Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
7–8 kg
Height
33–39 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
White · White and Tan · White Black and Tan
Wire Fox Terrier
About This Breed
The Wire Fox Terrier is a classic British terrier with a distinctive rough, broken coat. Having won more Westminster Best in Show titles than any other breed, they are elegant, spirited showdogs and lively companions.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Wire Fox Terrier
Origin
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Group | Terriers |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 7–8 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Height | 33–39 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | White · White and Tan · White Black and Tan |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Alert · Quick · Keen · Friendly |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Coat care can take more time. Check for tangles and choose a brushing routine that suits the coat.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Teach children to handle it gently and leave it alone when it rests.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Wire Fox Terrier is the longer-coated form of what is considered one of the oldest terrier breeds. Fox terriers can be traced back to at least the 1700s in Britain. Bred to find and flush smaller threats to livestock like foxes and rats, the small but feisty terrier was split into two standards—wire coat terriers and smooth coat terriers—in the late 1800s. Though some organizations consider them the same breed, Wire Fox Terriers are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a separate breed.
Care Guide
Wire Fox Terriers, like most terrier breeds, are small in size but large in personality. Standing about 15 inches tall and weighing 15–18 pounds, they can adjust to city life but generally do best with the opportunity to run in and explore a large backyard. Keeping their mind and body sharp with trick-training and agility helps avoid behavior problems stemming from boredom and inactivity.