Fox Terrier (Wire) hund

En wire fox terrier's vidunderlige store skæg

En wire fox terrier's smukke bløde hvide pels

En smuk lille hvid og sort wire fox terrier, der viser sine dejlige lange ben frem

En vidunderlig lille wire fox terrier, klar til at lege med sin ejer

En wire fox terrier's vidunderlige, lange næse og trådede ører

En wire fox terrier, der viser sin smukke, lange næse og sit trådformede skæg frem

En smuk, voksen wire fox terrier, der nyder lidt motion udenfor

Et nærbillede af en wire fox terriers utrolige, ubehøvlede skæg

En sund voksen wire fox terrier, der viser sin smukke, korte krop frem

En ung wire fox terrier ligger på græsset og er klar til at lege

History

The Wire Fox Terrier probably descend from the Black and Tan Terrier / Welsh Terrier and was once considered the same breed as the Smooth Coated Fox Terrier. The Wire was used to bolt foxes from their den and sometimes dispatch them for the hunters. They are a keen nosed dog with typical Terrier tenacity. The Wire Fox Terrier became very popular after World War II and is still a popular breed in Europe and America.

Behaviour

True to it's Terrier roots, the Wire Fox is a keen hunter and skilled at locating and dispatching prey, mainly vermin nowadays. They make wonderful pets and are very friendly towards children and usually ok with strangers, even though they can be a bit territorial at times. Early socialisation is important to stop this trait, so encouraging visitors into your home really will make a difference. They like to be around people they know and can be wary if anxious about certain people. They are comical and can outwit you with their intelligence. They often start fights with other dogs, even if well socialised, so best walked on a lead. Adult training classes can help, but this breed is plucky, feisty and rarely back down. Their inquisitive nature can get them into trouble. Training is hard going. Not due to lack of intelligence but down to their stubborn ways. They excel at agility, obedience and Earth trials, but it takes a long time and patience to get there. They like to learn, but at their own pace and when it suits them. Repetition is boring to them, so rough games, food based training and problem solving work best. They cannot be trusted off a lead unless in a very safe area. They will chase rabbits, deer, squirrels and even bicycles and cars, the chase instinct is so strong in them. Forget recall. They need lots of exercise, a couple of 15 minute walks a day will not be enough for a Wire Fox Terrier. Given the chance to run around a safe area, playing fetch or frisbee or a decent jog with their owner will be enough, but the more you offer them, the happier they will be. Very long walks and hikes suit them well. They aren't a lazy dog and will need plenty of exercise to keep their minds active. They bore easily and it would be better to vary the routes you take/places you visit. This also prevents them from learning where the holes are in fences. Wire Fox Terriers are very greedy dogs and weight gan can become a problem if food intake is not closely monitored.

Being typical hardy Terriers, they suffer little in the way of health concerns and often cope well with ailments, so you need to keep a close eye on them for any slight change as they hide them well. Lens Luxation and Cataract are the only minor health issues with the breed.

Temperament

The Fox Terrier (Wire) has an intense and inquisitive temperament. They absolutely must explore every new place they visit often seen checking every corner of the room for something to hunt. These bundles of energy and lean muscle are always up for a game and never back down from a challenge. Early socialisation is important especially with other dogs.

Health Problems

Health problems that may affect Fox Terriers (Wire) include Legg Calvé Perthes disease (degeneration of the femoral head which can lead to lameness and joint swelling), canine hip dysplasia (CHD), patellar luxation (dislocation of the knee cap), heart disease, eye disease and blood clotting disease.