| Description: Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers used to be considered varieties within the same breed, but are considered two separate breeds now. The Smooth was the first to come along, perhaps as early as 1790. Smooth Fox Terriers originally were bred to "go to ground" and their innate sense to dig comes out, unless taught otherwise. These dogs are lively, active, and sleek. Smooth Fox Terriers have a keen nose, remarkable eyesight, and great endurance in accomplishing their work.
Height: 15.5 inches
Weight: 16 - 18 lbs.
Colors: White with tan or black markings. White should be predominate.
Coat: Dense coat of sleek short hairs which may not be thin anywhere on his body.
Temperament: Alert, determined, eager, trustworthy, affectionate
With Children: Yes, gets along well with children and is always ready to play.
With Pets: Small pets such as cats may be fair game and he may try to dominate other dogs.
Special Skills: Vermin hunter and family pet.
Watch-dog: Very High
Guard-dog: Low
Care and Exercise: The Smooth Fox Terrier requires minimal coat care except during their twice a year shedding. Brush coat with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. Teeth and nails need regular attention. Exercise should consist of a daily walk on leash and free play in a fenced backyard or a romp in the park.
Training: Learning very quickly, but they can be stubborn. Be consistent with training.
Learning Rate: High, Obedience - Medium, Problem Solving - Very High
Activity: Indoors - Very High, Outdoors - Very High
Living Environment: Apartment is adequate if given sufficient exercise but ideal is a home with a fenced backyard as he is an active terrier. Do not leave alone in the yard as he may bark and try to dig his way out. To own a Wire Fox Terrier you need to be a confident leader who prefers an active, feisty breed, not a couch potato.
Health Issues: Lens luxation, cataracts
Life Span: 12 -14 Years
Litter Size: 3 - 6
Country of Origin: England
History: He first became noticed as a breed in the 1860's. He was originally bred to hunt vermin. His descendants are other terriers from the English counties of Cheshire and Shropshire with maybe some Beagle blood. Wires resulted from the breeding of a Smooth Fox Terrier and an unknown female with wire-hair. Both the Smooth and the Wire share the same conformation and were recognized as the same breed until 1984 when the AKC approved separate standards.
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