Also known as the Wirehaired Fox Terrier, the Wire Fox Terrier is an intelligent and loyal breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Wire Fox Terrier can be traced back to 18th century England. Enthusiasts believe the breed to have descended from such breeds as the Bull Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Beagle, and the Greyhound, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the Wire Fox Terrier has been most commonly used for hunting fox and killing small rodents such as rats, proving its superior abilities to work and provide companionship.
The Wire Fox Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, though it was exactly one hundred years later before the Wire Fox Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier were recognized as two separate breeds.
Today, the Wire Fox Terrier remains rather rare outside of the United States and Europe.
Personality Traits
Best known for its spunky and feisty nature, the Wire Fox Terrier is full of character. This breed is very loyal, and thrives on strong and dependable relationships with humans. The Wire Fox Terrier is very intelligent and generally easily trainable. These dogs are active and enjoy spending time outdoors and playing games such as fetch and frisbee. As a pet, the Wire Fox Terrier is obedient, loving, and affectionate.
Train-ability
Due to its need for human relationships and eagerness to please and impress its owner, the Wire Fox Terrier generally responds well to basic training and commands. This intelligent breed has the ability to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach.
Establishing immediate dominance and respect is key to successfully training the Wire Fox Terrier. These dogs can be somewhat stubborn at times and respond best to a confident and strong handler.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Wire Fox Terrier. This breed is very active and often quite amusing and entertaining to watch while at play. These dogs are highly intelligent, easily trainable, and capable of learning to perform many impressive tricks and tasks. When properly socialized from a young age, the Wire Fox Terrier gets along well with small children and other pets. This breed is very alert, making an amazing watch dog, announcing the arrival of guests and unwanted visitors. The Wire Fox Terrier is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent family pet and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Wire Fox Terrier. These energetic and active dogs require large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A Wire Fox Terrier not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, digging, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The Wire Fox Terrier has a strong instinct to hunt and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, this breed is rather quick, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. The Wire Fox Terrier must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
This breed’s thick and wiry coat requires almost constant attention and brushing to prevent tangling and maintain its attractive appearance.
Most likely due to its instinct to hunt fox, the Wire Fox Terrier enjoys digging, and is quite good at doing so. It is not unusual for a Wire Fox Terrier to dig a hole under a fence within the matter of only a few minutes. These dogs must be supervised or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
As previously mentioned, the Wire Fox Terrier remains rare outside of the United States and Europe and can prove somewhat difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the Wire Fox Terrier is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: patellar luxation – dislocation of the knee, shoulder problems such as arthritis and dislocation, Legg-Perthes Disease – degeneration of the hip joint, cataracts, distichiasis – ingrown eye lashes, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Wire Fox Terrier? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/wire_fox_terrier
http://www.trainpetdog.com/wire-fox-terrier
