Enjoy this guide and overview with a lot of tips for new and existing owners of Wire Foodle dogs.

A Wire Foodle, also known as a Wirepoo or Wiredoodle, is a lovely mix of a Wire Fox Terrier and a Poodle.

History of Wire Foodle Dogs

The Wire Fox Terrier, the non-Poodle parent of the Wire Foodle, boasts a rich history that begins in 19th-century England. Bred primarily for fox bolting during hunts, these energetic terriers were prized for their tenacity, courage, and sharp instincts. Their wiry coats provided protection as they navigated through thickets and brambles in pursuit of game.

They are well-liked both in the field and in the show ring thanks to their distinctive appearance, which features a predominantly white coat with black or tan markings. As adept hunters, Wire Fox Terriers possess an incredible amount of stamina and an insatiable desire to dig and explore.

The creation of the Wire Foodle stems from a desire to blend the Wire Fox Terrier’s spirited personality and robust health with the hypoallergenic qualities and intelligence of the Poodle. The goal was to produce a dog with a more predictable coat, suited for those with allergies, without sacrificing the vigor and companionable nature of the Terrier.

The Wire Foodle began to gain popularity as part of the Doodle trend, which started in the late 20th century with the Labradoodle. As with other Doodle breeds, the Wire Foodle was an attempt to achieve “designer dog” status, offering the best of both breeds in terms of temperament, appearance, and reduced shedding.

Each Wire Foodle carries a unique blend of the physical and behavioral traits of its parents, meaning that no two Wire Foodles are entirely alike. Their story is still being written as these delightful hybrids continue to charm their way into the hearts of dog lovers around the world.

Selecting a Wire Foodle Dog

Living Environment: Wire Foodles can adapt to various living situations but do best in homes where they have space to explore and play. They can live in apartments if their exercise needs are met, but they thrive in homes with yards.

Allergy Considerations: While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, Wire Foodles may be suitable for some people with allergies due to the Poodle’s influence on their coat. However, potential owners with allergies should spend time with the breed before making a decision.

Coat Maintenance: The coat of a Wire Foodle can vary, but it often takes after the wiry coat of the Wire Fox Terrier and the curly coat of the Poodle. This means they can have a range of coat types, from wavy to curly, which might require regular grooming. Owners should plan for routine brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every few months.

Temperament: Wire Foodles may inherit the Terrier’s prey drive and the Poodle’s intelligence, making them quick learners but sometimes stubborn. They do well with consistent, positive reinforcement training methods. New owners should be prepared to engage in regular training sessions.

Social Needs: The Wire Foodle will likely be very sociable, inheriting the friendly Poodle demeanor and the fearless Terrier spirit. They often do well with children and other pets if socialized from an early age. Future owners should be prepared to provide ample social interaction.

Health Screenings: As with any breed, prospective owners should ensure that the puppy’s parents have been screened for common genetic health issues. This could include tests for possible eye conditions or other inheritable diseases common to Wire Fox Terriers and Poodles.

Exercise Requirements: Wire Foodles are likely to inherit the high energy levels from both the Wire Fox Terrier and the Poodle. They typically require a good deal of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Prospective owners should be prepared to provide daily walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation.

Size and Lifespan of Wire Foodles

A Wire Foodle is small to medium in size. On average, you can expect them to weigh anywhere from 20 to 30 pounds. As for height, they typically range from 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder.

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The lifespan of a Wire Foodle can generally be anticipated to be around 12 to 15 years, although some can live longer with proper care.

Health and Maintenance of Wire Foodle Dogs

Health: The Wire Foodle is a relatively healthy breed, but they can inherit health issues prevalent in either parent breed. Prospective owners should be aware of the following specific health concerns:

1. Skin Conditions: The Wire Fox Terrier is prone to various skin issues, such as allergies and dermatitis, which could be passed down to the Wire Foodle. Regular checks and proper grooming can help manage these conditions.
2. Hip Dysplasia: A common ailment in Poodles, particularly the larger Standard variety, hip dysplasia can also affect the Wire Foodle. Weight management and appropriate exercise can mitigate the risk or impact of this condition.
3. Eye Disorders: Both parent breeds can suffer from eye conditions like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular veterinary eye examinations are important for early detection and treatment.
4. Patellar Luxation: The dislocation of the kneecap, known as patellar luxation, is seen in many small to medium-sized dog breeds, including the Wire Fox Terrier. This can also be a concern for the Wire Foodle.
5. Addison’s Disease: Poodles are particularly susceptible to Addison’s disease, a serious endocrine disorder that can also affect the Wire Foodle. Symptoms can be subtle and may require hormone therapy once diagnosed.

