The Wire Fox Terrier is a bold, energetic breed originally developed in England for fox hunting. With its distinctive rough coat and animated expression, it’s often confused with the Smooth Fox Terrier, though the two were developed separately. The Wire Fox Terrier traces its lineage to rough-coated working terriers from Wales and northern England, bred for both stamina and tenacity in the field.
The breed gained major public attention in the 1930s thanks to The Thin Man film series, featuring Asta, a Wire Fox Terrier whose onscreen charm sparked a surge in popularity. Another famous representative is Snowy (Milou) from The Adventures of Tintin. Despite a dip in popularity in recent decades—largely due to their high energy levels and strong prey drive making them a challenging fit for urban living—the breed retains a loyal fan base.
True to their terrier roots, Wire Fox Terriers are spirited and full of personality. They’re intelligent, alert, and fearless, but also affectionate with their families. Left unstimulated, however, they may dig, chase small animals, or bark excessively. Regular exercise, firm training, and mental stimulation are essential to keep this clever breed out of mischief.
Despite their fiery temperament, Wire Fox Terriers have made their mark in the show world, winning more Best in Show titles at Westminster than any other breed—a testament to their show-stopping style and presence.
Similar Breeds: Welsh Terrier, Airedale Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier is a bold, bouncing original. They're equal parts brilliant and bratty, demanding a home that can roll with their wild style and still bring the structure.
