Is a wire fox terrier the right dog for you?

A wire fox terrier has won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club 15 times.

King’s 2019 win marks the 47th time a member of the terrier group, which also includes Cairn terriers, Jack Russell terriers, Airedale terriers, West Highland white terriers, soft-coated wheaten terriers, rat terriers, and Scottish terriers. Last year’s winner was Flynn, a bichon frisé.

Wire fox terriers are relatively small dogs. Their average height is about 15 inches, and the dogs typically weigh 15 to 18 pounds.

Breed characteristics

Wire fox terriers are smart, high-energy, friendly dogs.

The American Kennel Club says they are good with children and other dogs.

They are athletic and love to run and chase. Wire fox terriers require daily exercise and love long walks on the leash.

They can be mischievous and may dig or bark. Because they tend to be vocal, they are usually not good dogs for apartment living. 

Training

Wire fox terriers can be challenging to train, and unless you are confident in your training skills, consider attending training classes or working with a trainer. 

Start with socialization. Introducing your wire fox terrier to various people, situations, and other dogs is essential. 

Because wire fox terriers are intelligent, consider including obedience tasks as part of training. It’s also a good idea to mix playtime with training. Quickly correct misbehavior so you don’t let the dog develop bad habits, and offer plenty of praise and treats.

Grooming

The wire fox terrier has a dense, wiry coat with hairs that look broken. The dog’s undercoat is soft and short. 

Purists argue the wire fox terrier’s coat should be maintained by hand stripping — pulling hair out — rather than cutting it. Show dogs must have their coats hand stripped, or they will be disqualified. 

Pet wire fox terriers must have their coats hand stripped once a month, while show dogs must be groomed more frequently. Hand stripping can be done at home, or you can have it done by a groomer.

Cutting the dog’s coat will change the texture and make it soft. 

Final thoughts on the Wire Fox Terrier

Buying a wire fox terrier from a breeder can cost $400 to $2,000. You can also adopt them through Petfinder or rescue organizations such as The Wire Fox Rescue Midwest, Breeder Release Adoption Service, or The Milo Foundation. 

Sara B. Hansen has spent 20-plus years as a professional editor and writer. She’s also the author of The Complete Guide to Cocker Spaniels. She decided to create her dream job by launching DogsBestLife.com in 2011. Sara grew up with family dogs, and since she bought her first house, she’s had a furry companion or two to help make it a home. She shares her heart and home with Nutmeg, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Her previous dogs: Sydney (September 2008-April 2020), Finley (November 1993-January 2008), and Browning (May 1993-November 2007). You can reach Sara @ editor@dogsbestlife.com.