FOX TERRIER...THE WIRE-HAIRED VARIETY

These little fellows have always intrigued me so I thought I'd include them in my list of dogs.  After reading about them I know they would not be for me as I wouldn't have sufficient energy to own one. I still think they're cute though.

Although the wire-haired fox terrier bears a resemblance to the smooth fox terrier, they are believed
to have been developed separately.

This terrier is a sturdy, balanced dog weighing between 7-9.5kg (15-21 lb) and it should not be more than 39.37cm (15.5 in) in height.  Coat colour consists of a predominant white base with brown markings of the face and ears, and usually a black saddle or large splotch of colour; there may be black or brown markings on the body.

Two of the wired-haired fox terrier's most distinctive traits are its energy and intelligence.  It has a low threshold for boredom and requires stimulation, exercise and attention.  It is a companion animal that requires near-constant attention.  Most of them enjoy swimming.

They should be alert, quick and ready to respond swiftly with enthusiasm.  However, they should also be friendly, communicative and playful, if they receive the proper care and exercise.  Bred to be independent thinkers, they are capable of tactical manoeuvering for vermin and other sports. Often these terriers are abandoned or surrendered for reasons that may include running away instead of coming on a command, chasing cars, bicycles or taunting and then attacking other animals, including a household's cats and other dogs - and they are able to do serious damage.  These are actually normal behaviours for a breed designed to hunt not only foxes, but also badgers and boars, with no more fear of cows or buses than they have of small prey.  This little fellow looks so innocent.

 Keeping one as a pet requires firm control to redirect these prey instincts and provide the dog with enough exercise and diversion.  With diligent supervision, these terriers can be amusing, exciting. long-lived companion animals.

This terrier was developed in England by fox hunting enthusiasts and is believed to be descended from a now extinct rough-coated. black and tan working terrier of Wales, Derbyshire and Durham.  The breed was also thought to have been bred to chase foxed into their underground burrows; the dog's short, strong usually docked tails were used as handles by the hunter to pull the dog back out.