Description: The Fox Terrier is a gay, lively, active dog. Identical to the Smooth Fox Terrier except for its coat. It is affectionate and trainable making the ideal child's companion. Never refusing to play, they do everything with full force such as scrambling over furniture to reach a ball. Wire Fox Terrier is eager to please and clean in their household habits. They make delightful companions for active people.

Height: 15.5 inches
Weight: 16 - 18 lbs.

Colors of the Wire Fox Terrier: White with tan or black markings. White should be predominate.
Coat: Dense and very wiry.

Temperament: The Wire Fox Terrier is alert, determined, eager, trustworthy, affectionate
With Children: Yes, gets along well with children and is always ready to play.
With Pets: Small pets such as cats may be fair game and they may try to dominate other dogs.
Special Skills: Vermin hunter and family pet.

Watch-dog: Very High
Guard-dog: Low

Care and Exercise: Regular brushing with a natural bristle brush or glove and comb is desirable. They also require stripping to remove their old dead coat twice yearly. Teeth and nails need regular attention. Bathe only when necessary. Exercise of the Wire Fox Terrier should consist of on-leash walks and off-leash play in a yard.
Training: Responds well to a firm hand with love and plenty of exercise. Can be stubborn at times so remain consistent in your training.
Learning Rate: High, Obedience - Medium, Problem Solving - Very High

Activity: Indoors - Very High, Outdoors - Very High
Living Environment: Apartment is adequate if given sufficient exercise but ideal is a home with a fenced backyard as they are active terrier. Do not leave alone in the yard as they may bark and try to dig their way out. To own a Wire Fox Terrier you need to be a confident leader who prefers an active, feisty breed, not a couch potato.

Health Issues: Skin allergies, genetic eye diseases.

Life Span: 12 - 14 Years
Litter Size: 3 - 6

Country of Origin: England
History: The Wire Fox Terrier first became noticed as a breed in the 1860s. They were originally bred to hunt vermin. The Wire Fox Terrier descendants are other terriers from the English counties of Cheshire and Shropshire with maybe some Beagle blood. Wires resulted from the breeding of a Smooth Fox Terrier and an unknown female with wire-hair. Both the Smooth and the Wire share the same conformation and were recognized as the same breed until 1984 when the AKC approved separate standards.

First Registered by the AKC: 1885
AKC Group: Terrier Group
Class: Terrier
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 3), KC (GB), UKC

top of page