OscarSophie
Member
Are there any wirefox terriers around? I have two. Would just like to hear about others and share experiences
Wirefox terriers
- Thread starter OscarSophie
- Start date
Lots of Gift Bags
HHOSS Wonder Woman
They seem to be very much out of fashion these days. My MIL used to have them but that was post war. I've met one who lives round here, but I don't think I'd recognise the breed as we so rarely see them, such a shame when a breed goes out of fashion.
OscarSophie
Member
there are a few here, but not many. I always loved the look of them and searched for a breeder. Again, not many. I do love them, but they are very strong terriers and I’d love to swap stories.
Lots of Gift Bags
HHOSS Wonder Woman
I think we need pictures of your two!
Tinkerbee
Well-Known Member
I've always wanted one (big Tintin fan, although snowy is perhaps a smooth?) but prices were astronomical 3 years ago when I was looking. Definitely a contender for next dog though. We need pics!
OscarSophie
Member
I’ll post some pics when I work out how lol.
I had a pure white one called snowy, but sadly she got cancer and had to be put to sleep. I truly broke my heart. I got Sophie a few weeks later and she has been an angel. So affectionate and so feisty at the same time. you might regret asking me for pics by the way!
I had a pure white one called snowy, but sadly she got cancer and had to be put to sleep. I truly broke my heart. I got Sophie a few weeks later and she has been an angel. So affectionate and so feisty at the same time. you might regret asking me for pics by the way!
rextherobber
Well-Known Member
Same! Although I met one with it's person the other day out dogwalking, and she said the reason you see so few is because they are utter b******'s!
Rowreach
Adjusting my sails
I used to breed them, which was a challenge in itself. They used to be popular as an "old lady's dog", probably because they aren't very keen on other dogs, or cats, or children, on the whole. They also have lots of breed specific health issues, which also accounts for the drop in popularity.
Get a good one and they are a cracking little dog to have though.
Most people remember them in the form of those push along toys on Bargain Hunt.
Get a good one and they are a cracking little dog to have though.
Most people remember them in the form of those push along toys on Bargain Hunt.
Squeak
Well-Known Member
I have one 
She is the most delightful, easy going dog. Loves dogs, children and everyone. Can be a complete clown and loves making people laugh, is always in the middle of anything that is going on and always up for a game. Rarely leaves my side, although recall = 0!
She is the most delightful, easy going dog. Loves dogs, children and everyone. Can be a complete clown and loves making people laugh, is always in the middle of anything that is going on and always up for a game. Rarely leaves my side, although recall = 0!
Squeak
Well-Known Member
RR, that's interesting, most things I've seen from the Kennel Club and WFTA etc have said the opposite re health issues. Was this a while ago and they've maybe managed to improve the breed again?
People ALWAYS say to me about the push along toys when they see her.
Rowreach
Adjusting my sails
I suppose it's possible that with fewer stud animals about they may have done, but they are prone to skin and ear problems, and issues with whelping too. They are most known for skeletal disorders (although this can and should be tested for to avoid breeding it on) and epilepsy. The epilepsy thing may also explain some of the temperamental problems associated with the breed.
It's lovely to hear you have a great one, they are absolutely fabulous when you get a good one.
Squeak
Well-Known Member
That's really interesting. I think the skin problems are still there - The WFTA published a paper on it earlier this year mentioning it as a problem but their health check results didn't mention the others - great if it is that they've managed to breed it out - I agree that if they have it could well be linked to fewer of them being bred recently.
OscarSophie
Member
Sophie and oscar.
I don’t seem to be able to attach pics from my photo library for some reason. I’ll keep trying. There are about 4 other terriers in my neighbourhood, but two of them were bought because they saw mine. The males seem to be the most troublesome. They are very prey driven so will chase and disappear when off lead. Not reliable on recall. My little female always stays in eyesight and comes back on demand though I do give her a treat which helps .
I had a lot of trouble with my male dog in year 2 due to serious liver/ bile duct disorder. It’s sorted now but he needs a very expensive diet. Nothing poor quality. They demand a lot of attention and exercise, but it’s worth it to see the fun (naughtiness) they get up to. Also, they love children
I don’t seem to be able to attach pics from my photo library for some reason. I’ll keep trying. There are about 4 other terriers in my neighbourhood, but two of them were bought because they saw mine. The males seem to be the most troublesome. They are very prey driven so will chase and disappear when off lead. Not reliable on recall. My little female always stays in eyesight and comes back on demand though I do give her a treat which helps .
I had a lot of trouble with my male dog in year 2 due to serious liver/ bile duct disorder. It’s sorted now but he needs a very expensive diet. Nothing poor quality. They demand a lot of attention and exercise, but it’s worth it to see the fun (naughtiness) they get up to. Also, they love children
palo1
Well-Known Member
All of the WFT I have met seem lovely, if somewhat aloof with strangers. I adore the smooth FTs as well and they were definately on my list of possibles until I met the Irish Terrier!! The Irish are bigger than the WFTs and seem even more clown-like. My daughter would love a WFT though
The Irish are bigger than the WFTs and seem even more clown-like. My daughter would love a WFT though Skib
Well-Known Member
In the 1930s wire haired fox terriers were fashionable. My father who lived in London was given one, possibly as a wedding present by country friends who mostly kept beagles. His honeymoon pics from 1938 show my mother with this dog who was called Bill William and there are many pics of me as a toddler playing with Bill.
I loved that dog dearly. And will see if I can post a pic from my phone.
I loved that dog dearly. And will see if I can post a pic from my phone.
Skib
Well-Known Member
Squeak
Well-Known Member
All of the WFT I have met seem lovely, if somewhat aloof with strangers. I adore the smooth FTs as well and they were definately on my list of possibles until I met the Irish Terrier!!
There are a couple of lovely Irish Terriers around here. When she was younger my WFT would be happy to smother anyone with affection but she has got more aloof with strangers as she's got older. She's not funny with them or anything, she's just not ecstatically pleased to see any person like she used to be.
Squeak
Well-Known Member
Lovely dog. I always think mine would be a perfect child's dog. She'd be perfectly happy to be dressed up and pushed around in a pushchair or something making her equally ridiculous and wouldn't take offence about any accidental rough handling etc.
rabatsa
Confuddled
My first dog was Peggy, a WFT. The vet brought her to us after he was given her to pts after having three cesaeans. He cleared it with the breeder who was happy for her to go to a pet home. She was great with us children.
L&M
Well-Known Member
We have a smooth - never realised how rare they are now, and rarely see litters advertised. The smooths seem to have less health issues and more friendly to other dogs/strangers etc in my limited experience, but love the look of the wires.
A good friend breeds wires and always has a waiting list so possibly not as 'out of fashion' as people think?
A good friend breeds wires and always has a waiting list so possibly not as 'out of fashion' as people think?
PinkvSantaboots
Well-Known Member
I had one the of the push along dogs I was obsessed with it and it was almost completely bald and was so old but I wouldn't let my mum throw it away, I used to sit on it like a horse lol!
palo1
Well-Known Member
Wow! I adore the smooth FTs though they are really hard to find (even harder to find than an Irish). A elderly neighbour of mine has one though and I love the fact that he told me that he still hasn't told his wife how much his beloved girl cost him 14 years ago but that it was the best money ever spent.
I feel the same about my Irish though (And I haven't told my OH the cost of mine either!!)tda
Well-Known Member
Our friends have a fox terrier, he is kooky and a bit bonkers, but a lovely family dog. ?
OscarSophie
Member
my wee Sophie. 10and a half now.