|
|
More Wire Fox Terrier Pictures
|
|
| Affection: |
  |
| Energy: |
|
| Playfulness: |
|
| Sociability - dogs: |
|
| Sociability - other pets: |
|
| Sociability - strangers: |
|
| Trainability: |
|
| Exercise needs: |
|
| Grooming needs: |
|
| Suitability to cold: |
|
| Suitability to heat: |
|
| Watch dog capability: |
|
| Guard dog capability: |
|
Wire Fox Terrier History
-
Despite its great similarity to the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Wire Fox Terrier is thought to have descended from very different ancestors than its Smooth counterpart, and became recognizable as a distinct breed considerably later. The Wire Fox Terrier is thought to descend from the Rough-Coated Black and Tan Terrier of Derbyshire and Durham, England and was first seen in the 19th century.
In addition to the traditional terrier role of vermin exterminator, the Wire Fox Terrier was also used as a fox bolter. The speedy little Wire Fox Terrier would accompany Foxhound packs, bolting after foxes and scaring them from their holes. Dogs with white coats were preferred, as they were more easily discernible from the fox in the dark.
The Wire Fox Terrier entered the show ring about twenty years after the Smooth Fox Terrier, and was an immediate smash. The Fox Terrier (both Smooth and Wire) was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. Though many at that time already viewed the Smooth and Wire to be different breeds, the AKC did not formally recognize the two as distinct breeds until 1985. Today, the Wire Fox Terrier is a bit more popular than the Smooth, though neither dog is particularly common in the United States.
