A Wire Haired Fox Terrier running through the grass
Wire Haired Fox Terrier breeders · UK

DELWIRES.

Heritage quality dogs for happy, healthy homes.

For generations, Wire Haired Fox Terriers have been part of our family. Health, temperament, genetic diversity and a genuine love for the breed — every dog raised as part of family life.

The story that started it all · 1957

It started with Nellie.

Nellie arrived on the very day Stephen was born. Fourteen years of stolen brushes, school runs and one unforgettable drain rescue began a lifelong love of the breed.

Nellie chased a rat into a drain. Stephen called her name; her bark answered. Council, fire brigade, police and RSPCA attended, with fears she’d have to be put down. Tom broke into the drain with a sledgehammer and rescued her unharmed. Who would pay? Ask the rat, he said. The Stafford Newsletter and Staffordshire Advertiser carried the story, with photos of Nellie being bathed in an enamel tub.

Read the full story
A Delwires terrier relaxing at home
Life at Delwires today
What we believe

Health before ribbons.

Health first

Breeding decisions are made with the long-term health of the breed in mind.

Temperament matters

A beautiful dog is not enough. Our dogs must thrive as family companions.

Genetic diversity

Pedigrees and COI are considered carefully when planning future generations.

Family-raised

Our dogs aren’t simply breeding animals. They are part of our family and everyday life.

Featured dog

Paddy.

Paddy represents so much of what we value — outstanding bloodlines, exceptional character and the temperament of a true family dog.

Watch Paddy’s story
Where it all began

Nellie

The Wire Haired Fox Terrier who started the Delwires story.

Queenie

The Smooth Fox Terrier who became another unforgettable part of the family.

Explore our history
Reviews

Hear it from our families.

Real words from Delwires owners on Google and Facebook. Swipe through, or read them all at the source.

Tracey Vann
Google · 6 months ago

“Fantastic, cannot praise them enough. Excellent communication right from the get go, professional and very knowledgeable. Absolutely thrilled with my puppy SirJeeves, he is gorgeous. I would definitely recommend Delwires to anyone looking for a WHFT.”

Emma Geggus
Google · 6 months ago

“Literally from my search for my beautiful 3rd wire fox terrier… I could not have asked for a more perfect experience… although we live in Spain I wanted an ethically bred dog, with a good pedigree so the heartbreak when you lose one would …”

Jo Firth
Google · A month ago

“From following Delwires online to picking up our beautiful puppy 5 months later was a professional and transparent process. Stephen wanted to meet us and make sure we were the parents he wanted for one of …”

Keith Kalnins
Google · A month ago

“I have been a follower of WHFT for somewhat many years, this one been our 3rd fox dog, with great advice from Stephen Delaney from time to time. We are so pleased to have our new puppy, Buddy made me do it. From Delwires WHFT. A very …”

Alison Stead
Facebook · 9 Jan

“I contacted Stephen about his puppies and his response was informative and really helpful. We collected Maisie in November after having almost daily updates and videos of her progress. We met her mum and littermate when we collected her, and she is a delightful intelligent little pup, who settled in really well right from the first night.”

Jacob Cox
Facebook · 16 Mar

“We had a wonderful experience getting our Wire Haired Fox Terrier puppy from Stephen and his wife Sylvia. From the very beginning, they were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about their dogs. It was obvious that the puppies were raised with so much care and attention. Stephen took the time went above and beyond to answer all of our questions and made sure we felt confident and prepared before bringing our little Tobias home. Sylvia was equally lovely and welcoming, and you can really see how much love they put into raising their dogs…”

Anne Wilkinson
Facebook · 27 Jul

“Stephen I can’t thank you enough for our little oatcake. Your help and knowledge is brilliant. So good to know you are there with help and advice. Highly recommend you to any future buyer. Lovely to meet you and Sylvia and your beautiful dogs.”

Kim Hawley
Facebook · 27 Jun 2023

“I’ve followed Delwires for a number of years now. I initially made contact with Stephen around 8 years ago when I privately rehomed a foxie and we had some questions about his pedigree and health situations (he was not a Delwire) and Stephen was amazingly knowledgeable and helpful with our boy. Fast forward a number of years and we d…”

The right dog. The right home.

A companion worth waiting for.

Thoughtful placements. A lifetime of support.

Start a conversation