If you watched the 2014 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, then you know that a Wire Fox Terrier named Sky won Best in Show.  Here's a little more info on Sky's breed.

Wire Fox Terriers are an old English breed, first recognized by the AKC in 1885 and placed in the terrier group (note that not all breeds with terrier in the name belong to the terrier group).  They were developed in the British Isles in the 17th century.  Until 1984, Wire Fox Terriers and Smooth Fox Terriers were considered the same breed.  They were even bred together until the early 1900's.  That is no longer the case and the two are now separate breeds.

Wire Fox Terriers, like many terriers, have endless energy and are always ready for adventure.  They're original purpose was to 'go to ground' to chase small game from their dens.  Most are now kept as companions, but still need plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble!  They're often known as diggers, so providing something like a sandbox as an appropriate digging area would be advisable.  It may save your gardens!  Another outlet for this breed's energy is on the agility course.

Wire Fox Terriers have a rough coat which sheds minimally.  Those that are shown often have their coat hand stripped as it grows to preserve the colors and glossiness of the coat.  Pet owners of the breed prefer to have a groom clip the coat when it becomes too long.  This bred is known to be hypoallergenic.

These spunky dogs weigh in at 15-20 pounds and stand about 15 inches tall.  Their average lifespan is 15 years.  Health concerns for this breed include epilepsy, mast cell tumors, and cataracts.

For more information on the Wire Fox Terrier, go to www.akc.org.