Fox Terrier (Wired)

Although bred as a working Terrier, the Fox Terrier is a composite of balance and symmetry. Standing like a cleverly made short backed hunter, they are neither leggy nor too short in the leg, giving them the speed that was required of them, to cover a lot of ground. About 15 inches in height at the withers, narrow in chest, skull flat, moderately narrow, gradually decreasing in width to eyes.
A little ‘stop’ apparent, cheeks never full, jaws, upper and lower, strong and muscular, falling away only slightly below eyes. This portion of the foreface moderately chiselled out, so as not to go down in a straight line like a wedge. Nose is black, the eyes dark and moderately small, as near as possible, circular in shape. The ears should be small, V-shaped and dropping forward close to cheek.
Both Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers are medium sized, and females are smaller than males. Male Wire Fox Terriers stand up to 39cms and weigh up to 8kg, with females slightly smaller. “The only difference between the wire haired variety and the smooth is in the coat and furnishings-structurally they are the same as the smooth. The wire coat can be skillfully prepared to advantage to present the ideal outline. The desired ‘wire’ coat needs to be hard, dense, close, abundant, of a wiry texture, like coir matting, as near straight as possible, but quite definitely broken in appearance without being shaggy, the harder and more wiry to the touch the better.”
Wire Fox Terriers are predominantly white, with black, tan or black and tan markings. The coat is dense and very wiry with a softer undercoat. With correct grooming it is shorter on the shoulders and longer at the withers, back, ribs and hindquarters.”

The Fox Terrier was developed by crossing ancient Dachshunds, English Hounds, and later the Fox Hound and Beagle. It is one of the oldest terrier type dogs, originating in the British Isles in the 17th century. They were used by farmers who needed dogs to help get rid of the animals that would prey on the farmers stock, such as fox and rats and other small vermin. The Fox Terrier would find the animal in the ground relentlessly, digging, barking, growling and lunging until it harassed the animal out of its den where the hunter could then kill it.

The temperament of the Fox Terrier is of vital importance. It is friendly, fearless and forthcoming, and is known as the gentleman of the Terriers.

Both Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers enjoy regular brushing and a bath when required, however the Wire’s coat needs ‘stripping out’. It is best to seek advice from your breeder or a reputable groomer on how to best strip the Wire’s coat.