Wire Foxie Doxie
The Wire Foxie Doxie is a cross between the Wire Fox Terrier and the Dachshund. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Wire Foxie Doxie. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog that presents a sturdy, balanced, and athletic appearance. Males typically stand around 15 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 17 and 19 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 14 inches and 15 to 17 pounds. The breed possesses a square-looking head that is flat on top with a moderately narrow skull that tapers slightly toward the eyes. Their dark, round eyes are set deep and express an alert, intelligent, and sometimes fiery demeanor. The small V-shaped ears fold forward close to the cheeks, adding to their keen expression. The most distinctive feature of the Wire Fox Terrier is its dense, wiry double coat. The outer coat is harsh and crinkly in texture, standing off the body and providing protection from rough terrain and harsh weather. Beneath this is a softer, shorter undercoat. The coat is predominantly white with black or tan markings, often featuring a black saddle pattern on the back. The facial furnishings include a distinctive beard and bushy eyebrows that give the breed its characteristically scruffy appearance. Coat length averages three-quarters to one inch on the shoulders and neck, lengthening to about one and a half inches on the withers, back, ribs, and hindquarters. The body structure reflects the breed's working heritage as a fox hunting companion. The chest is deep but not overly broad, with moderately arched front ribs that taper toward the loin. The back is short and level, with strong, muscular hindquarters that provide power and agility. The legs are straight and well-boned, with compact, round feet featuring well-arched toes. The tail is traditionally docked and carried high, though never curled over the back. Their movement is characterized by good reach and drive, with a confident, ground-covering stride that demonstrates their athletic capabilities.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Training a Wire Fox Terrier requires patience, consistency, and a sense of humor. While highly intelligent and capable of learning quickly, they can also be willful and may test boundaries. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods with varied training sessions that keep their active minds engaged. Early socialization is essential to help channel their natural boldness appropriately. Wire Fox Terriers are also notably vocal dogs, using their loud, sharp bark to communicate, a trait that served them well in their hunting days but requires management in modern living situations. They are natural diggers and may pursue underground vermin with great enthusiasm if given the opportunity.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Other health concerns include patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, and various eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. The breed may also be prone to certain cardiac conditions, dental abnormalities including malocclusions, and some individuals may experience deafness or epilepsy. Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs of this breed. Regular veterinary checkups, maintaining a healthy weight, providing appropriate exercise, and staying current on preventive care are essential for supporting the long-term health of Wire Fox Terriers. When considering anesthesia for any procedure, it is worth noting that this breed generally tolerates it well, though standard precautions should always be observed.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is instantly recognizable by its distinctive long, low-slung body and short, muscular legs, a conformation that earned it the affectionate nicknames sausage dog and wiener dog. This unique build was purposefully developed for the breed's original function of hunting badgers, allowing them to enter burrows and navigate underground tunnels. Standard Dachshunds typically weigh between 16 and 32 pounds, while Miniatures weigh 11 pounds and under at maturity. Both sizes stand under nine inches at the shoulder, though there is no official height standard. The body is elongated and well-muscled, with a prominent breastbone and a topline that lies straight between the withers and the slightly arched loin. The Dachshund's head is elongated with a tapered muzzle and a slightly arched skull. Their almond-shaped eyes are dark and lustrous, conveying an intelligent and alert expression. The long, rounded ears hang close to the cheeks, framing the face beautifully. The breed comes in three distinct coat varieties, each with its own grooming requirements and historical purpose. The Smooth variety has a short, shiny coat that lies close to the body. The Longhaired variety features sleek, slightly wavy hair that is longer under the neck, on the chest, behind the legs, and on the ears. The Wirehaired variety has a dense, rough outer coat with a softer undercoat, along with a distinctive beard and eyebrows. Dachshunds display an impressive array of colors and patterns. Solid colors include red and cream, while two-color combinations feature black, chocolate, wild boar, blue, or fawn with tan or cream markings. Patterns include dapple, characterized by lighter areas contrasting against the base color, brindle with dark stripes, and piebald with patches of white. The curved forelegs create a distinctive stance, with the feet turning slightly outward, designed to provide leverage for digging. The tail extends straight from the spine, carried in line with the back. Their movement is fluid and ground-covering, with good reach and drive despite their short stature.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Training a Dachshund requires patience and consistency, as their independent nature and hunting instincts can make them challenging to motivate. They are highly intelligent and capable of learning but may choose when to comply based on their own assessment of the situation. Positive reinforcement methods work best, with food being a particularly effective motivator for this food-loving breed. Early socialization is essential to help prevent the wariness of strangers that some Dachshunds develop. Their strong prey drive means they may chase small animals, and their instinct to dig is deeply ingrained. They can be vocal dogs, using barking to communicate, and may be territorial around their home and possessions.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Dachshunds typically enjoy a lifespan of 12 to 16 years with proper care, with some living into their late teens or even early twenties. Obesity is a significant concern as it exacerbates spinal problems, joint issues, and can lead to diabetes and heart disease. Color Dilution Alopecia can affect Dachshunds with dilute coat colors like blue or Isabella, causing hair loss and skin issues. The breed may also be prone to dental problems due to their long muzzles, epilepsy, Cushing's disease, and various skin conditions including allergies. Regular veterinary care, appropriate exercise that avoids spinal strain, weight management, and attention to dental health are essential for maintaining the health and longevity of this beloved breed.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Wire Foxie Doxie may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Wire Fox Terrier and Dachshund to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.