Wirehaired Fox Terrier

Get to Know Wirehaired Fox Terriers

• Show stars: They’ve dominated the dog show world. There's no breed has won more Best in Show titles at Westminster than the Wire Fox Terrier.
• Born to hunt: Originally bred in England in the 1800s, they were developed to flush foxes out of their dens during hunts, hence the name "Fox Terrier."
• Distinctive coat: Their dense, wiry coat is not just for looks. It protects them from thorns and rough terrain while hunting. It needs regular grooming and hand-stripping to maintain its texture.
• High energy and playful: These terriers are bold, lively, and love to play. They thrive on activity and make great companions for active families.
• Clever but independent: Wire Fox Terriers are intelligent and quick learners, but they also have a strong will and terrier stubbornness, so consistent training is key.

Breed History

The Wirehaired Fox Terrier has a rich history rooted in 19th-century England, where it was developed for fox hunting. Bred to be bold, agile, and tenacious, these terriers were used to follow foxes into their dens and flush them out for hunters. The breed’s distinctive wiry coat offered protection from brambles and rough terrain, making it well-suited for countryside pursuits. Wire Fox Terriers were selectively bred from a mix of terrier types, likely including rough-coated Black and Tan Terriers, to enhance their hunting instincts and physical durability. By the late 1800s, they gained recognition not only as skilled working dogs but also as show dogs and charming companions. Their popularity soared in the early 20th century, particularly after making a splash in the show ring and appearing in films and alongside famous owners, such as King Edward VII and his beloved Wire Fox Terrier, Caesar. Today, the breed remains admired for its classic looks, spirited nature, and lively personality.

Personality and Behaviour

• Intelligent and Full of Personality: They are known for their energetic and bold nature, always eager to explore their surroundings and engage with their family. This breed thrives on activity and enjoys being the center of attention, often charming people with their playful antics and expressive faces. They are fearless and curious—traits inherited from their hunting background—and are rarely shy or timid in new situations.
• Alert and Protective: While not aggressive, they make excellent watchdogs and won’t hesitate to bark at unfamiliar sights or sounds. Their high prey drive means they love to chase, whether it’s a squirrel in the yard or a toy across the room. Because of their strong instincts and independent streak, Wire Fox Terriers do best with consistent training and early socialization. They are fast learners but can be willful, so positive reinforcement and short, engaging training sessions are most effective.
• Affectionate: They bond closely with their people and typically do well with older children who can match their energy and respect their space. However, they may not always get along with smaller pets due to their natural hunting instincts. Without adequate exercise and mental stimulation, they can become bored and destructive. But with the right balance of activity, structure, and love, Wirehaired Fox Terriers make spirited, loyal, and entertaining companions.

Care

• Exercise: Wirehaired Fox Terriers are a high-energy breed that thrives on daily physical activity and mental stimulation. Bred originally for fox hunting, they are naturally athletic and require more than just a casual stroll around the block. Ideally, they should get at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day, which can include brisk walks, fetch, agility training, or off-leash play in a secure area. Without adequate activity, they can become bored, which often leads to destructive behavior or excessive barking. These dogs are excellent candidates for dog sports and interactive games that challenge both body and mind.
• Grooming: Despite their rugged appearance, Wirehaired Fox Terriers are relatively low-shedding but require regular grooming to keep their wiry coats in good condition. Their distinctive double coat—coarse on top with a soft underlayer—needs brushing several times a week to prevent matting and remove dirt. Hand-stripping (plucking dead hairs by hand or with a special tool) every few months helps maintain the coat’s texture and health, especially for show dogs. Bathing is needed only occasionally, and routine care like nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental hygiene should be part of their grooming regimen.
• Training and Socialization: Training a Wirehaired Fox Terrier can be both fun and challenging. They are intelligent and learn quickly, but their independent and sometimes stubborn nature means they require consistent, patient training from an early age. Positive reinforcement methods—using praise, treats, and play—work best. Harsh corrections can lead to resistance or anxiety. Early socialization is equally important to help them get along well with other dogs, people, and new environments. Because they have a strong prey drive, introducing them to small pets requires caution. With proper guidance, Wire Fox Terriers can grow into well-behaved, confident companions.