BREED SPOTLIGHT

Breed Spotlight: Wire Fox Terrier

Four minutes
Oct 09, 2022

Wire Fox Terrier Quick Stats

LIFESPAN:

12 - 15 years

WEIGHT:

15 - 18 lbs

HEIGHT:

13 - 15.5 inches

DO I SHED?

Yes

Personality:

Affectionate, friendly, playful

Common Health Problems:

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, luxating patella, mitral valve disease

Wire Fox Terrier: How Do I Look?

Wire fox terriers, affectionately known as “foxies,” are members of the terrier breed with a majestic stature and great show dog qualities. Not to be confused with the smooth fox terrier, this sturdy breed boasts a thick, wiry coat. The breed ranges from 15 to 18 pounds and tops out at 15.5 inches tall. The wire fox terrier’s loving personality and quirky demeanor make them excellent pets for owners at every stage of life.

Coat Type and Colors

The wire fox terrier, as their name describes, has a wiry double coat. They are primarily white, but often have markings of other colors. The following colors are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC):3

  • White
  • White and black
  • White and tan
  • White, black, and tan
  • White, tan, and black

Drooling Level

Wire fox terriers are not known to be droolers. If your wire fox terrier is excessively drooling, you should consult your veterinarian.

Ears

The wire fox terrier has small ears that are V-shaped and fall close to their faces to frame their scruffy snouts. Like most dogs, their inner ears should be cleaned during baths to prevent buildup and infections.

Shedding and Grooming

Wire fox terriers aren’t heavy shedders despite their dense double coat. They require weekly brushes to remove the little hair that sheds, and should be bathed when necessary. Since these dogs like to dig outside due to their terrier instincts, they may require baths more often if left to explore.

Wire Fox Terrier: Personality Traits

What My Adoption Bio Would Say:

I’m a pup of all trades: beauty, brains, and personality to boot. I’m sure to be a fan favorite in your house. Whether it’s my goofy personality and my daily zoomies or the affection I show you, you’ll definitely be obsessed with me.

Behavior

The wire fox terrier temperament can be best described as a bundle of energetic joy. These dogs are lively and playful pups that love nothing more than getting attention from their human companions and strangers alike. Despite their energetic tendencies, they’re also gentle and snuggly companions for families.

Exercise Needs

Spunky foxies need their fair share of exercise. Runs in the backyard, walks around the neighborhood, and games of fetch will serve a wire fox terrier well so they’re ready to relax and snuggle at the end of the day.

Good with Other Pets?

Wire fox terriers aren’t known to be aggressive with other dogs or pets in the house. Like with most dogs, safe introductions should take place with other pets and pets shouldn’t be left unsupervised to prevent accidents.

Trainability

Wire fox terriers, like most terriers, are eager to please.3 This makes them great candidates for quality obedience training, but be aware that their high energy means they’ll need highly-engaging training. Once they take to training, they can excel in agility or other dog competitions.

Good with Kids?

Wire fox terriers are not only highly affectionate, but they’re also known to be great with children. Due to their energy, they may be best for families with children aged 7 and older. Gentle introductions should be practiced to ensure the safety of your pup and kids.4

Barking Level

Foxies are known to be a noisy breed because of their terrier genes. It’s recommended to train them early and consistently to show them when and when not to bark.

Common Wire Fox Terrier Mixes

There are plenty of wire fox terrier mixes out in the world, but some popular mixes are:5

  • Wire Foxie Doxie: Wire fox terrier and dachshund mix
  • Wire Fox Beagle: Wire fox terrier and beagle mix
  • Wire Foxie Rat Terrier: Wire fox terrier and American rat terrier mix
  • Wire Foxton: Wire fox terrier and Boston terrier mix
  • Wire Chisoxy: Wire fox terrier and Chihuahua mix

Wire Fox Terrier Health Issues

Wire fox terriers may experience a variety of health issues, including:

Protect your Pets

Even the healthiest of pups can come with unexpected vet costs. Pet insurance can help keep your dog and your bank account happy.

How Pet Insurance Can Help Wire Fox Terriers

Wire fox terriers aren’t known for having significant health issues, but they are impacted by joint and bone issues. Getting a dog insurance policy through MetLife Pet Insurance can give you peace of mind, as it may help cover the cost of diagnosis or treatment for certain diseases.1,2

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which is the degeneration the femur at the hip joint, impacts smaller breeds like foxies.⁵ The symptoms of this disease, caused by a lack of blood supply to the area, are seen in dogs younger than a year old. If your dog is limping or experiencing other common symptoms of this disease, dog insurance may offset the costs of diagnosis and treatment so your pup can see the better side of the wire fox terrier life expectancy.

Get a quote for dog insurance for your furry friend and learn more about how dog insurance works to keep your dog happy and healthy into their golden years.

Protect your Wire Fox Terrier with Pet Insurance

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