Wire Haired Terrier Breeds Are Great Dogs For Family
Although wire-haired terrier breeds are not suitable for everyone, they make excellent outdoor dogs with their long, bushy eyebrows and beards. Wire-haired dogs have a low shedding rate and minimal dander. They require hand-stripping to remove dead hair, so many dog owners choose to leave this task to a professional. However, you can easily do this yourself if you have the time and inclination. If you aren’t bothered by shedding and do not mind certain times of the year, you can skip hand-stripping.
A wire-haired dog is known for its long, wiry coat, resembling coconut matting. Its undercoat is fine and short. This breed is very active and loves to play. It is a good companion but requires consistent training. It may also challenge your authority on occasion. Despite its low shedding, this dog breed can be challenging to train. The Wire Fox Terrier breed is an excellent choice for owners who want a low-shedding, long-lived pet.
While other wire-haired terrier breeds are not suitable for apartment dwellers, some are great for apartment living. The Affenpinscher is the only wire-haired terrier breed officially classified as a toy. Other small terrier breeds are still considered terriers. Affenpinschers are the smallest wire-haired terrier breed. They were originally bred as companion dogs for ladies in the 18th century. While this dog does require basic grooming, the average Affenpinscher has a thick, shaggy coat.
Another health issue faced by Wire Fox Terriers is glaucoma.
If not diagnosed early, it can cause blindness. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, and redness in the whites of the eye. It may also feel like an ice pick is stabbing the eye. Severe cases may look bulging or enlarged. These symptoms should be treated right away to prevent further complications.
Despite its size, the Wire Fox Terrier is relatively small, with a flat skull, moderately narrow muzzle, and clean, wavy tail. The head of this breed is set high and its tip is close to the cheek. If it has prick ears or a tulip nose, it is disqualified. A well-proportioned and muscular neck are other characteristics of this breed. The Wire Fox Terrier’s upper arm is long but shorter than the shoulder blade.
Miniature Schnauzers are extremely popular. They are not lapping dogs and are highly active. However, they can still be kept in an apartment, as long as you have a daily walk or go to the park with them. A Miniature Schnauzer is one of the wire-haired terrier breeds that require more grooming than any other wire-haired terrier breed.
Another notable wire-haired terrier breed is the Irish wire-haired Fox Terrier.
Originally used for otter hunting, it has fallen out of favor in recent years. There are now only around 600 Otterhounds in the world, making them one of the most endangered breeds in Great Britain. It requires weekly brushing and is therefore a highly energetic dog. However, its high maintenance needs make it a good choice for people with children and pets who like a dog with a unique look.
A wire-haired terrier breed is not suitable for everyone. They are small, sturdy, and intelligent. A wire-haired terrier has a hard wiry coat, which does not shed much. Its small stature makes it perfect for apartment-dwellers. However, it should be noted that some wire-haired terrier breeds are listed in the toy group of the AKC.
Wires and Smooths were originally regarded as one breed. Their major differences are the coat type and head shape. Wires are believed to be descendants of black and tan rough-coated terriers. Their ancestors include black and tan terriers from Wales. Despite the differences, both Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers are excellent hunters. There are many variations among the breeds, but in general, both have similar traits.
The Wire Fox Terrier is a handsome and elegant dog with a very friendly personality. More than any other breed, the Wire Fox Terrier has won more awards for its popularity. Generally, they weigh between 16 and 18 pounds. Their coat is a combination of coarse and fine hair with a slight wave. They are typically white with black or tan markings. You can even buy a wire fox terrier in a tan color if you’d like.
Meet Rose Camilla, an expert in the Terrier dog breed and an active writer and publisher. Camilla has been working with Terriers for over 12 years and her passion for them has only grown stronger with time. She has dedicated her life to understanding, training, and writing about Terriers.
