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The Wire Fox Terrier
By Stephanie Hetu

Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of which were first used for hunting of some sort and so came up as aggressive and lively), the Wire Fox Terrier has a reputation for scampishness. That is, the breed with the challenging personality that has been identified throughout its history as being as foxy as the fox it was once used to hunt.

Though beginning in the 15th century, it was the smooth-haired Fox Terrier was favored by the British to go to ground for small game animals, the sibling Wire Fox Terrier was right on its heels. By the 18th century, when the English made fox hunting the ideal sport, the hunt masters (the one assigned to kill the fox) chose terriers to be by their sides, though were dismayed that the terrier’s legs were too short to keep up with the foxhounds. This generated a great number of hunt kennels, where the smooth-haired Fox Terrier was bred, developed, and improved upon to meet the hunt masters’ needs and standards and where, by the mid-18th century, the Wire Fox Terrier became an improvement on the smooth.

A cross between the smooth Fox and the rough-haired Black and Tan Terrier, the Wire Fox Terrier was now brought to the hunt, too, to be used in the hunt for fox routing. With a muscular, low-to-the-ground and compact body, the Wire Fox was an energetic and game breed (by now acknowledged as a separate breed, that is) that continued as the ideal foxer for another hundred years.

Then, in the early 1900»s, the attraction to both varieties/breeds took on a very different bent: the Smooth Fox Terrier was discovered by the general American public, in the 1920’s, on the logo for a recording company label, pictured listening to “his master’s voice.” But the Wire Fox Terrier was spotted in 1934, playing the role of Asta, Nick and Nora’s impish pet in the Thin Man, and the Wire Fox Terrier personality (and reputation) was born.

The Wire Fox Terrier is still today lively, playful, and a little foxy. Full of peppery spunk and on the hunt for play at all times may, as some have decided, suggest a challenging (ahem – obstinate) way, but given its alertness, this also means the Wire Fox is a great watchdog and even better pet for kids.

In fact, the Wire Fox Terrier needs activity. So daily exercise and a small bit of space to romp are ideal elements in the Fox environment. Also ideal is an occasional bath for the wiry, broken haired coat and frequent brushing to prevent what little hair might mat–from the shedding that does occur.

The rest of the needs of the Wire Fox Terrier with staying powers that outlast the best fox and with the hardy and cocksure personality are simple if you are up to it, if you are up to the antics of a terrier breed that are always a surprise. Even to the Master.

Stephanie Hetu

Happy Terrier Dogs
The largest selection of information about terrier dogs!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Hetu
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Wire-Fox-Terrier&id=35566

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I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Terrier Lover! Until next time…

Love Your Terrier,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Get your Wire Fox Terrier Calendar for 2008 before the cute ones are all gone! Check them out here:

Wire Fox Terriers 2008 Wall Calendar Wire Fox Terriers Wall Calendar: Wire-haired Fox Terriers are alert, quick and energetic dogs. They were bred to rout small game from their dens. Playful, intelligent, and bold, these dogs go, go, go. With a fine-tuned sense of humor, the Wire Fox Terrier makes a wonderful companion, especially for active families. Those who love this lively breed will enjoy this charming Wire Fox Terriers wall calendar. Size Closed: 12″ x 12″ Size Opened: 12″ x 24″

Technorati Tags: wire fox terrier, fox terrier, smooth fox terrier, black and tan terrier, English dog, terrier, terrier breed

The Wire Fox Terrier Was Bred To Please is a post from: Terrier Lover

The rat terrier is a famed farm helper and companion. As their name implies, they were excellent ratters on farms and made fantastic hunting companions.

They are a more rare breed today because the breed died out quite a bit due to the invention of pesticides in the 20s – 40s used on farms.

They are often mistaken for a Jack Russell Terrier, although they never have a wiry coat, they are finer boned, have a more refined head, and are considerably less aggressive.

All-in-all, they are typical terriers, loving to explore and tear around the yard, but they also love to lounge around with their owners.

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Rat Terrier Dogs
By Chris Suckow

The Rat Terrier dog is an energetic spunky dog which makes it a great watchdog and family companion. Another characteristic is that Rat Terrier dogs get along well with other pets too.

The Rat Terrier dog was named by President Teddy Roosevelt. They were developed in Great Britain from a cross between Smooth Fox Terriers and the Manchester Terriers of the 1800’s. They were brought to America around 1900, and they quickly spread in popularity. In America, breeders crossed this breed again with the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Beagle to retain hunting instincts. It was also crossed with Whippets for their speed, agility, and the blue and brindle color coats.

Rat Terrier dogs are available in many colors. The most common colors are red and white, tri-spotted, solid red, and black and tan. They have a very short hair coat which is easy to groom and this breed does not tend to shed a lot. Brushing does not need to be done on a regular basis, a couple of times a month should do. Baths are also not required too frequently, a couple of times a year should suffice.

The Rat Terrier dog is a small dog standing between 14 and 24 inches and weighing 12 to 35 pounds. Although small this dog does display the toughness of most other Terrier breeds. Untrained they can be destructive and aggressive, but with proper socializing as a young dog, you can easily have a great companion.

Great Information on Rat Terrier Training

Rat Terrier dogs can be a good choice if you live in a small house or apartment. But be sure to give them enough stimulation otherwise they can develop destructive habits if not given the proper outlet for their aggression.

Rat Terrier dogs make great companions and are an excellent choice if you are looking for a dog. With their energy levels and spunkiness they are a welcome addition to any family.

Click here for more information on Rat Terrier Dogs!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Suckow
http://EzineArticles.com/?Rat-Terrier-Dogs&id=541590

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It is believed that the now extinct English White Terrier was also used in combination with the Manchester Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier and Whippet in England. After 1890, when the breed became more popular, it was crossed with a number of other breeds to increase the breed’s abilities, such as scenting, speed and compact-size. These extra breeds were likely the: Beagle, Italian Greyhound, Miniature Pinscher, and Chihuahua.

This extensive genetic diversity is the reason for the breed’s overall great health, soundness of breed and intelligence.

I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Terrier Lover. I learned a lot about this breed! Until next time…

Love Your Terrier,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Make sure you get your “very hard to find” Rat Terrier Calendar for 2008 before all of the good ones are gone! This is a great one:

Rat Terriers 2008 Wall Calendar The Rat Terrier is an American crossbreed that originated in the 19th century. These terriers were bred primarily as farming or ranching dogs that could help to eradicate vermin (namely rats), protect livestock, and chase small game animals. President Theodore Roosevelt, who named these dogs, owned several Rat Terriers himself. Inquisitive, smart, and affectionate, these dogs exude spunk and enthusiasm for play and for their loving guardians. Fans of the terrific Rat Terrier will love this wall calendar. Size Closed: 12″ x 12″ Size Opened: 12″ x 24″

Technorati Tags: rat terrier, rat terrier dogs, terrier breed, terrier, Manchester terrier, fox terrier, whippet, beagle, Italian greyhound, miniature pinscher, chihuahua, Roosevelt

Roosevelt’s Rat Terrier is a post from: Terrier Lover