Wire Fox Terrier

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: England

Group: Terrier

Height: males 14-16 in., females 13-15 in.

Weight: males 15-20 lbs., females 13-18 lbs.

Life span: 13-16 yrs.

Trainability: moderate

Good with children: yes

Good with other pets: sometimes dog-aggressive, some chase other animals

What is the origin of the Wire Fox Terrier?

The Wire Fox Terrier was developed in England to hunt foxes, often chasing them into their dens. Queen Victoria’s son, King Edward the vii, owned a Wire Fox Terrier named Caesar. Wires became popular pets in the 1930s when The Thin Man mystery movie series featured Asta, a Wire Fox Terrier.

What does the Wire Fox Terrier look like?

The Wire is a sturdy, compact dog. Males are 14-16 inches tall and weigh 15-20 lbs. while females are 13-15 inches tall and weigh 13-18 lbs. Ears are folded forward in a v-shape. The dark eyes are small. The tail is docked where this practice continues. The coat is sometimes wavy. It is wiry and dense with a soft undercoat. Colors are white with patches of brown or black. The coat requires weekly brushing. It should be stripped or clipped regularly.

What is the temperament of the Wire Fox Terrier?

Wire Fox Terriers, while independent thinkers, instinctively know what their owners need. They are very active, playful, very intelligent and love to explore. They can be stubborn so early training and socialization are recommended with a kind but firm hand. Wires are good with children who treat them kindly but can be dog-aggressive. They wilol chase cats and other small animals. Wires are sometimes reserved with strangers. They should always be walked on a leash and have a seure area to run. They adapt to apartment living with enough exercise.

What is the Wire Fox Terrier used for?

Wires were originally bred to hunt foxes. With their powers of intuition, they make excellent therapy dogs. They also perform well in track and agility and as watchdogs. They are wonderful companions for people who enjoy energetic, loving dogs.