Far from what others want, such as smooth coats, wire-haired dogs are the complete opposites with their rough, wiry coats. Try to run your fingers down, and you will feel how stiff it can get.
As you read along, you will discover that their rough outer coat has a purpose. Those were designed to protect these dogs from harsh weather conditions, repel dirt, and protect them from resistance from prey while hunting.
To date, most of them have lived as household pets and become great companions. As with any breed, there is always something lovable beyond their wiry coat.
Do wire-haired dogs shed?
Most of these wire-haired doggies shed very minimally to none. They are even known to be hypoallergenic and recommended to potential pet owners with asthma.
Wire-haired dog breeds
Here is a list of wire-haired dog breeds for you to choose from if you consider getting one. Know their sizes, classifications as per American Kennel Club (AKC), temperaments, exercise and grooming requirements, and lifespan.
1. Wire Fox Terrier
As the name suggests, the Fox terrier belongs to the Terrier group as classified by the AKC. Wire fox terriers were originally bred to create a stir among foxes and let them out of their hiding spots during fox hunts.
Foxies are of two types: the Smooth fox terrier and the Wirehaired fox terrier. The latter is the more common variety, looks more stylish, and is favored in rough country hunting because its coat makes it less vulnerable to injury.
The Wire fox terrier stands 16 inches to its shoulder and weighs between 15-18 pounds. Sometimes, this breed can be confused with the Airedale terrier or the Lakeland terrier.
These independent dogs are both highly energetic and intelligent. They can learn tricks quickly and suit owners who live active lifestyles and are capable of providing them with lots of activities and play to unleash their energy, or else they will exhibit destructive behaviors and bark excessively.
Because they are full of energy, they will need enough space to run around despite their size. That means these doggos are not suitable for apartment living.
Loyal to their families, they also love to play with children. But small children should not be left alone with them as they can be rough at play.
These brave dogs are ready to fight even larger breeds. So whenever you are in public places like the park, never take them unleashed.
As with other animals, they can be friendly with those they grew up with; but should not be left alone playing with them. Their high prey drive also can cause them to chase small animals like birds and rabbits.
They can serve as effective watchdogs too. They will surely alert you should there be unlikely strangers or sense something amiss within their territory.
Their dense and wiry coats that come in black and tan, white and tan, and black and white only need regular brushing them keep clean and free from odor. They are minimal shedders. Hand stripping is needed as part of their coat maintenance and care.
In general, they are a healthy and hardy breed. However, foxies may not be spared from experiencing some of the most common health conditions like hip dysplasia, deafness, cataracts, lens luxation, and Legg-Perthes disease. A well-cared Wire hair fox terrier can reach 12-15 years.
2. Jack Russell Terrier
Also called the Parson Russell terrier, the Jack Russell terrier was developed to hunt foxes over 200 years ago. This small breed pooch weighs 13-17 pounds and stands 13-14 inches to its shoulder. Despite their size, the Jack Russell terrier is not a lap dog.
The Jack Russell terrier is not only affectionate, devoted, and charming, but a clever, independent, determined, lively, and energetic dog. It needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation to unleash its energy, making it fit for pet parents with an active lifestyle.
Mere walking may not be enough for this active buddy. Vigorous exercise is what they need for an hour, which includes running, jumping, and playing fetch.
Training can be quite a task for Jack Russell terrier owners. You need to be firm and consistent. Add to it tons of patience, devote more time, and a great sense of humor.
Despite their size, they may not be good apartment dogs as they will need more space to exercise. Also, the Jack Russell terrier is an occasional barker.
While this breed is friendly with people and children who know how to respect them, they can show aggression towards other dogs and animals. They have a high prey drive, so they are not recommended for homes with other smaller animals.
Their double-coated smooth coat and the broken coat come in shades of tan, brown, and white with black markings. Both smooth and broken coats require weekly brushing to remove loose or dead hair.
Without any known breed-predisposed illnesses, the Jack Russell is also not spared from common canine conditions like deafness, glaucoma, lens luxation, patellar luxation, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. The average lifespan for this breed is 13-18 years.
3. German Wirehaired Pointer
Classified by the AKC as a sporting breed, the German wirehaired pointer is easily noticeable for its bushy eyebrows and beard. It was developed to be an all-around hunting champion — in any game in whatever terrain.
