Wire Fox Terrier

Dog Breed Profile

Home Dog Breeds Terrier Wire Fox Terrier

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.

Time of Origin

1800s

Country of Origin

England

Ancestry

Black and Tan Terrier

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.