Fox Terrier (Wire)
The Good
- Minimal shedding with wiry, low-maintenance coat
- Excellent family companion with proper socialisation
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Long-lived and generally healthy breed
- Compact size suitable for various living situations
The Real
- High energy levels requiring consistent exercise
- Strong prey drive - not suitable with small pets
- Vocal breed with tendency to bark frequently
- Independent nature can make training challenging
- Requires mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviour
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Wire Fox Terrier is a small dog with a massive personality that'll keep you on your toes every single day. Standing about 38-39 cm tall and weighing 7-8 kg, these compact terriers pack more energy and character than dogs twice their size. Originally bred in Britain during the 1700s to flush foxes from their dens during hunts, they've evolved into beloved family companions while retaining every ounce of their working spirit.
What makes Wire Fox Terriers special is their incredible intelligence combined with an almost comical confidence. They approach life with the attitude that they're the most important dog in the room - and they'll convince you they're right! Their distinctive wiry coat, alert V-shaped ears, and bright, intelligent eyes give them an expression that's utterly irresistible.
These dogs thrive in active Australian households where they can channel their boundless energy into positive activities. Whether you're in a Brisbane apartment with access to dog parks or a Perth home with a secure backyard, Wire Fox Terriers adapt well as long as their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. They're particularly popular with families who enjoy weekend adventures, as these little athletes are always ready for a hike in the Blue Mountains or a beach walk along the Gold Coast.
Just remember - a bored Wire Fox Terrier is a destructive Wire Fox Terrier, so be prepared to keep that brilliant mind engaged!
History
History
The Wire Fox Terrier's story begins in the rolling countryside of 18th century Britain, where fox hunting was the sport of choice for the aristocracy. These determined little terriers were bred specifically for one dangerous job - to go underground and flush foxes from their burrows so the hunt could continue across open country. It was risky work that required incredible courage, intelligence, and an independent spirit.
By the late 1700s, Fox Terriers had developed into the breed we recognise today, though initially both smooth and wire-coated varieties were considered one breed. The wire coat proved particularly practical for working dogs, providing protection from thorns and harsh weather while pursuing their quarry through dense undergrowth.
The breed's popularity exploded in the 1930s thanks to Asta, the charismatic Wire Fox Terrier who starred alongside William Powell and Myrna Loy in "The Thin Man" film series. Suddenly, everyone wanted this clever, entertaining companion who could solve mysteries and steal scenes with equal flair.
Interestingly, while the breeds were originally interbred, by the early 1900s, breeding between Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers had ceased entirely. The American Kennel Club now recognises them as separate breeds, though they share virtually identical temperaments and characteristics aside from their coats.
Today's Wire Fox Terriers have transitioned beautifully from working dogs to family companions, though they've retained every bit of their ancestral spirit and determination that made them such effective hunters.
Traits & Characteristics
Fox Terrier (Wire) characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Wire Fox Terriers are generally robust, healthy dogs that typically live 12-15 years with proper care. Like most terrier breeds, they're hardy little characters, but there are a few health conditions Australian owners should be aware of.
The most significant concern is primary lens luxation, where the fibres holding the eye's lens in place weaken, causing the lens to move abnormally. This can lead to painful conditions like glaucoma and requires immediate veterinary attention. Watch for symptoms like excessive tearing, squinting, or changes in pupil size - particularly important in Australia's bright conditions where eye problems can worsen quickly.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease affects the hip joint in young dogs, typically appearing before their first birthday. It causes the thigh bone to deteriorate due to poor blood supply, resulting in pain and limping. Most cases respond well to surgical treatment, allowing dogs to live comfortable, active lives.
Patella luxation (kneecap dislocation) is another concern in small breeds. Mild cases might only be noticed during vet examinations, while severe cases cause obvious limping. Weight management and joint supplements often help, though severe cases may need surgery.
Dental health is crucial for Wire Fox Terriers, as small breeds are prone to tartar buildup and gum disease. Start daily tooth brushing early and maintain regular dental check-ups with your Australian vet. Some dogs benefit from annual professional cleanings under anaesthesia.
With routine preventative care, quality nutrition, and regular exercise, most Wire Fox Terriers enjoy long, healthy lives as active family members.
Wire Fox Terriers are generally easy to feed and thrive on high-quality commercial dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. These active little dogs typically do well on premium dry kibble, though those competing in agility or other dog sports might benefit from higher-calorie formulations.
Puppies under four months need frequent, small meals - about four to five times daily - to prevent low blood sugar, which can be dangerous in small breeds. Adult Wire Fox Terriers do well with two to three meals daily, which helps prevent bloat and maintains steady energy levels throughout the day.
Portion control is crucial for this breed. Despite their high energy, Wire Fox Terriers are small dogs that can easily become overweight if overfed. Measure their food according to package guidelines and adjust based on your dog's body condition and activity level. Your Australian vet can help determine the ideal weight and feeding amounts for your individual dog.
Consider puzzle feeders for these intelligent dogs - they'll enjoy the mental challenge while eating, which satisfies their problem-solving instincts. This is particularly helpful for Wire Fox Terriers who tend to eat quickly.
Training treats are essential for this breed, but remember to include them in their daily calorie count. High-value, small training treats work best for quick reward-based training sessions.
Fresh water should always be available, especially during Australia's warmer months when these active dogs need extra hydration. Most healthy Wire Fox Terriers don't require supplements when fed a balanced, commercial diet that meets nutritional standards, though always consult your vet before adding anything to their diet.
Here's where Wire Fox Terriers really shine - their grooming needs are surprisingly manageable for most Australian families. That distinctive wiry coat sheds minimally, making them excellent choices for households where dog hair on furniture is a concern.
