Wire Fox Terrier Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Wire Fox Terrier is a spirited, square dog with a bearded face and boundless energy. It was developed in England to follow hounds and bolt foxes from their earths, and it has been a dog show star for more than a century.

Origins and appearance

The breed was developed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries from rough-coated working terriers. It is closely related to the Smooth Fox Terrier, though the two were bred separately. Wires are square and sturdy, with a long flat head, a bearded muzzle, small folded ears and a hard, wiry coat that is mostly white with black or tan markings.

Temperament

Wire Fox Terriers are bold, friendly and extremely energetic. They love games and attention, and are often clownish. They are independent and tenacious, with a strong prey drive. They may be bossy with other dogs. They bark readily. They need exercise and leadership.

Exercise

They need an hour or more of vigorous exercise daily. They enjoy running, agility, flyball and earthdog trials. Provide a secure yard with deep fencing. Use a leash outdoors. See recall training guide.

Training

They are intelligent and fast, but easily distracted. Keep training short, varied and rewarding. Early socialization and manners are essential. House training is usually straightforward.

Coat and grooming

The wiry coat needs brushing weekly and hand-stripping or clipping a few times a year. See wire coat dog grooming guide. Clean the beard, trim nails and check ears. Shedding is light.

Health considerations

The breed is generally healthy, but topics include:

• Allergies and skin conditions. See dog skin allergies
• Deafness
• Primary lens luxation and cataracts
• Luxating patella. See luxating patella in dogs
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Epilepsy. See dog seizures and epilepsy

Living with a Wire Fox Terrier

They suit active homes with fenced yards. They are not for sedentary owners. Supervise around small pets and other dogs.

Behavior and daily management

A Wire Fox Terrier needs outlets. Provide brisk runs, games and training, and use puzzle toys. Teach an off switch, such as settling on a mat, and calm greetings. Keep the yard secure, since escapes are common.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bold and busy. Provide a crate, chew toys and early socialization. Begin handling the coat and basic cues. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for coat care, training, vet care and fence maintenance. See dog vet cost guide.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping training, letting barking become habit and neglecting coat care.

Questions to ask a breeder or rescue

Ask about hearing and eye tests, patella checks and the parents' temperaments.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Wire Fox Terrier suits active, humorous owners who want a bold, bouncy terrier. It may not suit a quiet home. For the smooth-coated version, see the Smooth Fox Terrier.

Training notes

Wire Fox Terriers are fast learners with short attention spans. Keep training playful, change the games often and use high-value treats. Teach impulse control through games such as wait-at-the-door and leave-it. Quiet cues help with barking, which is a signature trait of the breed.

What the breed is like indoors

Indoors, a well-exercised Wire Fox Terrier is a comical, busy dog that follows the family around. Without exercise, it may become destructive, so keep chew toys, puzzle feeders and a routine at hand.

The takeaway

Wire Fox Terriers are bold, bouncy and bearded, and they need exercise, training and grooming.