Fox Terrier Wire Overview

The Wire Fox Terrier is one of the more active members of the Terrier family. They are adventurous, playful, and always up for exercise. Unlike other Terriers, the Wire is highly trainable and an ideal show dog for this reason. It contains all of the entertaining, and sometimes frustrating, traits of the Terrier family, but it is more easily broken of terrible habits. 

Grooming requirements are fairly high, and certain considerations must be paid to prevent a knotted, dirty coat. It needs weekly combing but also “shaping,” which is the process of either clipping or stripping the coat to keep it clean. Shaping should be done every few months. Sometimes a puppy’s ears need to be trained to keep their shape in adulthood.  

The Wire is highly affectionate and patient with children, along with the elderly and strange visitors. The Wire Fox Terrier is ideal only for active owners with the time to commit to grooming.

Fox Terrier Wire History

Arriving a few decades after the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Wire version was regarded as slightly more elegant with its particular grooming requirements. Both breeds came from different backgrounds, and the AKC split them into two separate breeds in 1985. 

The Wire Fox Terrier debuted in 19^th century England, where fox hunters needed a faster dog that could chase foxes through thick brush and brambles. A descendant of the Welsh Black and Tan Terrier, the Wire was generally well-received in show rings, admired for its stance and intelligence. 

After World War II, the Wire Fox Terrier’s popularity skyrocketed as both a pet and a competitor. Today, the breed enjoys moderate popularity on a worldwide scale. 

Fox Terrier Wire Character

The best feature of the Wire Fox Terrier is its willingness to learn. Unlike other Terriers, the Wire is very eager to please and responds well to rewarding training methods. It still prefers its independence, however, and it still a scrappy Terrier at heart. 

Although it has a tendency to bark and dig, this habit can be broken if trained early on. Even if properly socialized, Wires tend to be domineering and aggressive around other dogs. Small animals should beware, as this dog has just as strong of a ratting instinct as its family members. 

Prospective owners should look elsewhere if they have a laid back lifestyle. If they do, the Wire Fox Terrier will break them of that habit. This is a dog with high energy and a lot of potential. If not maximized, it will become bored, rowdy, and destructive. 

The Wire Fox Terrier is a hard-working and very loving dog, but if it is under-stimulated and bored, it can be a hassle.

Fox Terrier Wire Care

The Wire Fox Terrier does require much grooming, however brushing is necessary. Stripping of the coat is required for show dogs, however can be done less frequently if not used for these purposes. Hand plucking of the coat may be necessary to remove dead hairs but should only be performed by an experienced groomer. The Wire Fox Terrier has a much longer beard along his muzzle which should be brushed and cleaned every other day to prevent caking, matting, and dirt. Washing with a mild soap and brushing with a fine-toothed comb will prevent this.

Fox Terrier Wire Training

The Wire Fox Terrier is very lively and can be independent making training at an early age very important. This breed loses interest quickly and should have a firm and consistent handler. Making training a game and fun will be sure to keep this dogs interest. The Wire Fox Terrier should have an experienced handler, as they can be very stubborn and willful. If the proper techniques are not performed, this breed will be very difficult to train and become somewhat of a tyrant.

Fox Terrier Wire Health

Common Health Issues for the Fox Terrier Wire:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Less Common Health Issues for the Fox Terrier Wire:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Fox Terrier Wire Resources