A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier is a lively working terrier with a harsh textured coat and an alert, forward-looking manner. Coat maintenance varies with grooming style, so decide how much upkeep is realistic before choosing a trim.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Wire Fox Terrier questions
Do Wire Fox Terriers shed?
Not much. The breed is low-shedding. The dense, wiry coat still needs regular brushing to keep it from matting, however it is trimmed.
How big does a full-grown Wire Fox Terrier get?
Adults stand about 15 and a half inches tall at the shoulder at most. Males weigh about 18 pounds in show condition, and females weigh 15 to 17 pounds, roughly two pounds less.
What is the difference between a Wire Fox Terrier and a Smooth Fox Terrier?
Mostly the coat. The two were treated as one breed for many years and are essentially identical apart from coat, but they stopped being bred to each other in the early 1900s. They have been recognized as separate breeds in the United States since 1985, and have been registered separately in England since the late 1800s.
How long do Wire Fox Terriers live?
Most live 12 to 15 years, and the breed is generally healthy. Responsible breeders screen for eye disorders, luxating patellas, and elbow and hip dysplasia, among other conditions. Those are useful things to ask a breeder about, and your vet can speak to an individual dog.
What were Wire Fox Terriers bred for?
Foxhunting. The terrier's job was to bolt the fox from its den so the hounds and riders could take up the chase. That history also explains the color, because the coat is mostly white so the dog would not be mistaken for the fox.
Does a Wire Fox Terrier need to be hand-stripped?
Only if you plan to show. Show dogs are hand-stripped, while a pet can be clippered into a similar trim with much less work. Either way, plan on regular brushing, a monthly nail trim and a weekly ear check.
Are Wire Fox Terriers easy to train?
They are smart, but they are terriers. Training takes consistency, patience and a sense of humor, because Wires are independent and get bored easily. Short, fun sessions with positive methods work best, and the breed shuts down if handled harshly.
Can a Wire Fox Terrier be let off leash?
Plan on not doing it outside a fence. Never let a Wire Fox Terrier run off lead, because the sight of a small animal can override all its training. Long walks, ball games and play in a large, securely fenced area are better outlets.