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Grooming, routine health and dental care, regular exercise, and feeding them a well-balanced diet tailored to their age, size, and activity level are crucial.

Personality and Behavioral Traits of Wire Foodle Dogs

Here’s a detailed look at the personality and behavioral traits specific to this breed:

Intelligence and Trainability: Wire Foodles are likely to be very smart, thanks to the high intelligence of both parent breeds, especially the Poodle. This intelligence makes them highly trainable, but it also means they can become bored easily. They thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy learning new tricks, participating in dog sports, and playing interactive games. This intelligence can sometimes lead to a streak of stubbornness, so consistent, positive reinforcement training methods work best.

Energy Levels: Expect a spirited and energetic dog with the Wire Foodle. Both parent breeds have a history of activity—the Wire Fox Terrier as a hunting companion and the Poodle as a retriever. A Wire Foodle will require regular exercise and will enjoy activities like long walks, fetching, and agility training to burn off energy and prevent boredom-related behaviors such as chewing or digging.

Socialization: Socialization is key with this hybrid. Wire Foodles can be friendly and outgoing, but the Wire Fox Terrier’s bold and sometimes impulsive nature can lead to overexuberance if not properly socialized. Early exposure to different people, sounds, sights, and experiences is important to help them become well-adjusted adults.

Interactions with Children and Other Pets: The Wire Foodle can be a good family pet and tends to get along well with children, especially when raised with them from puppyhood. However, due to their Terrier heritage, they may have a high prey drive and might not always be suitable for households with very small pets like rodents or birds. With proper introductions and training, they can coexist peacefully with other dogs and cats.

Adaptability: In terms of adaptability, Wire Foodles can do well in various living situations, from apartments to larger homes with yards, as long as their exercise needs are met. They may have a strong bark and can be alert watchdogs, inheriting the Terrier’s propensity to alert you to any unusual occurrences.

Independence: While the Wire Foodle may inherit the Poodle’s affectionate nature, they may also exhibit some independence on the Wire Fox Terrier side. They can enjoy cuddles but they may also have moments where they are content to occupy themselves. An owner should balance affection with teaching the dog to spend time alone, preventing separation anxiety.

Handling and Sensitivity: This breed may be sensitive, reflecting the Poodle’s nature, so harsh tones and treatment can be upsetting. They respond best to a gentle approach in training and daily interactions.

Companionability: Wire Foodles are generally friendly and companionable dogs that bond deeply with their families. They can be excellent companions for active individuals, couples, or families who have the time to invest in their exercise, training, and grooming needs.

Fun Facts:

1. Comedic Demeanor: With a Wire Fox Terrier’s mischievousness and a Poodle’s cheeky intelligence, Wire Foodles may exhibit a playful and sometimes comedic demeanor that can provide endless entertainment and companionship.
2. Diverse Skills: Given their heritage, Wire Foodles could potentially excel in dog sports such as agility and obedience or even in roles such as therapy and service work due to their intelligence and trainability.

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Free online workshop to train your Wire Foodle to behave like a well-trained service dog

Nutrition and Diet for Wire Foodle Dogs

Here are some breed-specific considerations:

Caloric Needs: Due to their active nature, Wire Foodles will have relatively high caloric needs. However, their diet must be carefully managed to prevent overfeeding, as both parent breeds can be prone to obesity if their food intake is not monitored. The caloric intake should be tailored to their age, size, and activity level. Puppies and younger dogs who are more active may require more calories than older, less active dogs.

Protein Content: High-quality protein is vital for muscle development and maintenance, particularly for these dogs, which may be active like the Wire Fox Terrier and sturdy like the Poodle. Look for dog foods that list real meat as the first ingredient.

