Gala Wire Fox Terriers
I began my dog show career in the late 1960's showing Airedale Terriers. It was short lived, but long enough to plant the seed. In the late 90's I got the bug again and decided on the dog of my childhood....the Wire Fox Terrier. My search for a show Wire eventually led me to the late Ray and Virginia Splawn of the famous Wyrequest Kennels in Spokane, WA. The first Wire I got from them was Holli. Her show career was very brief and the Splawns decided to give me a better Wire to show. Thus I got Taffy. I showed Taffy for many years. Her vocal abilities in the ring led to her down fall and retirement. She was an educational learning experience, both in grooming and handling. Along came Augie. He has had a wonderful run in the ring and produced his beautiful daughter, Poppy. I will be forever in debt to the Splawns for these wonderful little dogs who have brought us so much love and entertainment. I would also like to thank the members of the Fox Terrier Club of Northern California who encouraged and mentored me. I could not have made it without the help of friends.
The Fox Terrier is a loving, exuberant dog that originated in England in the 1500's. By the 1800's the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier began taking on their own look, but it was not until 1876 that the Smooth and Wire Varieties had separate studbooks in England. They were bred for fox hunting and were carried in the saddlebags of hunters and then put to ground after the foxhounds had chased the prey under ground. Fox Terriers came to the United States in the mid 1800's and became a favorite and much sought after dog. The American Fox Terrier Club formed in 1875, was the second breed specialty club formed in the United States and the first specialty club to become a member of the AKC in 1888. In 1985 the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers were divided into two breeds in the United States. The breed standard calls for the Wire to be 15 1/2" at the shoulder and 18 pounds and have a hard wiry coat. They can be tri-colored (white, black, tan) or ginger (white and tan).
Today the beloved Wire Fox Terrier is a loving, intelligent, watchdog, hunter and companion. They are playful with children, snuggly with the elderly, and a devoted friend to all. They are often called the BIG dog in a little body.
Currently member of The American Fox Terrier Club, Wire Fox Terrier Club of the Central States, Fox Terrier Club of Northern California, and Black Mountain Kennel Club.
Owner: Judy Shoup