For pet owners, regular brushing every other day prevents matting and keeps their coat looking tidy. A good slicker brush and metal comb will handle most of their grooming needs at home. The wiry topcoat can get tangled if neglected, but it's nothing a consistent brushing routine can't manage.
Show dogs require hand-stripping three to four times yearly - a process where dead hairs are plucked from the root to maintain the proper harsh texture. Most pet owners can skip this and simply have their dog professionally clipped to achieve a neat, similar appearance with much less effort and expense.
Monthly baths with quality dog shampoo keep their skin healthy and coat clean. In Australia's dusty conditions or after beach visits, you might need to bathe them more frequently. Their coat dries relatively quickly due to its wiry texture.
Don't forget the basics - trim nails monthly, check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections (especially important in humid areas like Darwin or Brisbane), and maintain daily dental hygiene. Small breeds like Wire Fox Terriers are particularly prone to dental issues, so establishing a tooth-brushing routine early is essential.
Their eyes don't require special care, but given their predisposition to lens luxation, keep an eye out for any changes in appearance or behaviour that might indicate eye problems.
Training a Wire Fox Terrier is like working with a brilliant but mischievous child - they're incredibly smart but have their own ideas about how things should be done! These dogs need consistent, patient training with a good sense of humour, as they'll test your boundaries while charming you completely.
Start socialisation early with puppy classes to help them learn appropriate behaviour around other dogs and people. Wire Fox Terriers can be somewhat independent and reactive, so teaching them to focus on you in distracting situations is crucial. Positive reinforcement works beautifully with this breed - they shut down completely with harsh treatment.
Exercise-wise, these dogs need substantial daily activity despite their small size. A tired Wire Fox Terrier is a well-behaved Wire Fox Terrier! Plan for at least an hour of exercise daily, combining walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation. They're perfect companions for active Australians who enjoy beach walks along the Victorian coast or hiking in Queensland's national parks.
Never allow off-leash exercise in unsecured areas - their prey drive is incredibly strong, and they'll forget all training if they spot a rabbit or bird. Secure, fenced dog parks or your own backyard are ideal for free running.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Try agility training, puzzle toys, trick training, or even earthdog trials if available in your area. Many Australian dog clubs offer activities perfect for channelling their natural instincts.
Remember, these dogs were bred to work independently, so training requires patience and creativity to keep them engaged and interested.
Who is an ideal owner?
Wire Fox Terriers are perfect for active Australian families who appreciate a dog with personality plus! If you're looking for a laid-back couch companion, this probably isn't your breed. These dogs thrive with owners who can match their energy and enthusiasm for life.
They're excellent with older children who understand dog boundaries and can participate in training and exercise. Families with toddlers should supervise interactions carefully, as Wire Fox Terriers can be reactive if surprised or overwhelmed. They generally get along well with other family dogs when properly socialised, but their high prey drive makes them unsuitable for homes with cats, rabbits, or other small pets.
First-time dog owners can succeed with Wire Fox Terriers, but be prepared for a steep learning curve! These intelligent dogs need consistent training and mental stimulation. If you're someone who enjoys the challenge of working with a smart, independent dog, you'll find them incredibly rewarding.
Urban Australian living works fine - they're popular in Sydney apartments and Melbourne townhouses - as long as you can provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation. A secure backyard is beneficial but not essential if you're committed to daily walks and dog park visits.
Retirees often love Wire Fox Terriers because they provide companionship and motivation for daily exercise, though you need to be physically able to keep up with their energy levels. They're also great for active singles who want an adventure buddy for weekend camping trips or beach outings.
The ideal owner is patient, consistent, has a good sense of humour, and genuinely enjoys the daily interaction these social, intelligent dogs require.
Interesting facts about the Fox Terrier (Wire)
Interesting Fact
The Wire Fox Terrier was originally bred to "go to ground" to chase foxes from their dens, which explains their fearless attitude toward much larger animals
Interesting Fact
Asta, the Wire Fox Terrier from "The Thin Man" movies in the 1930s, single-handedly boosted the breed's popularity and made them a household name across America and Australia
Interesting Fact
Although Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers were considered one breed for many years, interbreeding ceased in the early 1900s, and they're now recognised as separate breeds despite being virtually identical except for coat type
Interesting Fact
Wire Fox Terriers are descendants of the Rough Coated Black and Tan Terrier and were specifically developed for fox hunting in Britain
FAQ
Wire Fox Terriers make excellent family companions when properly socialised, though they're best suited to families with older children who understand dog boundaries. They're loyal and friendly but need active families who can provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
Yes, they're definitely a vocal breed! Wire Fox Terriers were bred to use their bark to intimidate foxes and communicate with hunters, so barking is their main form of communication. Expect them to alert you to visitors, squirrels, and anything else that catches their attention.
While they're not as popular as they were in the 1940s, reputable Wire Fox Terrier breeders can still be found across Australia. The breed population has declined since fox hunting became less popular, but dedicated breeders maintain quality bloodlines nationwide.
While they shed minimally due to their wiry coat, Wire Fox Terriers aren't considered truly hypoallergenic. No dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, though their low-shedding coat might be easier for some allergy sufferers to tolerate.
Yes, they can adapt to apartment living in cities like Sydney or Melbourne, provided they receive adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation. Their compact size makes them suitable for smaller spaces, but they're not low-energy dogs.
Plan for at least an hour of exercise daily, combining walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation. They're high-energy dogs that need both physical activity and mental challenges to prevent destructive behaviour.
Wire Fox Terriers can work for first-time owners who are prepared for their training challenges and energy requirements. They're intelligent but independent, requiring consistent, patient training with positive reinforcement methods.