The Wire Fox Terrier was developed in England in the 1800's. It's purpose was to "bolt" the fox from it's den or hiding place during a Fox Hunt. The Fox Terrier was carried in a sack on the back of a horse during the hunt. If the fox went to ground the fox terrier was dropped down and went after the fox. The tail of a Fox Terrier was docked so as to provide a good "handle" in order to pull the dog out of the tunnel. Fox Terriers also kept the barns free of rodents and other vermin.
While today's WireFox Terrier is not chasing fox he is still a very "game" dog! A Wire Fox Terrier is still very good at chasing (and sometimes catching) mice, rabbits, squirrels, birds, snakes,cats, leaves, dust- bunnies and anything else that crosses it's path! Keep in mind a Wires past if you want to add one to your future. They love to run and ideally need a fenced yard. They cannot be fully trusted "off lead" even a trained Wire will forget (or ignore) the word "come" if it is after something. In training a Wire you need to be consistent and patient (and sense of humor also helps!) Wires do well in obedience classes but can get bored with constant repeating of commands - they are quick learners and don't see any real reason to repeat a command over & over - because of this - they get bored easily. A bored Wire will then look for ways to amuse himself (and you!)
Wire Fox Terriers were very popular in the 1940's due in part to his role in several movies. Today the Wire Fox is not a "popular" breed but Breeders & Fanicers like it that way! Over -breeding is not good and produces poor quality Wires. If you are looking for a Wire be sure to try and find a reputable breeder. If you can , visit a breeder to see what dogs or puppies they have. We encourage everybody to visit us and our dogs.
A Wire Fox Terrier coat is predominately white, usually with black and tan markings. The hypoallergenic hard wire hair stands up to almost any kind of weather and is virtually non-shedding, perfect for people with allergies. To maintain the wire texture and brilliant color, the coat must be “plucked” or “stripped” every 6-12 weeks. All Wires being shown are stripped, but pets are often clippered. However, clipping does result in a softer coat with faded coloring. Some pet owners strip out only the colored parts of the coat and clipper the white. Additional information on grooming is available from the American Fox Terrier Club at http://www.aftc.org/
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He
is friendly and lively without being high-strung. With ears up and tail
quivering, the Wire Fox Terrier gives the impression of a dog ready to
go anywhere and take on any task. He is bold but not aggressive with
people. The Wire Fox Terrier is affectionate with children and enjoys chasing a ball or romping with youngsters. It
is the fun-loving temperament of the Wire Fox Terrier that has helped
it win the hearts of dog owners worldwide. The Wire should be alert,
quick-of-movement, keen of expression, on the tiptoe of expectation at
the slightest provocation. However, at the end of the day, he is happy
to curl up on a lap and be petted by his owner. The Wire Fox Terrier is a hardy, little dog with mischief in mind.
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We are small in-home Wire Fox Terrier Breeders. Our puppies are raised at home, never in kennels. They interact with me all day and later with my children. They also interact with all the other dogs. My children are highly involved in caring for our dogs and puppies. My daughter helps with grooming and my son is hands on with delivery and anything that could go wrong then. Puppies are born in our family room where they sleep until they are ready to go to their permanent home. At 5 weeks puppies once they are weaned, they get at least 4 hours (weather permitting in CO) of playtime in our yards with and without their Mom. Puppies leave kennel trained to minimize the separation anxiety a their new homes.
Although my dogs have Championship lines and their parents and relatives compete abroad, I don't show my dogs. I believe keeping them away from the stress of showing and being confined to kennels to travel and compete, and being exposed to many other dogs, isn't good for future litters. Most of our puppies are very well socialized and mellow and I believe being free in our house and yards and having limited time kenneled, favors having healthy mellow puppies.
My page is under construction so I apologize for any unrelated pictures or text you might find while I finish constructing it.
Thanks for visiting!
Our Story
Back in my teens in South America, I remember watching a movie about a very adventurous wire fox terrier named Hector and being amazed of how beautiful and smart this dog was.
Years passed. My first wire fox terrier found me as a stray purebred resilient stray foxy we named Coca. Coca had followed my Dad for blocks from a grocery store a warm summer night. The vet told us she had to be about 5 years when she found us.. Coca gave me the best 6 years of her loving life, but unfortunately she passed away too soon, right after the birth of my first born.
Here in the States in 1997 I found my second love, Cristal, who I brought home at 8 weeks old, right after the birth of my second boy. I hand fed her and she became my only girl for the next years. My Cristal left me at 12 years old, Christmas 2008.
I got Cookie my Stud in 2006; he is the sweetest of the dogs. Cuddly and loving, he can spend hours with his head and or paws on your lap asking for caresses.
In January 2009, I brought Chloe from Phoenix. Chloe is the most playful of my wires. She is a fireball! She loves to grab the ball and throw it to the air and catch it herself, loves to spend her wake time fetching with me, she will fetch even when she's almost giving birth :). Today Chloe enjoys being retired.
Abbie used to be my youngest wire, 2010, today she's almost retired and has passed her beauty to Ginger who just had her first litter. She
is a calm and mellow lady. She follows me everywhere and has that sweet
look that melts my heart, reminding me of my Cristal's look. If there is
a Doggy Heaven, I sometimes think my Cristal is in her watching me and
waiting until we meet under the rainbow..
Misty is from Canada, her parents from the Czech Republic compete in Canada and Europe
Luca my youngest stud is from Italy, his aunt wins awards wherever she goes and his cousins and siblings.
Although some of my puppies and old dogs are show potential and some come from Canadian CKC and American AKC winning lineage, I don't advertise their off springs as such. Having young teenagers and a competitive dancer daughter, I don't have the time and energy left to be involved in showing at this age .
Most of my buyers are repeat costumers and old wire fox terriers owners. But occasionally I get the first time buyer who usually falls in love with the breed. Wire fox terriers are a fun loyal breed to have, BUT they are not for everybody and mostly not for the faint of heart. They will test your patience and your running skills, sometimes will be stubborn and keep you on your toes, but they will love you to the end.
Email is the best way to contact me.
Maria-Paz Brandan
cowirefoxterriers@gmail.com
info@cowirefoxterriers.com