Wire Fox Terrier
🧠 Temperament & character
The Wire Fox Terrier is alert, brave, energetic and self-assured - a bundle of terrier temperament with a pronounced hunting instinct. He is playful, affectionate and always attentive, but can be challenging towards other dogs and tends to dig and bark. With children he is a lively playmate, but demands respectful handling and clear boundaries. He is intelligent and quick to learn, yet also headstrong, which is why he needs consistent training and plenty of occupation.
📜 Origin & history
Like his smooth-haired cousin, the Wire Fox Terrier originated in England, where he was used for fox hunting: he was to flush the fox from its den when it had gone to ground before the pack. His rough, dense coat gave him better protection against thorns, wet and cold than smooth hair. For a long time wire and smooth hair were regarded as varieties of the same breed, until they were later officially kept separate. In the 20th century the Wire Fox Terrier became a celebrated show dog and popular companion.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Fox Terrier's wiry, dense coat must be brushed regularly and professionally trimmed (hand-stripped) several times a year so that it keeps its texture and colour; with correct care he sheds only little. He is a very active dog that needs plenty of daily exercise, free running and extensive occupation to channel his energy sensibly. Without enough to do he tends towards barking, digging and mischief. He is clever but independent, which is why consistent, varied training and dog sports such as agility prove worthwhile.
🩺 Health
The Wire Fox Terrier is a robust breed with a life expectancy of around twelve to fifteen years. Lens luxation and other eye conditions, patellar luxation, congenital deafness and, in individual lines, epilepsy can occur. A DNA test is available for primary lens luxation, which responsible breeders use. They also have eyes and knees examined and select only steady, healthy animals for breeding.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Wire Fox Terrier is best suited to active, sporty people and families who can offer him plenty of exercise and mental occupation and can handle his terrier temperament. For very calm or inexperienced owners he is less suitable, since without leadership he quickly goes his own way. He can live in an apartment if he is kept sufficiently occupied, but feels more comfortable with a garden and plenty of running. In Switzerland he is a cheerful, weatherproof partner for hikes, dog sports and active families - though the hunting instinct should always be kept in mind.