Medium in size, the German wirehaired pointer weighs 50-70 pounds and stands 20-26 inches to its shoulder. This breed is gifted with a very keen nose that aids in tracking and pointing.
Because they were bred for hunting, the German wirehaired pointers need extensive exercise and a lot of activities to burn off their high energy. They can be excellent jogging buddies, are great swimmers, and of course, effective retrievers.
While they are fun-loving, friendly, loyal, and affectionate with their family, they can be aloof with strangers. As with older children, they can be great companions. However, younger children should not be allowed to play with them without supervision as they can knock them down.
They can be friendly with other household dogs and cats, but certainly, they will bark at strange dogs. That makes them good guard dogs.
Minimal grooming is only required for their very functional wiry coat, which comes in solid liver or liver and white. It protects them from extreme weather as it is water repellant and at the same time insulates, making it perfect for hunting in deep undergrowth, harsh weather, and cold water.
While they are generally a healthy breed, they can also be prone to conditions like cataracts, hip dysplasia, entropion, and Von Willebrand’s disease. A well-cared German wirehaired pointer has a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
4. Airedale Terrier
Also known as the “The King of Terriers”, the Airedale terrier is considered the largest terrier breed. True to its size, its average weight is 40-65 pounds and stands 22-24 inches to its shoulder.
This adorable breed was bred as hunting and sporting dogs. With their size, they have become the best dogs to be utilized for defense and security.
Aside from being intelligent and tough, the Airedale terrier is also confident and very outgoing. Add to it the fact that the Airedale terrier is remarkably known for having high stamina.
Because this dog breed has a mind of its own, it also has a stubborn streak. They can be a little much for newbie dog owners and even trainers.
In general, they can be friendly towards older kids but can be rough with the smaller ones. Unlike the terrier breeds, they have better relations with other canines, as well as other pets, so long as they grew up with them since puppyhood. Unless these other smaller pets have been with them for long, owners should be aware of their strong prey drives.
Because they are an active dog breed, they need plenty of daily exercises. To keep them from getting bored and make them excited, owners should see to it that they are able to introduce new exercises and activities. They are not fit for apartment living because they will need to run around a yard to shed off their energy.
Airedale terriers are double-coated dogs that come in dark, tan, red, or tan and black. Their topcoat is dense and wiry coat. The undercoat is soft and short. Their huge heads are complimented with dominant facial hairs that add to their striking looks.
Airedale terriers are not excessive shedders and in maintaining the coat, regular brushing is required. Here is one thing pet owners should remember: it is a no-no to over-bath these canines because doing so will soften their coarse coats.
While this breed has no recorded breed-predisposed ailments, they may, however, be susceptible to some allergies, cancer, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and elbow dysplasia. This dashing dog can live up to 11-13 years.
5. Border Terrier
Originating from Scotland, the Border terrier was bred to assist in fox hunting. These small dogs weigh about 11.5-15.5 pounds and stand about 12-15 inches to its shoulder.
While they can live in apartments, their owners must see that they get enough exercise and other physical and mental activities. Otherwise, the lack of exercise will cause these Border terriers to exhibit destructive behaviors and bark excessively. Aside from that, they easily gain weight without many activities.
Border terriers are perfect matches for every child’s energy, but they should not be left alone to play with younger children. Loving, loyal, and intelligent, the Border terrier is also determined and fearless. Add to that their mastery of escaping.
Pet owners should secure their dogs, or you will catch them digging in the yard to get through fences. Watch out for holes in your fences because they can quickly get through and escape.
They have a wiry outer coat and a short, dense undercoat. They come in wheaten, grizzled, tan, blue and tan, or red. Their chest can have a small white patch. Their coats need weekly brushing as well as periodic stripping.
Though also a healthy breed, Border terriers are totally free from some canine health conditions such as cryptorchidism, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, heart defects, and seizures. A well-cared Border terrier can live for an average of 12-15 years.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
Schnauzers are also known for their bushy beards. Weighing 11-19 pounds and standing around 12-14 inches, the Miniature schnauzer is living proof of the phrase “small but terrible”, which also means that you should never underestimate its capabilities as a small dog. They are brave, smart, and sturdy, having been bred as farm dogs and vermin hunters.
Apartment or country living? That is not an issue at all as Miniature schnauzers can adapt well to any living environment and are quick learners. At home, these affectionate dogs will show their owners how attached they can get and would follow you in every corner.
