Smooth and Wire-haired Fox Terrier

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: England

Group: Terrier

Height: males 14-16 in., females 13-15 in.

Weight: males 15-20 lbs., females 13-18 lbs.

Life span: 15 yrs. or more

Trainability: high

Good with children: yes, with respectful children

Good with other pets: yes with dogs, sometimes chase small animals

What are the origins of the Smooth & Wire-haired Fox Terrier?

Terrier type dogs have been known in Britain since 55 B.C. First reports of true terriers were described by Dr. John Caius in 1570. The terriers of today were bred by crossing ancient Dachshunds, the English Hound, Foxhound and the Beagle.

What do the Smooth and Wire-haired Fox Terriers look like?

Both types are about 13-16 inches tall and weigh about 13-20 lbs. The skull is flat with a muzzle that narrows to a black nose. Eyes are small and dark. Ears are v-shaped and fold forward. The tail is carried high, sometimes docked to 1/4 its length. The Smooth Terrier as the name implies has an abundant, smooth coat while the Wire-hair’s coat is dense, wiry and stiff, sometimes wavy. The undercoat is soft and fine. The Wire-hairs coat needs professional grooming. Colors for both are white with patches of black or brown.

What is the temperament of the Smooth & Wire-haired Fox Terrier?

The temperament is the same for both types. They are independent thinkers and need lots of physical and mental stimulation. They are very devoted and affectionate with the family, but reserved with strangers. When out walking with the Terriers, they should be leashed. If you have a backyard, it should be fenced in. They sometimes chase cats and small animals.They are good with children who treat them gently. They are very intelligent and sensitive to mood changes in their owners. Terriers are very lively and active and need lots of exercise and long walks.

What are the uses of the Smooth & Wire-haired Fox Terrier?

They were bred as hunting dogs as they were able to follow small animals and foxes into their dens and face them down. Today they are often used as therapy dogs and love to compete. Most of all these Terriers are loving, protective companion dogs.

Possible Health Issues

Atophy (skin sensitivies, itching), myesthenia gravis (neurological problem), cataracts, glaucoma, pulmonic stenosis, Wolman disease (lipid storage problem)
Smooth Fox Terrier – patellar luxation, ataxia, myelopathy (general weakness and muscle degeneration)
Wire-haired Fox Terrier – hemophilia B, epilepsy