Also called Fox Terrier (Wire), Wire Hair Fox Terrier, Wirehaired Terrier · England
Bright, keen and always ready for the next thing, the Wire Fox Terrier is sociable and open with people, confident in new situations and full of classic terrier spirit and determination.
Bright, keen and always ready for the next thing, the Wire Fox Terrier is sociable and open with people, confident in new situations and full of classic terrier spirit and determination.234
how to spot oneWire Fox Terrier coat and colours
dense wiry broken coat with soft undercoat
A lively, compact terrier with a short back and a lot of strength packed into a small frame, standing like a little hunter. Its coat is thick and wiry, shorter on the shoulders and longer over the back and hindquarters, with a softer layer underneath; it is kept in shape by hand-trimming.23
Comes inwhite with black markingswhite with black and tan markingswhite with tan markings21
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Wire Fox Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
how busy a day looksWire Fox Terrier exercise needs
Up to about an hour of exercise a day, plus play to keep its busy mind occupied.3
where they are happiestWire Fox Terrier at home
Adapts to town or country life and manages with a small to medium garden.3
who they like aroundWire Fox Terrier with people and other pets
A people-loving dog that enjoys being part of family activity.23
the hands-on bitsWire Fox Terrier grooming and care
The wiry coat needs attention more than once a week, and regular trimming or hand-stripping keeps its classic outline.3
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Wire Fox Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your adult Wire Fox Terrier at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each day. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule that suits your dog.25
What should a Wire Fox Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a safe diet.26
How often should I bathe a Wire Fox Terrier?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every eight weeks, or as needed if your dog gets dirty. Over-bathing can dry the skin, so follow your vet's advice for your dog's coat condition.37
How often does a Wire Fox Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Wire Fox Terrier at least once a week to keep its wiry coat tidy and remove loose hair. More frequent brushing helps prevent mats and keeps the coat in good condition.37
How do I trim a Wire Fox Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you the proper technique.37
How much exercise does a Wire Fox Terrier need?
Your Wire Fox Terrier needs up to an hour of exercise daily, plus playtime to keep its busy mind engaged. This bright, energetic dog thrives on walks, games, and activities that challenge it.3
How do I look after a Wire Fox Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness. Never push anything into the ear canal; ask your vet for proper cleaning methods.7
How long does a Wire Fox Terrier live?
A Wire Fox Terrier typically lives between 12 and 13.5 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups. Senior years usually begin around age 10, so adjust care as needed.31
Is a Wire Fox Terrier good with children and other pets?
This sociable, people-loving dog is generally good with children and enjoys family life. Its terrier spirit means early socialization is important, especially with other pets. Ask a good breeder for guidance.234
Can a Wire Fox Terrier be left alone?
Wire Fox Terriers are people-oriented and may struggle with long periods alone. They adapt best when part of family activities, so consider your schedule. For specific advice, consult a good breeder or trainer.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Wire Fox Terrier costs
Running costs for a Wire Fox Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Wire Fox Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Wire Fox Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Wire Fox Terrier tip
Count the training treats in your Wire Fox Terrier's daily calories, since staying slim helps them avoid joint and metabolic trouble with age. Small dogs build tartar fast, so treats are no substitute for daily brushing.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Wire Fox Terriers have won Best in Show at Westminster more times than any other breed, 15 wins as of 2019.1
2
Asta from The Thin Man films, Snowy from The Adventures of Tintin and Dogmatix from Asterix are all Wire Fox Terriers.1
3
One dog, Matford Vic, won Westminster Best in Show two years running, in 1915 and 1916.1
4
In post-war Britain, wheeled toy Wire Fox Terriers were a popular push-along toy for toddlers.3
5
The AKC standard describes the breed as always on the tip of its toes, expecting something to happen.4
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed was developed in England for fox hunting, where terriers were needed to 'go to ground' and bolt the fox. The name 'Fox Terrier' reflects this original purpose.8
stars of the breedFamous ones
Asta Starred in the 'The Thin Man' mystery films in the 1930s, boosting the breed's popularity.9
I wake with a wriggle, today smells like adventure. I patrol the garden, nose to the ground, tail a stiff flag. A squirrel chatters from the fence; I give a sharp bark, just to say hello. My human calls, and we set off for the lane. I track every scent: rabbit, fox, yesterday’s postman. We stop at the café, and I charm a stranger with a paw. At home, I dig a hole for a buried bone, just in case. Evening, I curl on the rug, one eye open, ready for the next thing. Life is a series of thrilling moments.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
for a film nightOn screen
Films and series picked by Oskar, who made Pet Wiki.
The Thin Man1934
Asta, a Wire Fox Terrier, tags along with two witty sleuths.
Wire Fox Terriers come from the working terriers that ran with English fox hunts, where rough and smooth coats were once mixed. From the 1870s wires were shown in their own classes and bred apart from the smooths, and by the early 1900s they had become the more popular of the two. Films in the 1930s made the breed a well-known family pet.31
Smooth Fox Terrier
Welsh Terrier
Lakeland Terrier