Wire Haired Fox Terrier

Wire Haired Fox Terrier Personality and Behavior

The wire haired fox terrier is a popular family dog because of its active and intelligent nature. They also shed little compared to other dog breeds. They are between 13 and 16 inches high and weigh between 13 and 20 pounds, with females being slightly smaller than males. If you have been thinking about bringing one of these dogs in your home, it is always best to do your research first.

Is the Wire Haired Fox Terrier A Good Family Dog?

The dog was originally bred as a working dog that was used to flush foxes out of their holes. They are energetic and tenacious when chasing their prey. What this means in terms of being a family dog is that they are highly energetic, easily bored, and if not given proper outlets for their energy will resort to digging, chewing, barking, or general destructiveness as forms of entertainment.

They adore outdoor activity, but because of their tendency to chase anything that moves, the backyard must be secure. They are good watchdogs and will readily alert the family if they see or hear something. They have acute hearing and vision, so they are often blamed for barking at something the owner doesn’t see, but rest assured there is something out there.

They have a strong prey drive and do not get along well with other small animals such as cats and even other dogs. They are bred to chase animals that run from them and do so instinctively. They have been known to harass a smaller animal persistently and eventually harm the animal.

Training and Temperament

A wire haired fox terrier is a great companion for children because of their eagerness to play. Even though they are a relatively small dog, they are sturdy enough to handle the rough and tumble. They have quick reflexes and because they love to chase, can easily master the game of fetch.

They are easy to train, but they are often independent and stubborn. They will take advantage of any situation that they feel will benefit them, much to the chagrin of their owners. Their favorite hobby is to dig tunnels in the yard, mimicking chasing their ancient favorite prey, the fox. For this reason, they should not be left unsupervised.

The dog is fearless, has loads of self-confidence, and are eager to explore. This gives them a type of wanderlust and they should always be kept in a secure area or on a leash. They are not afraid to take on much larger dogs and must be properly socialized so that they do not threaten other dogs.

Keys to Success

The wire haired fox terrier is a loyal companion, but because of their personality quirks, require an owner who is knowledgeable about training, confident, and consistent. They sometimes need someone who can subdue their outgoing personalities to become good canine citizens. For this reason, obedience training and puppy classes are a must. This will not only give the owner confidence but will help to reform some of the less sociable characteristics of the breed.

The backyard should have a secure physical fence. Electronic fences often do not work with this dog because they are tough and tenacious when they see something that they want. They will soon learn that they can move out of range of the electric fence once they are on the other side. This is just the tough, mischievous nature of the dog.

Correction must be consistent, firm, but never too harsh. This dog is not one who will give in easily when the reward for the negative behavior is perceived as worthy. Although they learn quickly, their tenacity means that you may have to repeat a correction several times for it to work.

This breed is a favorite family dog because of its friendliness, loyalty, and playfulness. Before you bring one into your home, you need to take a hard look at your family’s lifestyle. They do not do well when left alone for long periods of time, because of their tendency towards boredom. Their high energy needs and continual demands for attention require an active family that is willing to integrate the dog into their activities. If this sounds like your family, then perhaps the wire haired fox terrier is the perfect choice for you.