WIRE FOX TERRIER
The Wire Fox Terrier was developed in England to hunt foxes, often chasing them into their dens. Queen Victoria's son, King Edward the vii, owned a Wire Fox Terrier named Caesar. Wires became popular pets in the 1930s when The Thin Man mystery movie series featured Asta, a Wire Fox Terrier.
The Wire is a sturdy, compact dog. Males are 14-16 inches tall and weigh 15-20 lbs. while females are 13-15 inches tall and weigh 13-18 lbs. Ears are folded forward in a v-shape. The dark eyes are small. The tail is docked where this practice continues. The coat is sometimes wavy. It is wiry and dense with a soft undercoat. Colors are white with patches of brown or black. The coat requires weekly brushing. It should be stripped or clipped regularly.
Wire Fox Terriers, while independent thinkers, instinctively know what their owners need. They are very active, playful, very intelligent and love to explore. They can be stubborn so early training and socialization are recommended with a kind but firm hand. Wires are good with children who treat them kindly but can be dog-aggressive. They wilol chase cats and other small animals. Wires are sometimes reserved with strangers. They should always be walked on a leash and have a seure area to run. They adapt to apartment living with enough exercise.
Wires were originally bred to hunt foxes. With their powers of intuition, they make excellent therapy dogs. They also perform well in track and agility and as watchdogs. They are wonderful companions for people who enjoy energetic, loving dogs.
TOY FOX TERRIER
The Toy Fox Terrier is descended from the English Fox Terrier. It was miniaturized in the U.S. by careful breeding.
The Toy Fox is 8 1/2-11 1/2 inches tall and weighs 5-8 lbs. Eyes are round, slightly prominent and dark. Ears are erect and pointed, set high. The tail is set high, carried erect, docked where this practice continues. The coat is smooth and shiny with a fine texture. Colors are white with or without body marking matching head color. Groom by brushing once or twice a week.
These pint-size dogs are very courageous and ready to take on larger critters. They are highly intelligent, very playful and mischievous. Toy Foxes should have positive consistent training. They are good with older children and with other pets if raised with them. Toy Foxes have lots of energy and need daily walks and playtime in a secure area. Because of their size, fences need to be secure enough so they can't get out. They can live in apartments as well.
Toy Foxes were used to keep the mouse and rat population down on farms. They are loving, loyal, protective companions.
