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Need to Know
- Dog suitable for owners with some experience
- Extra training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys active walks
- Small dog
- Minimal drool
- Requires frequent grooming
- Chatty and vocal dog
- Barks, alerts, and may be physically protective/suspicious of visitors
- Might not like other dogs
- May need additional training to live with other pets
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Needs a small yard, in suburban or rural areas
- Can be left alone occasionally with training
- AKC Registered Breed
Personality
Independent and quick, the Wire Fox Terrier dog is a fun and fun-loving companion. They have seemingly endless energy and are bold and brave—more of an “ask for forgiveness” than an “ask for permission” kind of dog. They can make good companions if sufficiently mentally and physically stimulated. A bored Wire Fox Terrier can become noisy.
Originally bred as a fox-hunting dog, the Wire Fox Terrier first appeared in England in the 18th century. They likely came from rough-coated black and tan terriers. While originally working dogs, they are now popular companion dogs, peaking in the years after World War II.
Sparky by nature, the Wire Fox Terrier needs an owner who can tolerate their bold personalities. Owners would ideally love long walks and training. Socialization with other dogs will need to be implemented early and often for Wire Fox Terrier dogs and puppies. They do best in a rural or country environment.
Their instincts to work are strong, so a Wire Fox Terrier should exercise body and mind daily. They enjoy training, games, leash walking with a variety of routes, off-leash running, and even dog sports.
The Wire Fox Terrier doesn’t need a lot of indoor space but they definitely need a fenced-in yard that is terrier-proof. They are escape artists and are prone to digging.
The Wire Fox Terrier’s coat is, naturally, thick and wiry, with facial hair that gives them a wizened look. Brushing and combing regularly will keep them tangle-free, and hand stripping a couple of times a year can help with removing dead hair.
Get the snacks ready—Wire Fox Terriers are heavily food-motivated, which should be used to train. They are smart dogs that need to be taught recall and how to walk on a leash. Socialization early and often for Wire Fox Terrier dogs and puppies can help make them more confident and laid back around other dogs.
Families who are active and enjoy long walks in particular make good Wire Fox Terrier dog families. Children who can respect the Wire Fox Terrier dog’s space are also a good fit.
The cost of a Wire Fox Terrier from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Wire Fox Terrier on Purina.
Did you know?
- Wire Fox Terriers are excellent swimmers and have a waterproof coat.
Grooming Tips – How to Trim Your Dogs Nails
Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed makes him more comfortable as well as reduces those scratches in your wood floor. Because you’ll need both hands to clip the nails, a second person to hold onto the dog is most helpful. Not all dogs are fans of having their nails trimmed. If your dog is one of them,
What Dog & Puppy Breeds Are Considered Hypoallergenic?
Pet-lovers with an allergy to their favorite dogs can still enjoy being a pet parent. The trick is to choose from the breeds of non-allergenic dogs that don’t shed as much hair and dander. Non-shedding dogs are commonly referred to as hypoallergenic dogs, and they are a great choice for people