Wire Fox Terrier
Also known as Fox Terrier, Wire Fox
- Height at the withers
- 35 to 39 cm
- Weight
- 6.5 to 8.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- England
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 90 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
A small, compact terrier with a distinctive dense, wiry coat, a beard and an alert expression. This bold, energetic breed was developed for fox hunting and combines self-assurance with an independent spirit.
History and origins
Developed in England in the 18th and 19th centuries for fox hunting, working above and below ground alongside packs of hounds to drive foxes out of their earths. One of the oldest recognized terrier breeds.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Primary lens luxation
- Hereditary cerebellar ataxia
- Atopic dermatitis
- Patellar luxation
- Deafness
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Low shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Wire Fox Terrier FAQ
How big does the Wire Fox Terrier get?
The Wire Fox Terrier stands 35 to 39 cm at the withers and weighs 6.5 to 8.5 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Wire Fox Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs a lot of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Wire Fox Terrier live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Wire Fox Terrier need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Wire Fox Terrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Wire Fox Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are primary lens luxation and hereditary cerebellar ataxia.
