For many, a pet dog isn’t just an animal that lives in their home. No, a pet is a cherished part of the family, a faithful companion, a confidant, and an endless source of joy. When choosing a pet, you want to make sure you’re bringing the right kind of energy into your household. You don’t want your new furry friend to shake things up more than needed!
So, here’s a trivia question for you: What dog breed was owned by five U.S. Presidents, starred in 14 Hollywood movies, and regularly attends the Westminster Dog Show, yet is one of the least known breeds in America? If you guessed the Wire Fox Terrier, you’d be right! This may surprise you, given that they’re not as well-known as other breeds. In fact, the American Kennel Club ranks them 101 out of 197 in breed popularity!
But hang-on, don’t let that dampen your spirits. Just because the Wire Fox Terrier isn’t incredibly popular doesn’t mean they don’t make great pets. On the contrary, they’re delightful, full of character, and more than worthy of consideration if you’re thinking of welcoming a new four-legged member to your family.
The Wire Fox Terrier, also affectionately referred to as the “Wire” or the “Foxie,” is known for its tremendous energy, intelligence, and remarkable courage. But one question still lingers: Are they calm dogs? Oh, you’re in for a surprise!
Imagine a character from a PG-rated animated movie: full of energy, fun-loving, getting in their fair share of mischief, quite comedic, sometimes overly brave, and coated with a layer of aloofness. Now apply this description to a dog, and voila! You’ve got a Wire Fox Terrier. Calm? Not so much. Aircraft carrier full of non-stop action and endless entertainment? Absolutely yes!
The term that best describes Wire Fox Terriers is not calm, but energetic. However, it’s important to temper this with the understanding that energy doesn’t necessarily translate into bad behavior. It only means they need outlets to burn off their abundant vigor.
For Wire Fox Terriers, a good day is one full of adventure, mental and physical exercise, and some “hooman” companionship. They love to explore, chase, and dig. If it moves, they’re after it! Their prey drive is a natural characteristic instilled from their days as fox hunters. It’s their innate way of having fun. Imagine that – your very own, cute-as-a-button Indiana Jones!
The Wire Fox Terrier’s ability to entertain itself sometimes circles back to their independent and somewhat stubborn nature. These dogs are smart, often too smart for their own good, quickly learning how to get what they want. This, coupled with their persistent nature, might make them a handful. But with the right training and loving consistency, their independent spirit can be channeled into problem-solving skills.
Training should always be motivational and fun for the Wire Fox Terrier. They have an acute sensitivity to the tone of voice and mood, but harsh methods or punishments will lead to an anxious Wire Fox. Instead, use lots of praise, play, treats, or whatever else your dog values as reward. This takes care of the dog’s need for stimulation and solidifies your bond.
To help them burn off their boundless energy, Wire Fox Terriers will benefit from regular exercise that goes beyond a daily walk. This could include fun activities like fetch, tug-of-war, playdates with other dogs, or agility training exercises. Without adequate exercise, they can become bored and indulge in destructive behaviors.
Wire Fox Terriers living in an apartment? Is it possible? Well, with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, yes. Without it, they will make their dissatisfaction known through excessive barking or destructive behavior. Let’s face it, nobody wants that!
As much as Wire Fox Terriers are lively and playful, they are also sensitive. They require love, attention, and companionship from their human family. They are not the kind of dogs to be left alone in the backyard. Deprive them of human interaction, and you are just asking for a ticket to tantrum town!
So, if you’re jotted down all that, then you’ve got the full picture now: a Wire Fox Terrier is a dog of dynamic proportions. Hardly the calm, laid-back, lounging-all-day pooch. But sporting a vibrant coat to match their vibrant personality, they’ll work their way into your heart.
At the end of the day, Wire Fox Terriers can be a lively addition to the family. Their boundless energy can be an inspiration to you to live life with a little more zest; their intelligence will make you strive to always stay sharp, and their loyalty will make you cherish devotion. It’s like getting an Energizer Bunny with a loyalty program, all in a cute canine package!
Geared with an understanding of what makes a Wire Fox Terrier tick, you can decide if this fun-loving, energetic breed is the right choice for your household. If you’re up for the challenge, this delightful breed can bring endless fun, laughter, and loyal companionship. But calm? Well, that’s in the eye of the beholder!
