Wire Fox Terrier

Wire Fox Terrier dog

Energetic British terrier bred to pursue foxes with confidence and determination.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Small 15 - 18 lbs 15 - 16 inches 12 - 15 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United Kingdom



Own a Wire Fox Terrier? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Wire Fox Terrier? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • This breed tends to need plenty of regular physical activity.

The Wire Fox Terrier developed in Britain as a working terrier used during traditional fox hunts. While mounted hunters and packs of Foxhounds pursued a fox across open country, a small, fearless terrier was needed if the animal escaped underground. Fox Terriers were bred to enter dens and drive the fox back into the open so the hunt could continue. Their relatively narrow bodies, stamina, and bold temperaments reflected this specialized job. Wire-coated and smooth-coated Fox Terriers developed from somewhat different backgrounds but eventually came to share a similar overall standard. During the 19th century, the growing popularity of dog shows transformed Fox Terriers from practical hunting dogs into highly competitive show breeds. The Wire Fox Terrier became particularly successful in the ring and developed its distinctive dense coat and carefully groomed outline. The Kennel Club eventually recognized Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers as separate breeds. One Wire Fox Terrier named Caesar belonged to King Edward VII and famously walked behind the king's coffin during his funeral procession in 1910. Despite its polished show appearance, the breed retains the energy, prey drive, confidence, and persistence required of a dog originally expected to follow a fox underground.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Wire Fox Terrier tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Wire Fox Terrier generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The Wire Fox Terrier is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Wire Fox Terrier tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The Wire Fox Terrier is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Wire Fox Terrier generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Wire Fox Terrier may be selective around other dogs, making careful socialization and introductions important.

The Wire Fox Terrier is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Wire Fox Terrier may live in an apartment if its exercise, space, and enrichment needs are met.