Wire Toy Foxter
The Wire Toy Foxter is a cross between the Toy Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Wire Toy Foxter. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, elegant dog that combines the athleticism of a terrier with the refinement of a toy breed. Standing 8.5 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder, with 9 to 11 inches being the preferred range, these dogs typically weigh between 4 and 9 pounds. Despite their diminutive size, they possess a square, well-balanced body with athletic muscular development that speaks to their working terrier heritage. The overall appearance conveys elegance, balance, and an aristocratic bearing while maintaining the substance necessary for an active, capable small dog. The breed's coat is a distinguishing feature, being short, satiny, shiny, and fine in texture with a smooth feel. The hair lies close to the body and may be slightly longer at the ruff area around the neck and shoulders. The underline, inside of front legs, and lower portions of back legs are covered with at least a thin coat of hair. Several color patterns are recognized, with white being the predominating body color in all cases. The tricolor pattern features a black head with tan markings at the cheeks, lips, and eye dots, with white body. White and tan, white and black, and white with chocolate and tan are also acceptable patterns. The head is elegant and expressive, with a round skull that is moderately wide and slightly rounded. Large, erect V-shaped ears are set high and close together, giving the breed its characteristic alert expression. The eyes are round, dark, and clear, conveying intelligence and interest in surroundings. The muzzle is strong and rather pointed, equal in length to the skull when viewed from the side. The nose is black in most color varieties, though self-colored noses are acceptable in chocolate dogs. The body features a level topline with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs. The tail is set high, held erect, and traditionally docked to three-fifths of original length, adding to the breed's confident, spirited appearance.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Toy Fox Terriers make excellent watchdogs, alerting owners to any unusual activity with their naturally vocal nature. They can be protective and may display wariness toward strangers, though early socialization helps develop confident, well-adjusted adults. These dogs retain strong prey drive from their ratting ancestors and may chase smaller animals. They can get along with other pets when raised together but may attempt to dominate larger dogs. Due to their small, delicate build, they are best suited for families with older children who understand how to handle them gently. Younger children may accidentally injure these fragile dogs during rough play, and the breed may snap if handled too roughly.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Von Willebrand's disease, a blood clotting disorder, has been documented in the breed and can cause excessive bleeding during injuries or surgery. Congenital hypothyroidism with goiter is a condition specific to Toy Fox Terriers that affects thyroid development and function from birth. Spinocerebellar ataxia causes progressive neurological deterioration affecting coordination and balance. Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord disease, can affect older dogs. Dental problems are common due to their small mouths, requiring regular dental care to prevent periodontal disease. Hypoglycemia can be a concern, especially in puppies and small adults, making regular feeding schedules essential. Some individuals may experience food sensitivities, particularly to corn, wheat, and common fillers in commercial dog foods.
Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog with a square-proportioned, athletic build that reflects its heritage as an agile hunting companion developed in the British Isles during the 1700s. Males typically stand around 15 to 15.5 inches at the withers, while females are slightly smaller. Weight ranges from 17 to 19 pounds for males and 15 to 17 pounds for females, creating a compact yet sturdy frame built for both speed and endurance. The body is well-balanced with a level topline and a deep, narrow chest that allowed ancestors to pursue foxes into underground dens and bolt them into the open for mounted hunters. The legs are straight and muscular, providing the power needed for quick bursts of speed and sustained activity in the field. The breed's most distinctive feature is its dense, wiry double coat, which consists of a harsh outer layer and a soft, insulating undercoat that provides excellent weather protection. The coat should be approximately three-quarters to one inch in length, with hair that may appear slightly crinkly but never curly. This unique texture provides excellent protection against rough terrain and adverse weather conditions encountered during hunting. The predominant color is white, typically covering at least half the body, with black and tan markings commonly appearing on the head and saddle area. Colors such as brindle, red, liver, and slate blue are considered objectionable by breed standards and are not permitted in show competition. The head is long and wedge-shaped with a flat skull that narrows slightly toward the eyes, creating the elegant profile characteristic of the breed. Small, V-shaped button ears fold forward close to the cheeks, giving the face an alert, intelligent expression. The eyes are dark, small, and oval-shaped, conveying intelligence and keen awareness of surroundings. A strong jaw contains a perfect scissors bite, and the nose is always black. The tail is traditionally docked to approximately three-quarters of its original length and carried erect, adding to the breed's confident, spirited appearance that has made it a consistent winner in the show ring, having won more Best in Show awards at Westminster than any other breed.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament These terriers have high energy levels requiring one to two hours of daily exercise to maintain physical and mental well-being. They make excellent companions for older children who can match their enthusiasm for play, though they may be too rambunctious for very young children. Male Wire Fox Terriers can display dog-selective behavior, particularly toward other males, and their strong prey drive may cause them to chase smaller animals. Early socialization is essential to develop well-rounded adult dogs. Despite their independent streak, they thrive on human companionship and do not do well when left alone for extended periods, often becoming vocal to express their displeasure.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Additional health concerns include hip dysplasia, though less common than in larger breeds, Von Willebrand's disease affecting blood clotting, epilepsy, dental problems due to their small jaw structure, cataracts, wobbler syndrome, and tracheal collapse. Regular veterinary checkups, maintaining a healthy weight, and genetic testing of breeding stock can help minimize these risks. The wiry coat requires regular grooming, including hand-stripping several times yearly to maintain proper texture, though this does not affect health. Their low-shedding coat makes them suitable for some allergy sufferers, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
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 Toy Foxter 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 Toy Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.