Modern fox terriers were bred by Foxhound owners who needed a small, fast dog that could warn the owner, and that could accompany them on the hunt. The task of the wire-haired fox terriers was to help hunters when hunting foxes. Like the smooth-haired fox terrier, the wire-haired fox terrier is a brave and determined hunting dog. Until recently, it was believed that the two breeds were the same breed, which differed only in wool.