Avoid Fillers: Both parent breeds can have sensitive stomachs, so a diet with limited fillers like corn and wheat may be beneficial. Instead, opt for whole grains and quality fibers to promote healthy digestion.

Fats and Oils: Healthy fats are essential for a Wire Foodle’s diet, as they provide energy and help keep the coat healthy. Sources of fats like fish oil can also provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for joint health—particularly important for Poodles, who may be prone to hip dysplasia.

Joint-Supporting Nutrients: Given that larger Poodles can suffer from joint issues and terriers are energetic and need strong joints for their activities, it’s prudent to include joint-supporting nutrients in a Wire Foodle’s diet. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, either in their food or as separate treats, can be beneficial.

Portion Control and Feeding Schedule: The Wire Foodle will do well on a consistent feeding schedule. Measure their food to avoid overfeeding and consider dividing their daily intake into two meals to maintain their metabolism and prevent bloating, which can be a concern for Poodle mixes.

Allergies and Sensitivities: Be mindful of potential allergies, which they may inherit from either parent breed. If your Wire Foodle shows signs of allergies (like itchy skin or digestive upset), consult your vet. They may recommend a limited-ingredient diet or special formulations for sensitive dogs.

Hydration: Adequate water intake is crucial for all dogs, including Wire Foodles. Always ensure that fresh water is available, especially after exercise and in hotter climates.

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Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help you tweak the diet as needed for your Wire Foodle’s specific health requirements.

Cost to purchase a Wire Foodle Dog and Annual Costs

The price for a Wire Foodle puppy can vary widely depending on the breeder, geographic location, and pedigree of the parent breeds. Generally, you might expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,500 for a Wire Foodle puppy.

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Annual Total Estimate:

• Without accounting for emergency medical costs, the annual cost of owning a Wire Foodle might range from about $1,400 to over $3,500.

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Owners should also account for the unexpected and consider that as dogs age, they may require more medical attention, which could increase the annual costs.

Grooming a Wire Foodle Dog

Grooming a Wire Foodle can be a unique experience. Here are the details:

Typical Appearance:

• Size: Wire Foodles are typically small to medium-sized dogs, reflecting the stature of their Wire Fox Terrier and Poodle parents.
• Coat: Their coat can vary, exhibiting either the denser, wiry coat of the Wire Fox Terrier or the curly, hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle, or a combination of both. This means their grooming needs can vary significantly from one dog to the next.
• Color: They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and patterns that may include spots or patches. The coat may change color as they grow, a trait common in Poodle mixes.

Grooming Requirements:

• Coat Care: Wire Foodles need regular brushing, at least a few times a week, to prevent matting, especially if they inherit the Poodle’s curly coat. They may require clipping or professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks.
• Bathing: Monthly baths are generally sufficient unless the dog gets particularly dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo to maintain the health of their skin and coat.
• Ear Care: Clean their ears regularly to prevent wax buildup and check for signs of infection, especially if they have the floppy ears of the Poodle, which can be prone to moisture retention.
• Eye Care: Regularly wiping around their eyes can prevent staining and the buildup of gunk. Be gentle and use a soft, damp cloth.
• Nail Care: Their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth and splitting. This might be needed every 1-2 months, depending on how quickly their nails grow and how much they wear down naturally during exercise.
• Dental Care: Brushing their teeth several times a week will help prevent dental issues, which can be common in smaller breeds.

Professional Grooming: Because of the mixed traits, some Wire Foodles may require professional grooming. A groomer can help with trimming the coat to a manageable length, cleaning ears thoroughly, and taking care of nails and dental hygiene if the owner is not comfortable doing so.

Styling: Owners often opt for a “puppy cut” for ease of maintenance, which involves trimming the hair to a uniform length. However, if the Wire Fox Terrier’s coat is more dominant, less frequent trims may be needed, but more brushing to remove debris and prevent tangles will be crucial.

Seasonal Considerations: In warmer climates or during the summer months, a shorter coat can help prevent overheating. During colder months, allowing their coat to grow a bit longer can provide additional warmth.

Regular grooming keeps the Wire Foodle looking its best. It’s a good practice to establish a grooming routine early in the dog’s life so they can get accustomed to it, making the experience more pleasant for both the dog and the owner.

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