Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier holds the record for the most Best in Show wins at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show — 15 times as of 2024, the most of any breed in the show's history.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
13–15 years
Weight
7–9 kg (15–20 lbs)
Height
38–39 cm (14.5–15.5 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — quality small-breed kibble
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Wire Fox Terrier holds the record for the most Best in Show wins at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show — 15 times as of 2024, the most of any breed in the show's history. Developed in England for fox hunting — specifically to bolt foxes from their earths after hounds had run them to ground — the Wire Fox Terrier was one of the most fashionable breeds of the early 20th century. Tintin's dog Snowy in Hergé's famous comic series is a Wire Fox Terrier (or possibly a Smooth Fox Terrier — the debate continues among fans).
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Wire Fox Terrier is a symmetrical, athletic, workmanlike terrier with a distinctive dense, wiry, twisted white coat broken by black, tan, or black-and-tan markings — most typically a black saddle or body marking. The V-shaped ears fold forward and to the cheek. The long, lean head with a flat skull and strong jaw is characteristic. The predominantly white coat allowed hunters to distinguish the dog from the fox underground.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
3-4x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Wire Fox Terriers are alert, confident, and endlessly energetic. They are friendly and outgoing with people but typically dog-aggressive — their fox-bolting heritage predisposed them to confrontation with other animals. Their intelligence is high but so is their independence; training is effective with positive methods and patience.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive barking, digging, escape attempts, nipping, destructive chewing
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Daily vigorous exercise of 45–60 minutes. The wiry coat requires hand-stripping twice yearly and brushing 3–4 times weekly. Early socialisation important.
Nutrition Notes
Megaloblastic anaemia in some lines — B12 and folate supplementation may be needed. Generally healthy. Moderate calorie needs.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
PLL (primary lens luxation). Cataracts. Luxating patella. Legg-Calve-Perthes. Deafness. Megaloblastic anaemia. Most Best-in-Show wins at Westminster of any breed (15 times). Snowy from Tintin was a Wire Fox Terrier. Asta from The Thin Man movies. 12-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
700 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
500 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Generally a very healthy, long-lived breed. Lens luxation is a significant concern with a DNA test available. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease occurs. Deafness is occasionally documented.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Most Westminster BIS wins. Hand-stripping essential. Snowy (Tintin). India: rare.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Wire Fox Terrier holds the Westminster Best in Show record with 15 wins — more than any other breed, and the record may stand for many years given its current rarity.
Tintin's dog Snowy (Milou in French) is widely believed to be a Wire Fox Terrier — though Hergé reportedly never confirmed the specific breed, the characteristic white wiry coat and proportions closely match.
Wire Fox Terriers were so fashionable in the 1920s and 1930s that they appeared in films, advertisements, and paintings — William Powell's dog Asta in The Thin Man film series (1934–1947) was a Wire Fox Terrier.
