You’ve probably heard of Chaser, the Border Collie who could identify over 1000 toys by name, but did you know there are brainy dogs in the terrier group too? Duo, a Wire Fox Terrier, was able to solve complex problems, learn new commands with just a few repetitions, and even show signs of planning for the future.
Are you intrigued yet? Well, buckle up as you’re about to discover how clever this fluffy, adorable, and fiery breed can be. In this comprehensive and entertaining guide, we’re going to take a fascinating look at the intellectual prowess of the Wire Fox Terrier, and we might just bust some myths along the way!
A Bit of History
Before we dive into the depths of the Wire Fox Terrier’s intellect, let’s take a quick trip back in history. This bundles of intelligence were initially bred in 17th-century England for one primary purpose – fox hunting. The Wire Fox Terrier’s audacity, curiosity, and agility are embedded in their DNA and were fundamental traits in their original jobs.
But don’t just take our word for it. In the 1943 completion of the ‘Dogs of the Sky,’ it was a Wire Fox Terrier that took home the top prize. The judges were in absolute awe of his ability to comprehend complex commands and solve challenging tasks.
So, Is a Wire Fox Terrier A Smart Breed?
According to Dr Stanley Coren’s book, The Intelligence of Dogs, Wire Fox Terriers rank 34th with regards to working and obedience intelligence. This might not seem overly impressive, but it means they’re still in the top half of the 138 dog breeds ranked! Plus, Dr. Coren’s analysis mainly focuses on obedience, which doesn’t necessarily equate to overall intelligence.
See, when it comes to dog intelligence, it’s typically measured in three ways: instinctive, adaptive and working & obedience intelligence.
Instinctive intelligence refers to the skills that a dog was initially bred for, which, for the Wire Fox Terrier, means their oracity and hunting prowess. The adaptive intelligence relates to a dog’s problem-solving abilities and learning from previous experiences. Lastly, working and obedience intelligence deals with a dog’s ability to learn and follow commands.
Wire Fox Terriers excel in adaptive intelligence. They can figure out how to unravel their favorite chew toy, remember where they bury their treasures, navigate familiar routes, or even understand when you’re about to leave the house.
So yes, Wire Fox Terriers are smart dogs!
Smart…But Stubborn
While Wire Fox Terriers are intelligent, they also have a reputation for being stubborn. It’s part of their charm, but it can make training them slightly tricky.
Terriers have been bred to think independently – to follow their nose and chase after anything that catches their attention. While this tenacity and determination make them excellent hunters, it can be a challenge when it comes to something like a sit command.
However, don’t let this discourage you.
How to Effectively Train Your Wire Fox Terrier
Since Wire Fox Terriers are bright and fast learners, consistency and early training are crucial. The uniqueness of this breed’s temperament calls for a unique approach to training. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Use Positive Reinforcement: Wire Fox Terriers respond best to positive, reward-based training approaches. Reward acts of obedience with treats or praise to encourage the behavior.
2. Keep it Fun: These terriers particularly love to play, so keeping training sessions enjoyable will make them more inclined to participate.
3. Persistence: Training a Wire Fox Terrier will require patience and persistence. Remember, they’ve got a stubborn streak. Be encouraged knowing your consistency will eventually pay off.
4. Socialization: Early socialization with people and other animals is crucial for healthy behavior development.
The Smarty-pants of the Dog World
If you’re looking for a smart dog that will keep you on your toes, a Wire Fox Terrier might just be the one for you. They’re intelligent, quick learners, and utterly charming, albeit a bit stubborn. But, with proper training techniques and persistence, you’ll discover just why these dogs are considered the smarty-pants of the dog world.
Remember, an intellectually stimulated Wire Fox Terrier is a happy Wire Fox Terrier. So why not embrace the challenge and enjoy the journey with these extraordinarily intelligent companions?
