The Wire Fox Terrier is short-backed and square-proportioned, but at the same time standing over a lot of ground. Its conformation combines speed, endurance and power, enabling it to gallop and stay with the horses and hounds during the hunt and to follow a fox up a narrow passage. The gait while trotting gets most of its propulsion from the rear quarters. The expression, like the attitude, is keen; the carriage is alert and expectant. The coat is dense, wiry, broken and twisted, almost appearing like coconut matting, with a short, fine undercoat. The outer coat may be crinkled, but it should not be curly.

A true “live-wire,” the wire fox terrier is always up for adventure. This breed lives to play, explore, run, hunt and chase. It can be mischievous and independent and may dig and bark. It is usually fairly reserved with strangers. The wire has a reputation for being somewhat scrappier with other dogs when compared to the smooth.