Wire Fox Terrier History
The Wire Fox Terrier is a breed of wire-coated fox terrier that originated in the rugged terrain of 17th-century Ireland. The distinctive coat of the Wire Fox Terrier resulted from the cross of smooth-haired Irish terriers and rough-coated English black and tan (now called red) setters, and is named for its original function: “to flush out, chase, and shoot foxes”. The origin of the name “wire” or “wirehaired” is unclear. Some sources attribute the term to the dog’s wiry coat, while others claim it was due to the specific kind of wire used to keep the long hair of the puppies from matting. The Wire Fox Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885.
Wire Fox Terrier Physical Characteristics
The Wire Fox Terrier is a small, short-haired breed of dog that was originally bred for hunting foxes. They have rough, wiry coats and pointed muzzles. The breed comes in three main varieties, the Smooth, the broken, and the fox terrier. The Smooth is long-haired and resembles the English Cocker Spaniel; the Broken is shorter and coarser than the Smooth; and the Fox is shorter than the broken and is sometimes known as the Welsh or Manchester Terrier. The Wire Fox has a bushy tail and a compact, muscular body, with lively eyes and a lively personality.
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Unknown
Coat Colors
Unknown
Height Range
Male Height Range: 13 – 15 inches
Female Height Range: 12 – 15 inches
Weight Range
Male Weight Range: 17 – 19 lbs
Female Weight Range: 15 – 17 lbs
Wire Fox Terrier Health
Description of breed health.
Lifespan
10-13 yrs
Wire Fox Terrier Health Concerns
Distichiasis, Cataracts, Lens Luxation, Shoulder Dislocation, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease,
Wire Fox Terrier Temperament and Behaviour
The Wire Fox Terrier is an energetic, playful, and sociable dog that is great at learning tricks. They can be quite stubborn and independent, so they need an owner who is firm and patient. They are highly social with humans and get along well with other dogs and animals.
Wire Fox Terrier Activity Requirements
The Wire Fox Terrier is a medium-sized, compact terrier. They are highly energetic and intelligent, making them great companions. The Wire Fox Terrier is an energetic, inquisitive, and adventurous dog. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation in order to be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. They are best suited to homes with backyards or parks where they can play and run. They are also well-suited to urban settings with nearby walking trails.
Miles Per Day
Unknown
Activity Per Day
Unknown
Daily Food
2.6 cups
Kennel Club Recognition
American Kennel Club
Recognized by the American Kennel Club
Wire Fox Terrier is part of the Terrier group.
Visit the American Kennel Club website.
The Kennel Club
Recognized by The Kennel Club
Wire Fox Terrier is part of the Terrier group.
Visit the Kennel Club website.
Australian National Kennel Council
Recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council
Wire Fox Terrier is part of the Terrier group.
Visit the Australian National Kennel Council website.
Canadian Kennel Club
Recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club
Wire Fox Terrier is part of the Terrier group.
Visit the Canadian Kennel Club website.