Wire Fox Terrier vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Both English Water Spaniel and Wire Fox Terrier are originated from United Kingdom. English Water Spaniel may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than Wire Fox Terrier. English Water Spaniel may weigh 11 kg / 25 pounds more than Wire Fox Terrier. Both English Water Spaniel and Wire Fox Terrier has almost same life span. Both English Water Spaniel and Wire Fox Terrier has almost same litter size. English Water Spaniel requires Low Maintenance. But Wire Fox Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
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United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
49 - 51 cm
19 - 21 inches
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
Height Female:
45 - 47 cm
17 - 19 inches
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
2 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Water Dog, Water Rug
None
Colors Available:
liver and white
black and tan, White
Coat:
dense, waterproof, doublecoated
Medium length, wiry
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The English Water Spaniel breed is extinct and has been since the early 1900’s. It was last seen in the 1930s. The breed was a hunting breed, diving for duck and hunting other waterfowl. Legend has it that Shakespeare was referring to this breed of dog in Macbeth when he refers to the “water rug”. Again, in Two Gentlemen of Verona one of the character states about another that “She hath more qualities than a water-spaniel.’

The English Water Spaniel came along before the Irish Water Spaniel and had a part in the development the Curly Coated Retriever, the American Water Spaniel and the Field Spaniel. The English Water Spaniel looks somewhat like a Poodle/Springer Spaniel cross or a Collie. It is not known whether the English Water Spaniel was part of the development of the Irish Water Spaniel.

When the English Water Spaniel was first developed the UKC had a “Water Spaniels other than Irish” and the English Water Spaniel had no standard written and accepted for it yet. But by 1967 the breed was extinct. Still the American Water Spaniel and the Flat Coated Retriever are believed to be descendants of the English Water Spaniel.

wire fox terrierThe wire fox terrier was developed in England by fox hunting enthusiasts. They wanted a feisty dog that could chase foxes down their burrows.

It is thought that the dog descended from the rough-coated black and tan working terriers of Wales.

The dog wasn’t popular as a pet until the 1930s when its appearance in certain films gave it a popularity-boost.

Description

Resembling the Springer Spaniel, poodle, collie and setter the English Water Spaniel has very little in common with the Irish Water Spaniel in respect to looks. The English has a narrow and somewhat longer head their than other spaniels and they have long furry ears. Their body is stout, and they are shaped like a barrel – more like a Clumber. With long legs and large feet, it is ready to take to the hunt. There coat was waterproof, and their toes were webbed.

wire fox terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wire Fox Terrier is a sturdy, medium-sized dog that weighs between 7 and 9kg and stands between 35 and 39cm at the withers.

The dog’s double coat is essentially white with brown or tan markings and can be medium length and wiry, tending to be curly too.

He is a light shedder. The face is long, without much shape and eyes appear to be fairly close together. The ears are fairly small and they fold forward toward the cheeks. The tail is docked and is held high.

Temperament:

This really is an intelligent dog and can’t tolerate being bored. It’s essentially a companion dog too and doesn't want to be separated from his owners for too long.

As a companion dog he is going to want a lot of attention. They’re independent and strong-willed and will benefit from training and socialization.

They are great around children but they do need to be supervised as they are inclined to nip, especially when highly excited. They also bark quite a bit and the owner might have to do something to stop this yapping, especially when the dog is bored.

Characteristics

The English Water Spaniel was aloof with strangers but loyal with his hunter. He was a little stubborn and an excellent water dog. They loved being in the water and could enter it without making any noise so as not to frighten his prey. He was highly intelligent and trainable. He also was very affectionate with his people.

wire fox terrier dog - characteristicsThe Wire Fox Terrier is such a canine friend, ready to be with you no matter what you’re doing. They are social dogs and love being involved with their human companions.

He is independent but still social and enthusiastic and you can describe him as the ideal family dog.

He is a bundle of energy, and when you bring him into your home, you’re going to get a family member who is playful, joyful, loving and loyal – your very best friend.

Health Problems

The English Water Spaniel is a fairly healthy breed given to some fairly common disorders such as:

Hip Dysplasia

Can lead to lameness and arthritis

Cardiac abnormalities

Arterial fib and flutter and other problems that could lead to death.

Degenerative Myelopathy

This is a disease seem in several “Dwarf” breeds such as Corgis, as well as in many spaniels. This is the canine version of Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS and it is fatal.

wire fox terrier puppies - health problemsThese are healthy dogs, and if you get your dog from a responsible breeder, he will have been checked for health conditions such as cataracts, hip dysplasia, and luxating patellas.

Cataracts:

Cataracts are a problem with the lens of the eye. The lens focuses light and it should be crystal clear. A cataract obscures vision. Sometimes the cataract can be very small but other times it can grow to the size of the lens and then it can cause blindness.

Most times, dogs with cataracts can still see, and even though a dog may experience some confusion with a cataract, they don’t hurt the dog. They don’t go away on their own and will need to be removed surgically. If you see your dog has a cataract, consult your vet to get their opinion on the matter.

Allergies:

Your dog may be licking and scratching a lot and it may just be that your dog has a frustrating and irritating skin problem. This itching isn’t a disease but rather a cause of some disease.

There could be so many things that are causing your pet to scratch and it could be a skin disease, parasites or allergies. It can be terrible seeing the frustration it causes your pet and he will certainly need to see the vet.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

The English Water Spaniel is not an overly energetic dog and has a tendency to over eat. Feed him 1 to 1.5 cups of high quality dry dog food over two meals each day.

Health issues

In addition to the health issues mentioned earlier, the English Water Spaniel is also prone to:

Baldness

Pattern baldness – is genetic and occurs on the neck and back of the hind legs.

Cataracts

English Water Spaniels can have these in old age like most other breeds.

Retinal Dysplasia

Clumps form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness

Exercise and games

The English Water Spaniel was a worker and an outdoor athlete at a time before organized canine games and activities such as agility and flyball. They loved to swim, and they loved to hunt. Without a job to do they could become barky and destructive.

Grooming:

wire fox terrier dogs - caringThis dog will need to be brushed regularly. Some people hand-strip their dogs. Most people prefer just to take their pets to a professional groomer to have them professionally clipped. The groomers will simultaneously clip his nails, clean the inside of his ears and also clean his teeth.

Diet:

The Wire Fox Terrier will expect you to supply him with high-quality dog food if you opt to use commercially manufactured dog food. These foods can be wonderfully convenient but you want the food to be packed with natural ingredients and be high in vitamins and minerals.

Any diet should also be appropriate to the dog’s age, his size, and his activity levels. Some homemade foods can also be a treat but this needs to be simple with no heavy spicing. Things such as boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables can be an excellent choice.

Cool, fresh water should be available at all times.

Comparison with other breeds

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  30. Wire Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Wire Fox Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Wire Fox Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
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  34. Wire Fox Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Wire Fox Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Wire Fox Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Wire Fox Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Wire Fox Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Wire Fox Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Wire Fox Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Wire Fox Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Wire Fox Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Wire Fox Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Wire Fox Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Wire Fox Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Wire Fox Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Wire Fox Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Wire Fox Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Wire Fox Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Wire Fox Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison