General
Active
and lively, bone and strength in small compass, never cloddy or coarse. Conformation
to show perfect balance, in particular this applies to the relative proportions
of skull and foreface, and similarly height at withers and length of body from
shoulder-point to buttocks appear approximately equal. Standing like a short backed
hunter covering a lot of ground. Characteristics The
Wire Fox Terrier is friendly, alert, active, and lively without being high-strung.
Through his keen expression and alert bearing, ears up and tail quivering, the
Wire Fox Terrier gives the impression of a dog ready to go anywhere and take on
any task. The Wire Fox Terrier is bold but not aggressive with people. They are
affectionate with children but may be too active for some. Although seldom used
for hunting now, the Wire Fox Terrier retains a strong prey drive and will dig
tirelessly after any underground vermin. Temperament
Friendly, forthcoming and fearless. History
When
fox hunting became popular in England in the late 17th century, hunters found
the need for a dog that could go to ground and bolt the quarry. Terriers, game
and eager, were ideal for such a purpose but most of the early terriers were dark
in color and too low on leg to run with a pack of foxhounds. Hunters began to
develop a longer-legged terrier, predominantly white in color so as not to be
mistaken for a fox. Early fox terriers were primarily smooth-coated, but the wire
coat persisted. By the end of the 19th century, smooth and wire-coated Fox Terriers
were in great demand, both as companions and show dogs. Although considered one
breed for many years, interbreeding of Smooth Fox Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers
ceased in the early 1900s. Except for coat, however, the two breeds are essentially
identical. Origin England
Utilization Hunting. Classification
Terriers Size Medium
Height Dogs not exceeding 39 cms (15? ins)
at withers. Bitches slightly less Weight Dogs
in show condition 8.25 kg (18 lbs); Bitches slightly less. Grooming
Moderate Excercise Little
Activity Medium Locality
Town Good with children Yes
Good with dogs Yes Good
with other pets Yes |