Wire Fox Terrier Dog Breed Info: Pictures, Personality & Facts

Breed Overview

Height:

14–15 inches

Weight:

13–20 pounds

Lifespan:

13–14 years

Colors:

White, white and black, white and tan, tricolor

Suitable for:

Houses with yards, companionship, families with older children

Temperament:

Fun, playful, and smart

The Wire Fox Terrier is a sturdy, short-backed hunting dog with a white coat, darker spots on the head and bottom, and dark, round eyes. They have small, triangle-shaped ears that fold forward and a short, erect tail. They also have a long muzzle with a beard and eyebrows.

The Wire Fox Terrier was developed in the 1700s. The American Kennel Club recognized the Wire Fox Terrier as a unique breed in 1985. Before that, they were a favorite of King Edward VII and have appeared in several television shows and movies.

Wire Fox Terrier Puppies

Wire Fox Terrier Puppy — Image Credit By: Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock

Wire Fox Terrier Characteristics

Energy

Trainability

Health

Lifespan

Sociability

When looking for a Wire Fox Terrier, take extra caution when dealing with dog breeders. There are reputable and high-quality breeders, but there are also puppy mills or backyard breeders that do not care for the puppies' health and well-being. Better breeders will check the Wire Fox Terrier puppy for genetic defects, which can cost extra.

The knowledge and ability to breed out defects can also raise the price of your dog. We also recommend checking the local animal shelters, as Wire Fox Terrier puppies can often be found at a reduced price. Generally, Wire Fox Terriers are energetic and playful pups. They create strong bonds with their families and want to play with you regularly.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Wire Fox Terrier

1. The Wire Fox Terrier and Smooth Fox Terrier Were Once One Breed, Existing Since the Middle of the 1700s.

Since the 19th century, Wire Fox Terriers and Smooth Fox Terriers have been considered separate breeds in England. In 1985, the AKC changed its policy and accepted the Wire Fox Terrier as a separate breed.

2. The Wire Fox Terrier Instinctively Chases Small Game From Their Dens.

Although they're one of the most successful show dogs, the Wire Fox Terrier is an accomplished hunter. Their specialty was chasing foxes out of their dens into open fields where hunters awaited.

3. The Wire Fox Terriers’ Popularity Grew When It Starred in Six Thin Man films.

In the Thin Man series, Myrna Loy and William Powell had a lovable dog named Asta. He was a talented, agile performer who never failed to make the audience laugh, and he was almost as popular as the lead actors.

Fox Terrier standing in a grassy field_kellymmiller73_shutterstock — Image Credit By: Kellymmiller73, Shutterstock

Temperament & Intelligence of the Wire Fox Terrier 🧠

The Wire Fox Terrier has an upbeat personality and is very affectionate. They have plenty of energy, are independent enough to complete tasks independently, and won’t get too upset if you leave them alone for a short time. They have an insatiable drive to hunt and will chase yard animals with fierce determination.

The Wire Fox Terrier is also highly intelligent and easy to train, but they have a low threshold for boredom and can be destructive if not given a task to perform. Constant mental and physical stimulation is vital to prevent boredom and will help you bond better with your Wire Fox Terrier.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Wire Fox Terrier is a perfect family pet. They may be a little too jumpy to allow around children unsupervised, but older kids and seniors will find that they make fantastic companions who are funny, eager to please, and protective.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Wire Fox Terrier will require considerable socialization early in life to get used to other family pets, especially if they are significantly smaller. Their prey drive is hard to reduce, and professional help from puppy classes or pet training schools may be required.

Toy Fox Terrier in grass — Image Credit by: Pikist

Things to Know When Owning a Wire Fox Terrier

Here are some important aspects to consider before you purchase a Wire Fox Terrier.

Food & Diet Requirements

The Wire Fox Terrier requires high-quality dry dog food that will supply a balanced meal and keep their teeth clean. We recommend a formula with chicken, turkey, or lamb listed as the first ingredient, and you should also see fruits and vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and blueberries listed among the ingredients. Avoid foods with artificial preservatives and flavors.

Exercise 🐕

The Wire Fox Terrier is a very active dog that requires a considerable amount of regular exercise. They enjoy long walks but chasing balls and playing fetch are also great ways to burn off excess energy and keep your pet fit and healthy.

Wirehaired Fox Terrier squinting in the sun — Image Credit: Kozlik, Shutterstock

Training 🦮

The Wire Fox Terrier can be pretty stubborn when they want something, but they are usually eager to please their owners and enjoy mental stimulation, so they are not hard to train to do new tricks. Positive reinforcement training with praise and treats is the best method.

Keeping your training sessions at the same length and holding them at the same time each day is also critical to success. Dogs are very routine-based animals, and keeping the training sessions on a schedule will help your Wire Fox Terrier understand what you expect from them.

Grooming ✂️

The Wire Fox Terrier requires continuous brushing to keep their fur free of tangles and mats. Show dogs need professional grooming, but even non-show dogs will require clipping to keep the coat manageable.

Their nails will also need monthly trimming, and their ears will require weekly cleaning to stave off infections and odors. If you start early, you can train your Wire Fox Terrier to allow you to brush their teeth, which can reduce the chance of dental disease, but make sure you only use a doggy toothpaste when doing so.

Health Conditions ❤️

Unfortunately, purebred dogs like the Wire Fox Terrier are vulnerable to severe illnesses, and we’ll take a look at some of the more common issues they may face in this section.

Minor Conditions

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is another condition that affects several dogs and is the number one cause of lameness. Hip dysplasia is usually transmitted genetically and causes the hip socket to form improperly. The signs include difficulty rising from a resting position, a swaying gate, pain, and stiffness.

Wobblers Gate

Wobblers Gate is a condition that affects the neck. It’s prevalent in large dogs but also in smaller dogs like the Wire Fox Terrier. Wobbler syndrome affects dogs before the age of three, and the signs include difficulty moving the head and uncoordinated back legs. Some dogs can also suffer from severe neck pain.

Serious Conditions

Cataracts

Cataracts is a disease that affects many dog breeds and humans, and it causes the lens of the eye to become increasingly cloudy until the dog can no longer see. If left untreated, cataracts can cause the lenses to become dislodged, leading to glaucoma and blindness. The signs of cataracts include a bluish-grey tint to the lens.

Luxating Patella

A luxating patella is when the elbow becomes dislocated due to the stretching of the patella ligament that holds it in place. The ligament stretches more as the elbow becomes dislocated more often, worsening the condition.

Male vs Female

This is one of the rare breeds where the female Wire Fox Terrier is slightly taller than the male Wire Fox Terrier, while the male is slightly more affectionate. Otherwise, there is not much difference between the two.

Summary

The Wire Fox Terrier is a great choice for large homes with a fenced-in yard and children over 5 years old. They can be strong-willed and stubborn, but they're easy to train and eager to please. You may want to keep them away from small animals and babies, but they make a loyal and protective companion for adults.

We hope you have enjoyed reading our in-depth look at the Wire Fox Terrier, and it has sparked your interest enough that you will consider getting one. If we have helped you find your next pet, please share this Wire Fox Terrier complete guide on Facebook and Twitter.

See also:

Featured Image Credit: Astrid Mai, Shutterstock