Wire Fox Terrier

Wire Fox Terriers live 12 to 15 years. Lens luxation, patellar luxation, and certain heart conditions occur in the breed. Legg Calve Perthes disease and deafness are also documented. Source from health tested breeders and schedule annual vet visits with eye and cardiac evaluation. Overall this is a robust, long lived terrier when bred responsibly.

Your Wire Fox Terrier has a dense, wiry coat that needs brushing two to three times a week. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks maintains the classic terrier silhouette. Hand stripping preserves the correct coat texture. The beard needs daily cleaning. Check ears weekly and trim nails monthly.

Your Wire Fox Terrier needs 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. Walks, fetch, and agility games match their high energy and quick reflexes. Secure fencing is essential since they are fast, dig efficiently, and have strong prey drive. Without enough activity they become destructive and vocal.

Wire Fox Terriers are intelligent and quick to learn but strong willed. Use positive reinforcement with food and play rewards. Keep sessions short and varied. Start socialization early since they can be feisty with other dogs. Consistent, patient training from a confident owner produces a sharp, obedient companion.

Feed a quality small breed formula twice daily with measured portions. Wire Fox Terriers stay naturally lean when properly exercised. Keep treats minimal and use them as training rewards. Two meals per day works better than free feeding. Monitor body condition monthly.

The Wire Fox Terrier shares its origin with the Smooth Fox Terrier, both developed in 18th century England for fox hunting. The two types were shown as a single breed until the Kennel Club separated them in 1984. The Wire Fox Terrier enjoyed enormous popularity in the early 20th century and dominated the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show more than any other breed, winning Best in Show 14 times. Famous owners included King Edward VII and President Herbert Hoover.