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The Wirehaired Fox Terrier probably descended from the rough-coated Black and Tan Terrier. Like the Smooth, the Wirehaired was a hunt terrier whose job it was to go to ground and rout out the fox. This is an active, smart-looking breed measuring no more than 15.5 inches at the shoulder, identical in all respects to the Smooth except for coat, which must be hard and wiry. Asta, the little dog of the "Thin Man" movies, did much to popularize the breed. Wire Fox Terriers are loaded with pep and personality and should have a good exercise area outdoors. The breed is a good watchdog, fond of children and always ready for a game. The coat, which is predominantly white with black, tan or ginger markings, needs special treatment to keep its tailored look. For pets, regular machine clipping to shape is the easiest way to groom the coat. But if you're a purist willing to accept the challenge, hand plucking about four times a year is the only way to retain correct coat texture.

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