The Wire Haired Fox Terrier was developed in British Isles around the same time as the Smooth Fox Terrier. The Wire Haired Fox Terrier is felt to be directly descended from the rough coated black and tan working terriers of Derbyshire, Durham and Wales.
The principal demand upon a Fox Terrier of the 19th century and earlier was its ability to rout a fox from underground. The important physical characteristics of the dogs then were strength and power to travel well; and white was the favored color, permitting the dog to be easily seen and identified so as not to be confused with the fox by an over-eager hunter.
The Kennel Club of England was established in 1873. The Smooths and Wires received separate stud book registers in 1876, at which time the Standard of the Breed was drawn up and approved. The American Fox Terrier Club was founded in 1885 in New York City.Official AKC Breed Standard.
Fox Terriers are very active dogs. Intelligent and very inquisitive, a Wire Fox Terrier can get into an awful lot of trouble without even trying! They are generally very friendly with people, but often are very aggressive with other animals and other dogs. Bringing an adult Wire Fox Terrier into a home with other animals should be approached carefully as Wire Fox Terriers will often view the family cat or hamster as prey. Fox Terriers were bred as hunters, and it is a trait that runs very strongly in the breed.
Fox Terriers are high energy, intelligent, active and love to be where the action is. And if there isn't any action, they'll make their own. (Think digging, hunting, finding interesting things to play with like garbage, shoes, etc...) Wires need quite a lot of exercise, so a fenced yard is highly suggested for the Wire. Because a Wire is extremely prey-driven, they should never be allowed to run loose. If the Wire sees something of interest to it, it will chase after it without regard to its surroundings and could easily be injured or killed.
Wire Fox Terrier puppies are extremely cute. But you must remember, they can do a lot of damage. Successfully raising a Wire Fox Terrier puppy is no small feat - and they seem to stay in a state of "puppyhood" a good 2 years or longer. Think extremely hard about your desire to have a Wire Fox. Is it just because they're cute? Then think of getting something else. They're a LOT of work, and frequently very trying. That is why so many of them end up abandoned at pounds. If they're fortunate, they end up with Fox Terrier Rescue. (Additional Rescue Info). Every Fox Terrier (smooth or wire) deserves to be loved and to live in a happy, forever home. If you are considering a Fox Terrier and don't plan to show your dog, seriously consider Rescue - those dogs need someone to love them forever.
Wires can be wonderful pets for people that know what they're getting into. I cannot fathom life without Hayley and Spike. Hayley is my soul-mate. She is irritating and aggressive and scarcely listens, even on a good day - but she is perfect in my eyes. Spike is a sweet, loving boy who is interested in cuddling and maximum skin contact at all times! But he and Hayley together are like having a small tornado living in the house. The activity level can sometimes get to a point that I think the walls may fall in - but they sure keep each other happy - and they add such joy to my life!