DogMatchUp

Wire Fox Terrier vs Dogo Argentino

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Wire Fox Terrier
Toy

Wire Fox Terrier

Terrier Group

Dogo Argentino
Medium

Dogo Argentino

Working Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Wire Fox Terrier Toy
Dogo Argentino Medium

Lifespan

Wire Fox Terrier 12-15 years
Dogo Argentino 9-15 years

Exercise Needs

Wire Fox Terrier 3/5
Dogo Argentino 5/5

Grooming Needs

Wire Fox Terrier 3/5
Dogo Argentino 2/5

Breed Overview

Wire Fox Terrier Overview

Wire Fox Terriers showcase a distinctive square-built profile with a predominantly white coat accented by black or tan markings. Their alert V-shaped ears and keen expression reflect their vigilant nature. Standing proud with a straight back and well-proportioned limbs, these terriers exhibit the perfect blend of strength and agility that made them exceptional fox hunters.

Origin: England
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Size: Toy
Temperament: Confident, Alert, Gregarious

Dogo Argentino Overview

Powerful and athletic, the Dogo Argentino showcases a muscular build with a pure white coat. Their broad head features a strong jaw and alert expression, while their deep chest and strong limbs reflect their hunting heritage. Known for combining strength with agility, these dogs display a balanced temperament, being both protective and affectionate with family.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 9-15 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Friendly, Cheerful, Humble

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Wire Fox Terriers are less energetic than Dogo Argentinos, requiring less daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Wire Fox Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Dogo Argentinos.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Wire Fox Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Dogo Argentinos.
  • Trainability: Wire Fox Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Wire Fox Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Wire Fox Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Dogo Argentinos typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Wire Fox Terrier and Dogo Argentino, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Wire Fox Terrier Dogo Argentino
Size Toy Medium
Life Expectancy 12-15 years 9-15 years
Country of Origin England Unknown
Breed Group Terrier Group Working Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Wire Fox Terrier Dogo Argentino
Height
15-15 inches
38-38 cm
24-27 inches
61-67 cm
Weight
15-18 lbs
7-8 kg
88-100 lbs
40-45 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Infrequent Infrequent

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Wire Fox Terrier Dogo Argentino
Temperament Confident, Alert, Gregarious Friendly, Cheerful, Humble
Energy Level
3/5
5/5
Intelligence
2/5
1/5

Compatibility

Feature Wire Fox Terrier Dogo Argentino
Good with Children
5/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
3/5
Apartment Friendly
3/5
2/5

Temperament & Personality

Wire Fox Terrier Temperament

Confident Alert Gregarious

The Wire Fox Terrier is known for being confident, alert, gregarious, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.

Dogo Argentino Temperament

Friendly Cheerful Humble

The Dogo Argentino is characterized by being friendly, cheerful, humble, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.

Temperament Comparison

When comparing the Wire Fox Terrier and Dogo Argentino, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Wire Fox Terrier
5/5
Dogo Argentino
4/5

Good with Children

Wire Fox Terrier
5/5
Dogo Argentino
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Wire Fox Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 5/5

Dogo Argentino

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Wire Fox Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Dogo Argentino

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Wire Fox Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Dogo Argentino

Low High

Rating: 5/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Wire Fox Terrier

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

Dogo Argentino

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Wire Fox Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Dogo Argentino

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Care & Maintenance

Wire Fox Terrier Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Wire Fox Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Wire Fox Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.

Dogo Argentino Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

5/5

Dogo Argentinos need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.

Grooming Requirements

2/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Dogo Argentinos require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.

Health & Lifespan

Wire Fox Terrier Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Cataracts
  • Legg-Perthes
  • Patellar luxation
  • Lens luxation
  • Allergies

Dogo Argentino Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 9-15 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Heart Issues
  • Eye Problems
  • Skin Allergies

Pros & Cons

Wire Fox Terrier

Pros

  • Highly intelligent
  • Excellent watchdogs
  • Low shedding coat
  • Adaptable to different living situations

Cons

  • High grooming needs
  • Can be stubborn
  • Strong prey drive
  • May be vocal

Dogo Argentino

Pros

  • Loyal and protective
  • Athletic and strong
  • Good with family
  • Low grooming needs

Cons

  • High exercise needs
  • Strong prey drive
  • Not for novice owners
  • Can be stubborn

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Wire Fox Terrier and Dogo Argentino, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.