most of the early terriers were dark in color and too low on leg to run with a pack of foxhounds. Hunters began to develop a longer-legged terrier, predominantly white in color so as not to be mistaken for a fox. Early fox terriers were primarily smooth-coated, but the wire coat persisted. By the end of the 19th century, smooth and wire-coated Fox Terriers were in great demand, both as companions and show dogs. Although considered one breed for many years, interbreeding of Smooth Fox Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers ceased in the early 1900s. Except for coat, however, the two breeds are essentially identical.

Origin

England

Utilization

Hunting.

Classification

Terriers

Size

Medium

Height Dogs

not exceeding 39 cms (15? ins) at withers. Bitches slightly less

Weight Dogs

in show condition 8.25 kg (18 lbs); Bitches slightly less.

Grooming

Moderate

Excercise

Little

Activity

Medium

Locality

Town

Good with children

Yes

Good with dogs

Yes

Good with other pets

Yes