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Welsh Wire Fox Terrier |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Great Britain -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen | |
This breed is also known as |
Wirelesh Terrier
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A brief presentation of the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier |
| The Welsh Wire Fox Terrier, also known as the Wirelesh Terrier or Weewire if you're feeling adventurous, is a hybrid dog breed resulting from the mixing of Welsh Terrier and Fox Terrier Wire. Hunting is in the Wirelesh's DNA, and these dogs often go after small creatures like birds, rabbits or even cats. In other words, Welsh Wire Fox Terriers have a respectable amount of energy and an impressive innate hunting instinct. So these dogs are not for the faint-hearted or the weak-legged. To own a Welsh Wire Fox Terrier is to engage in hunting; even if you don't hunt foxes or badgers, you'll probably be hunting your own Welsh Wire Fox Terrier, as these dogs are used to wandering and getting restless. Find a safe, healthy and constructive way to put your Wirelesh to sleep and you'll have a beautiful, friendly companion by your side. |
History of the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier |
| As with almost all designer dogs, the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier is an emerging breed, relatively new to the scene and with no history behind it. It was undoubtedly bred in an attempt to combine the best qualities of the Welsh Terrier and the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier, and these attempts probably began in the late 1900s, but the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier is otherwise steeped in mystery. The Welsh Terrier's past, however, is less mysterious and can offer valuable insights into the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier's current disposition. Loyalty, courage and a well-known hunting instinct are characteristics of both the Weewire's parents. Although the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier is not as well known as its ancestors, the instincts passed on to it will certainly help it earn its place in the canine kingdom. Designer breeds are created in the hope of combining the best traits that two great breeds are capable of offering. The Welsh Wire Fox Terrier is well equipped to leave its mark on the annals of history. |
A little of the Welsh Terrier |
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| Although the history of the Welsh Terrier is poorly documented, it is thought to have originated in the late 1700s as a relative of the now extinct English Black and Tan Terrier, but the earliest written records date back to 1450. As such, it is not only considered one of the UK's oldest surviving breeds, but is also one of only two breeds thought to have originated in Wales. Originally bred by farmers to hunt and clear their land of otters, foxes, badgers and other small to medium-sized prey, their courageous character is still evident today. In the late 1800s, the breed was finally recognized by the English Kennel Club and, in 1900, the Welsh Terrier Club of America was founded. Although generally a highly recognizable breed thanks to its coat color and gait, it is considered an endangered breed, as only a few hundred dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club each year. | ||
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| Standard of the Welsh Terrier |
A little of the Fox Terrier Wire |
| Although the Fox Terrier Wire has been registered and exhibited alongside the Fox Terrier Smoothhair for over a century in the USA, most experts now believe that the two have very different origins. While the Smooth Fox Terrier was a mix of several dogs, including the Beagle, Greyhound, Bull Terrier and Smooth Black and Tan Terrier, the Fox Terrier Wire was more directly descended from the now extinct Rough Coated Black and Tan Terriers of Derbyshire, Durham and Wales. In 1866, a dog named Old Tip became the first officially registered Fox Terrier Wire, and most modern Fox Terrier Wire can trace their heritage back to him in one way or another. The Fox Terrier Smooth has often been incorporated into the Fox Terrier Wire heritage, giving it a lighter coat, a more classic silhouette and a cleaner head. |
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| Standard of the Fox Terrier Wire |
Appearance of the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier |
| The Welsh Wire Fox Terrier is a shaggy-looking dog, often sporting the same brown and red hues as the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier, as well as the same loose, curly coat as most Welsh Terriers. The Welsh Wire Fox Terrier doesn't have the same tapered profile as the Fox Terrier Wire, but its head is just as slim and pointed. He has two floppy ears and two bright brown eyes to make him as adorable as possible. He has an innocent appearance that betrays a little of his hunting heritage. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, however, as the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier's unassuming appearance will allow people and other dogs to approach it without negative preconceptions, allowing them to take full advantage of the Weewire's friendly nature. |
Temperament of the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier |
| Given that both parents of the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier are born hunters, the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier is likely to be more hyperactive and wired than most other breeds of dog, including other members of the Terrier family. The Welsh Wire Fox Terrier can learn to behave well with children and other dogs, but will need a watchful eye at all times. Welsh Wire Fox Terriers are very friendly creatures, but they can also play a little too hard for some people's taste. The Welsh Wire Fox Terrier isn't what you'd call a stay-at-home dog either; it has hunting in its blood and isn't the kind of dog to hang around the house and adorn the floor like a rug. If you're buying or breeding a Welsh Wire Fox Terrier, prepare to have your hands full with these frenetic furballs. |
Needs and activities of the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier |
| The Welsh Wire Fox Terrier is a lively dog with a lot of energy to burn. A 45-minute exercise session usually does the trick, but hybrid dogs like the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier often need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. As for weekly goals for the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier, try to aim for a cumulative walking distance of 10 kilometers per week. Fox Terrier Wires and Welsh Terriers were bred to hunt and run around. The Weewire's energy level will therefore be somewhere between that of its two parents. |
Maintenance of the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier |
| Being a hybrid of the Fox Terrier Wire and the Welsh Terrier, the coat of the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier will need to be treated with a combination of tools and methods that would be used for either of its parents. Combs, long-haired brushes and nail clippers will be your default tools, but you may also need to keep a brushcutter handy if you find that your Welsh Wire Fox Terrier has retained the shedding propensity of its Welsh Terrier parent. Both parents of the Welsh Wire Fox Terrier have rough, fairly dense coats, so your hybrid dog will probably be adorned with a multitude of silky hairs. To keep this coat healthy and strong, weekly grooming sessions will be necessary to make your Welsh Wire Fox Terrier's coat shine. As with all dogs, manual nail trimming should only be carried out by an experienced and confident owner. Otherwise, enlisting the help of professional dog groomers will save you and your Wirelesh a lot of pain and misery. |
English (United Kingdom)