Wire-haired Fox Terrier

At a Glance

Temperament

Wire Fox Terriers are bundles of endless energy and intelligence, bred to think independently while hunting foxes. They require constant mental and physical stimulation—a bored Wire Fox Terrier is a mischievous handful. These alert, quick dogs are friendly and playful with proper exercise, but their strong prey drive means they'll chase anything that moves, making firm control essential. Without adequate outlets for their hunting instincts, they may run away, chase other animals, or cause serious trouble.

History

Developed in England by fox hunting enthusiasts in the 1800s, the Wire Fox Terrier descended from rough-coated black-and-tan working terriers of Wales, Derbyshire, and Durham. Hunters prized their short, docked tails as handles to pull the dogs from fox burrows. Though King Edward VII owned one named Caesar, the breed exploded in popularity during the 1930s when Asta starred in the Thin Man film series—the same character later became famous as Snowy in Tintin comics. By the late 20th century, popularity declined again as city living became incompatible with their fierce hunting drive.

Health Notes

Wire Fox Terriers enjoy relatively good health with a life expectancy of 13.5 years, above the average for purebreeds. Regular grooming is essential—show dogs require hand-stripping to maintain coat quality, while pet owners often opt for monthly clipping. Potential owners should be aware of the breed's high prey drive and ensure they have appropriate space and exercise outlets.

Fun Facts

• Asta, the famous Wire Fox Terrier from the 1930s Thin Man movie series, single-handedly sparked a breed popularity craze.
• Wire Fox Terriers have won more Best in Show titles at Westminster Kennel Club (15) than any other breed in history.
• Matford Vic won Westminster twice (1915 and 1916), making her one of the most decorated show dogs ever.
• Their docked tails were originally designed as 'handles' for hunters to grab and pull them out of fox burrows.
• Hand-stripping the coat—plucking out hair by hand—is preferred for show dogs to preserve color and shine, but it's expensive and time-consuming.
• Milou (Snowy), Tintin's beloved canine companion in the classic comic strip, is also a Wire Fox Terrier.