Learn More About Fox Terrier (wirehaired)

Discover Fox Terrier (wirehaired)'s history, temperament, and key traits – essential knowledge for future owners and breed enthusiasts.

Summary

The Fox Terrier (Wirehaired) is a small but robust dog characterized by its slim, rectangular body and typical wiry fur. Its ears are small, V-shaped and fold forward, while its eyes are dark and full of life. The Wirehaired Fox Terrier has a straight, strong backline and a high tail that was traditionally docked, although this is now banned in many countries, including Germany. The Wirehaired Fox Terrier belongs to FCI Group 3, which includes terriers. Within this group it is divided into section 1, the high-legged terriers. These dogs were originally bred to go into fox and badger dens and drive out game, hence their name. There is no distinction between performance and show lines in this breed, although there can always be individual differences in temperament and appearance.

Height33 - 40 cm (Female), 39 - 39 cm (Male)
Weight6 - 9 kg (Female), 7 - 10 kg (Male)
Life Expectancy13 - 15 years
CharacterLively, intelligent, confident
CoatWiry, dense, medium length with undercoat
Coat ColorWhite with black or brown spots
Price1200 - 2500 € €

History

The Fox Terrier's exact origins are unknown, but it is believed to have originated from a mix of various British Terrier breeds, including the now extinct English Terrier and the Bull Terrier. Its origins lie in Great Britain in the 19th century, where it was used as a fox hunting dog. The Wirehaired Fox Terrier was first recognized as a separate breed by the Kennel Club in Great Britain in 1876, and the first breed was established in 1879. The first Fox Terriers were probably smooth-coated, but over time a wiry variant was developed to better protect the dog from the fox's sharp claws and teeth. The Wirehaired Fox Terrier was later recognized as a separate breed, but the two variants still share many similarities in appearance and temperament.

Original Use

The Wirehaired Fox Terrier was bred to hunt foxes and is known for its determination and endurance.

Origin

Great Britain

Date

1800

Character

The Fox Terrier (Wirehaired Pointer) is a lively and intelligent dog, always ready to go on adventures. He is known for his energy and courage, characteristics that make him an excellent hunting dog. But he is not just a working dog - the Fox Terrier is also a loving family dog ​​that bonds closely with its people. Fox Terriers are very people-oriented and love spending time with their family. They are playful and enjoy a variety of games and activities. But they are also quite independent and can keep themselves entertained if they have enough toys and chews. Staying alone is usually not a problem for a Fox Terrier (Wirehaired Pointer), provided he has been properly accustomed to it. However, this breed can be prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time, so they should not be left alone too often or for too long. The Fox Terrier (Wirehaired Pointer) has a strong hunting instinct and tends to chase anything that moves. This can range from a ball or a leaf in the wind to smaller animals such as mice and birds. If you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, you will need to secure your yard well to prevent your Fox Terrier (Wirehaired Pointer) from going hunting. When it comes to alertness, Fox Terriers (Wirehaired Pointers) are very alert and vigilant. They will likely warn you of any approaching visitor, whether friend or stranger. But they are not aggressive dogs - they are usually friendly and open towards people as long as they have been properly socialized.

Trainability
Alertness
Openness to Strangers
Hunting or Herding Drive

Did you know that the Fox Terrier was originally bred to drive foxes out of their dens? Hence its name, because "Fox" means "fox" in English!

Fun Fact!

What to Expect

Fox Terriers are considered hunting-motivated, conflict-loving and independent dogs. Type-appropriate employment and education are essential. In addition to the wire-haired version, the Fox Terrier is also available as a smooth-haired version.

Care

The Fox Terrier (Wirehaired Pointer) is an active and energetic dog that needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Therefore, he is not necessarily the ideal city dog ​​unless you are willing and able to provide him with enough exercise and activity. A house with a large, safe garden where he can run around freely would be ideal for him. However, he can still live in an apartment if he gets enough exercise every day. The Fox Terrier (wirehaired coat) is generally very good with children. He is a playful and patient dog who gets along well with older children. With smaller children, a supervisor should always be present to ensure that neither the dog nor the child is accidentally injured. Other pets can be challenging for a Fox Terrier (Wirehaired Pointer), especially because of his strong hunting instincts. He can learn to get along with cats and other pets if he is introduced to them from an early age, but it is always better to exercise caution.

Family-Friendly
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Suitable as a City Dog

Owning a dog is not only a privilege but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you need to be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails.!

Training & Education

As with any dog ​​breed, training the Fox Terrier (wirehaired) is of great importance. He is a smart and willing to learn dog that can be trained well with the right motivation and positive reinforcement. When training, it is important to take into account the hunting instinct of the Fox Terrier (wirehaired). He will always have a strong hunting and digging instinct, and these characteristics cannot be completely suppressed. Therefore, education should aim to control these urges and, if necessary, offer alternatives. A useful training for a Fox Terrier (wirehaired dog), for example, could be nose work. This is where the dog learns to use its nose to identify and track certain smells. This can be a very satisfying task for a hunting dog like the Fox Terrier and helps channel their mental and physical energy in a positive way. Additionally, Fox Terriers (Wirehaired) are known for their high energy and endurance, so dog sports could also be a good option for this breed. Activities like agility, flyball or canicross can be fun and challenge the dog both physically and mentally. When training a Fox Terrier (Wirehaired Pointer), it is also important to pay attention to his frustration tolerance and impulse control. These dogs can sometimes be quite stubborn and independent, so it is important to teach them to be patient and control their impulses.

Nutrition & Grooming

The Fox Terrier's (wirehaired) diet should be balanced and high quality. Like all dogs, the Fox Terrier needs proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in its diet. Fresh meat should make up a large part of the diet, supplemented by vegetables, fruits and high-quality carbohydrate sources such as sweet potatoes or rice. In general, the diet should be tailored to the dog's specific needs, such as its age, weight, activity level and health status. Regarding the fur The Fox Terrier (wirehaired) is quite easy to care for. Its wiry coat has a dense undercoat and should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and prevent skin problems. In general, the Fox Terrier (wirehaired) does not shed heavily, but shedding may increase during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Thanks to its dense undercoat, it copes well with the climate in Germany, both in winter and summer.

Grooming Effort
Exercise Needs
Shedding
Trainability

This information is currently being peer-reviewed. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de.!

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Fox Terrier (wirehaired) Dog Breed Information – History, Temperament & Health

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