As they are extroverted and full of humor, raising this dog breed will surely take away your boredom. Miniature schnauzers are great family dogs and can get along well with children. Note also that they would always love to be included in every activity — be it watching movies or strolling outside.
But do you know the literal meaning of its name? In German, “schnauzer” translates to “snout” or “muzzle”. In other words, this breed’s name simply means “a dog with a bearded muzzle or snout”.
As these dogs are also terriers, they, therefore, need to get the required amount of exercise each day. Training them is easy because they are very intelligent, but watch out as they can be also masters of manipulation!
Their wiry topcoat comes in beige, solid black, black and tan, or red. It does not shed much, making them perfect house dogs for people with asthma.
Grooming should not be a problem as they do not require an intensive grooming regime. Brush their coats twice or thrice weekly so they don’t get mats and tangles. Aside from that, hand stripping is also recommended to remove their dead hair.
Their loving owners need not worry much as they are known to be a healthy breed. However, just like other shaggy wirehaired dogs in this list, they are still prone to eye diseases (like cataracts), entropion, as well as other canine ailments. On average, these bearded dogs can live for 12-14 years.
7. Wirehaired Dachshund
Bred to hunt badgers, rabbits, foxes, and other tunneling animals, the Wirehaired dachshund was developed in Germany. Classified as a hound dog under the AKC, this breed comes in two sizes: (1) standard and (2) miniature.
The standard Wirehaired dachshund has an average weight of 16-32 pounds and stands around 8-9 inches to its shoulder. On the other hand, the miniature version weighs about 11 pounds and stands about 5-6 inches.
A good choice for apartment dwellers or those without a yard, Wire-haired dachshunds are snuggly, smart, protective, and loyal. But they may not be great around your kids’ friends and strange dogs. Potential owners should be aware that they are good barkers.
Regular brushing is required for Wire-haired dachshunds. Hand-stripping is also recommended at least twice annually.
Deafness, canine diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease, epilepsy, and bloat are some of the most common conditions your dog may suffer, though in general, they are a healthy breed. If well-cared, they can live for around 12-16 years.
8. Brussels Griffon
If you are familiar with Ewoks, then you surely know that the Brussels griffon looks like them. Despite its small size, having an average weight of only 6-12 pounds and height of 7-10 inches, this pup is also a toughie. Being bred from terriers for vermin control, they are certainly not lapdogs.
The Brussels griffon is perfect for apartment living due to its size. As they were bred for the purpose of hunting, they are naturally energetic and will need much play and exercise to shed off that energy.
Despite being affectionate, they do not fit in families with boisterous children as they hate being chased, hit, hugged without notice, or even placed into laps against their will. Because of that, kids should never be left with them unsupervised. For them to get used to meeting new people, constant training and socialization are vital.
These dogs’ coats come in two types: rough and smooth. Their beards are a plus to their looks.
Grooming is neither low nor high but moderate, depending on the coat. Brushing is needed for the smooth-coated ones while those with a rough coat will need hand stripping as well as clipping.
Their intelligence has made them independent thinkers. Thus, whenever you train them, always be kind and make sure you reward them. Make every training interesting and fun-filled because they crave mental stimulation.
Skin allergies, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems are some of the health conditions which may affect Griffons. However, if well-cared for, a Griffon can live for 12-15 years.
9. Cairn terrier
Do you know Toto in the movie, The Wizard of Oz? If you do, then you have already seen a Cairn terrier.
Developed in Scotland’s Isle of Skye, this small and sturdy working dog aided farmers in getting rid of vermin. The Cairn terrier weighs about 13-14 pounds and stands 9-10 inches to its shoulder.
Cairn terriers are alert, confident, and highly intelligent. Like most terriers, they love to dig, chase, and bark.
They are attention-seekers and can be clingy. They will be glad to follow you wherever you go around the house. Leaving them for longer periods will cause them to suffer from separation anxiety.
They also love to be with kids. They can even join you in greeting guests or strangers by your door. However, they are very sensitive and will easily get hurt when scolded.
When it comes to other pets, they are friendly so long as they belong to the same household. They are expected to chase outsider animals. They are small yet think like big dogs.
Their outer wire-haired coats look shaggy while beneath that is a soft undercoat. They are easy to groom as they only need to be brushed weekly.
Hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, portosystemic liver shunt, and Krabbe’s disease are among the common canine health issues that may affect Cairn terriers although generally, they are a healthy breed. If well-cared, Cairn terriers can live for 12-15 years.
