Wire Fox Terrier

History/Origin
The origin of Fox Terrriers can be said to be similar to other breeds of dogs, but different to other kinds of terriers. While other terriers are bred for dog show purposes, Englishmen bred the Fox Terrier (Wire) for fox hunting purposes around the 19th century. Thus, during this era, the Fox Terrier was required to have the stamina and agility to hunt foxes.

Fox Terrier used to be a generic term until the late 19th century, when people distinguished the Fox Terrier (Wire) as a descendant of the Black and Tan Terrier from Derbyshire, Durham, and Wales. Now, the Black and Tan Terriers are extinct but the Wire-Haired Fox Terrier still exists and has changed its role from fox hunter to plain house pet.

Description
A "toy-type" and thick-coated animal, a Fox Terrier (Wire) commonly comes in white with black or tan markings. However, overall, white always predominate the other two colors. Genetically, Fox Terriers have random spot markings because of their alleles, which are sp (responsible for the spots) and sw (responsible for the extreme white).

The head of a Fox Terrier (Wire) often appear with a solid color. Sometimes, only half of the face are covered with color. The lips, noses, and pads always appear in black, nevertheless. Fox Terrier (Wire) is particularly distinct with its long face and short ears.

A Fox Terrier (Wire) usually weighs 16 to 18 lbs and is around 15.5" in height. Its frame generally consists of long legs, thin body, and short tail.

Temperament
Since Fox Terriers originated as fox hunting dogs, they remain as active, lively, and alert dogs. After they resigned from the role of fox hunters, Fox Terriers became house pets. They became more affectionate and friendly to children and are always eager to play and hunt vermins in the house. They are also ready to dig the backyard, if they are always kept leashed.

A Fox Terrier (Wire) needs an off-leash exercise as well as a consistent training -- that is, if you want to have a good pet. Though the Fox Terrier (Wire) is always energetic and agile, it is only as good as a watchdog and not as a guard dog.