Breeding isn’t simply about producing puppies. Every mating influences the health, temperament, genetic diversity and quality of future generations — so we combine pedigree analysis, COI, health testing, temperament, conformation and practical knowledge of the breed.
Using the same bloodlines repeatedly narrows a breed’s genetics and raises the chance of inheriting two copies of the same harmful recessive gene. So we don’t simply look for two excellent dogs — we weigh the relationship between the proposed parents and their wider ancestry. Diversity doesn’t mean breeding unrelated dogs at random: the aim is healthy diversity without losing breed identity.
The Coefficient of Inbreeding estimates how closely a puppy’s parents are related through shared ancestors, as a percentage. Higher COI means a greater chance of inheriting two identical copies of genetic material; lower COI generally means greater diversity.
A low COI doesn’t automatically mean a healthy puppy, and a higher COI doesn’t mean a puppy will definitely have a health problem. COI is a risk-management tool.
COI is considered before any mating, looking well beyond the parents to avoid concentrating the same ancestry unnecessarily. We aim to keep projected COI as low as reasonably possible while the mating makes sense in every other respect.
It is one measurement in a much bigger assessment. It cannot predict:
Bred from Dan Fox Fernando, Champion of Denmark for six consecutive years, and Zara of Assuming Arabesque, a champion across Eastern European countries. The litter had a COI of approximately 3%, and two of his siblings became Italian Champions. Camiro brought that bloodline into the Delwires programme as a stud dog — quality, achievement and diversity considered together.
Who is behind the dog? Which ancestors repeat? Which bloodlines are being brought together, or duplicated? What health information and characteristics run in those families? A pedigree full of champions can still hide excessive genetic concentration; a less famous one can hold valuable diversity.
An inherited eye condition caused by a mutation in the ADAMTS17 gene. DNA testing shows whether a dog is clear, a carrier or at risk, and that informs breeding decisions. Jack is tested clear.
Jack has also been DNA tested clear of VDEGS. We explain what is tested and why, so you have something you can understand and verify.
A DNA test only covers conditions a test exists for. It can’t guarantee a dog will never become ill, so we also consider:
Temperament is partly heritable and partly shaped by upbringing. We keep the intelligence, courage and personality that make a Fox Terrier a Fox Terrier, while producing stable family companions. We look at:
A dog’s body has to cope with the life it is bred for. Winning something isn’t a reason to breed — structure must suit the breed and a healthy, active life:
What will these two dogs contribute together that neither could alone? A responsible mating should:
Science gives us information. Experience gives us context. The responsibility lies in combining both.
Responsible breeding can’t be reduced to a single percentage, certificate or title. We study the pedigree, consider the genetics, test where appropriate, assess health, temperament, structure and breed type — and ask what each mating can contribute to the future of the Wire Haired Fox Terrier.
We don’t breed simply because we can. We breed when we believe there is a reason to.
Can you make time for daily exercise, play and companionship?
Can you provide a secure outdoor space and patient, consistent training?
Are you happy to plan regular grooming and wait for the right puppy?
Yes. Their wiry double coat sheds, and regular brushing helps keep it manageable. No dog is guaranteed to be allergy-free.
Hand stripping helps preserve the wire coat’s texture and colour. Clipping can soften it. Speak with a groomer who knows the breed about the best approach for your dog.
Ask about health testing, temperament, parentage and the planned litter’s coefficient of inbreeding. Look for dogs raised in a loving home and a breeder who welcomes questions and stays involved.
We have a waiting list and check prospective homes carefully. The list need not be long, but this is not a same-month purchase. Contact Stephen for current plans; no date is promised before a conversation.
Yes. We work with families internationally, including the USA, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland and Northern Ireland. We discuss welfare and destination requirements individually.
Thoughtful placements. A lifetime of support.