10. Irish Terrier
Originally bred in Ireland to kill vermin, the Irish terrier is a medium-sized dog and comes in three shades of red: red wheaten, golden red, and bright or ginger red. Weighing approximately 25-27 pounds and having an average height of 18-20 inches, Irish terriers are affectionate, loyal, have a strong disposition, and are good-tempered.
Due to their playful and loving spirit, they can be great family dogs, especially with kids. Training should not be a problem as these dogs are very intelligent. If you have an active lifestyle, this breed will fit you as they love having lots of exercise and games.
Irish terriers have outer wiry coats with a soft undercoat. In maintaining their double coat, regular brushing is necessary to keep it clean and tangle-free. Ideally, hand-stripping is also recommended.
These dogs are relatively healthy, so you do not have to worry much about hereditary diseases so long as you take care of your dog well. That being said, expect to have your Irish terriers as a companion for 13-15 years.
11. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Are you one with an active lifestyle? If so, then this dog is for you. Classified as sporting dogs, these medium-sized pooches have an average weight of 50-60 pounds and a height of 20-24 inches to their shoulder.
The Wirehaired pointing griffon is an excellent hunter. They would flush, point and retrieve hares, game birds, and waterfowl. They are referred to as the “supreme gundog” and are great swimmers.
While they can be great family companions and are gentle with children, you should be aware that these Griffons are not apartment dogs because they will need much space for their activities and exercises.
Their bodies are covered with a dense, wiry topcoat and undercoat that require minimal grooming. It comes in steel gray with roan or chestnut brown markings.
Maintenance for their coats is just about moderate for this breed which requires, weekly brushing and occasional stripping whenever necessary.
Progressive retinal atrophy, eye diseases, and elbow dysplasia are among the known conditions which may affect this breed. In general, Griffons are considered healthy with an average life expectancy of 10-14 years.
12. Wirehaired Vizsla
Also belonging to the category of hunting breeds, the Wirehaired Vizsla is a medium-sized dog that can grow about 21-25 inches tall and weigh around 40-65 pounds.
These energetic dogs are well-mannered, loving, affectionate, gentle, expressive, and caring. They were developed in Hungary in the 20th century to produce a more waterproof and warmer coat than their smooth-haired cousins.
They can immediately form a strong and intimate bond with their family, including kids. They can be good with cats and other canine household members. But when it comes to smaller pets like hamsters and rabbits, never leave them alone with your Vizsla.
They are multi-talented athletes and are known achievers in various activities and sports. Sometimes, these dogs can be manipulative. Hence, a strong training foundation is important starting puppyhood. But you should note that these dogs are more sensitive than other breeds, so always show them kindness.
As these dogs are a pack full of energy, owners must have a good schedule for daily mental and physical exercises, which can last for 30 minutes to an hour. They can be good hiking, jogging, and biking buddies.
Vizslas have dense and wiry coats without any undercoat that come in red, golden, and golden-rustic with white markings. Regular brushing is needed to maintain the coats of Wirehaired Vizslas.
Also a healthy breed, the Wire-haired vizsla is not exempt from common canine conditions such as hip dysplasia, seasonal allergies, ear infections, and canine epilepsy. Their recorded average lifespan is 12-15 years.
13. Kerry Blue Terrier
While they are not well-known, the Kerry blue terrier is a working dog utilized for both hunting and herding. They are bigger Irish terriers weighing around 30-40 pounds and standing 17-19 inches.
This muscular, resourceful, and alert dog is always ready for action. While Kerry blues are people-friendly, they do not want the company of other canines and prefer to be solo pets in their respective homes.
They are perfect family dogs because they are good-natured. They can get along well with kids also.
Like most terriers, they need a great deal of exercise daily. That makes them the best dogs for owners with an active lifestyle.
Their soft and wavy short coats do not shed, and they do not have undercoats. Despite that, their high-maintenance bluish-gray coats need daily brushing to avoid mats and tangles.
Factor XI deficiency, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, chronic otitis external, skin cysts, and some cancers are among the health conditions that may affect your Kerry blue terrier, though generally, they are a healthy breed. The recorded average lifespan for the Kerry blue terrier is 12-15 years.
14. Scottish Terrier
A sturdy little body wrapped in wiry fur, a distinctive beard, and erect thin ears, are what make the Scottish terrier immediately recognizable. This head-turner has incredibly short legs and stands only 10 inches and weighs 18-22 pounds.
The Scottish terrier may not be as friendly because they can be aloof with strangers. Towards kids and other animals, Scottish terriers can become aggressive. In fact, this breed is on top of the list of dogs with the tendency to snap at kids.
Good canine citizenship starts with training during puppyhood. Nothing happens overnight so train your pup at a young age or as soon as you bring home your fur babies with you.
While they can be easily attached to their owners, that alone will not transform them into a lapdog. Loyal to its family, feisty, and independent, the Scottish terrier can melt your heart with its outstanding characteristics. One more thing: this dog will love to chase and dig in the garden.
Because they are an active breed, owners should always be mindful that they can become destructive when they become bored and are under-exercised. Thus, Scottish terriers should get enough play, exercise, and receive the necessary training.
These double-coated dogs do not shed much, but they have high grooming needs to maintain their coat and prevent knots and mats. Periodic hand stripping is necessary as their fur grows fast.
When left untrimmed, its wiry hair forms like a long skirt and is wrapped around its body. Their shades come in wheaten and brindle, but the most common is black.
While they are generally healthy, with an average lifespan of 11-13 years, be aware of the possibility that this breed may inherit Von Willebrand’s disease. Among the other canine conditions that may affect this breed are allergies, cancers, Scottie cramps, and craniomandibular osteopathy.
15. Otterhound
This wirehaired dog breed became rare after Europe banned otter hunting in the 1970s. To date, there are only a thousand Otterhounds across the globe, half of which are in the United States.
These large wirehaired dogs weigh around 80-115 pounds and stand about 24-27 inches to their shoulder.
Otterhounds are fun-loving, affectionate, and sweet. While they can be great pets for the family with kids, very young children should not be left unsupervised. These bouncy wire-haired dogs can be rowdy with them. In the same way, they may be too much for frail seniors to handle.
Their rough coats are fit for water and land hunting. Because they were bred to hunt, these active dogs need daily doses of both physical and mental exercises.
Their wire coats are their trademark in having that “messy look”. Their outer thick coat covers their wooly undercoat. In maintaining their wire coat, weekly brushing is recommended.
Canine idiopathic thrombocytopenia, hip dysplasia, and bloat are the most common health conditions for some Otterhounds, although, in general, they are a healthy breed. Given that they are healthy, these wirehaired dogs can reach 10-13 years.
16. West Highland White Terrier
A big dog trapped in a small body. That is how you can best describe the West highland white terrier with a lot of self-esteem. This wire-haired dog weighs around 13-20 pounds and stands 10-11 inches to its shoulder.
Get these wirehaired pups, and you will surely enjoy their company. They can thrive in any home: even with kids or other canines and felines. They still have a strong prey drive, so they may have the urge to chase smaller animals.
Like many dog breeds that belong to the terrier classification, Westies are full of energy. They need many mental and physical exercises every day, or else they become destructive and noisy. They are intelligent with an independent streak, so training should be consistent and with positive reinforcement.
You need not worry about leaving them at home for long periods as they can handle that so long as you provide them with toys to entertain them. You can also place them on a crate.
Westies are relatively easy to groom. Regular brushing and trimming are required to keep their double coats in tip-top condition.
The commonly recorded health conditions among Westies include cataracts, patellar luxation, craniomandibular osteopathy, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, although generally, they are a healthy breed. Westies have a recorded lifespan of 12-16 years.
17. Irish Wolfhound
Last but not least among the list of wirehaired breeds is the Irish wolfhound, which is the tallest among the dog breeds recognized by the AKC.
This dog can weigh between 105-120 pounds and is at least 30 inches in height, making it the largest sighthound. They were not war dogs but fierce hunters.
Because of their size, Irish wolfhounds need more room to walk around. That means they are not fit for apartment living.
These wire-haired dogs have the sweetest twinkly eyes and gentlest expressions. This gentle giant is an absolute heartthrob. He can get along well with kids, dogs, and even cats.
They do not bark at strangers; hence, they are ineligible as watchdogs. As they are hounds, they still have a strong prey drive and are sure to chase potential prey. So, as you walk them to the park, always put them on a leash.
The Irish wolfhound has a wiry coat that comes in red, white, black-gray, brindle, or fawn. Brushing weekly or bi-weekly helps maintain their coat health.
Osteosarcoma, osteochondrosis dissecans, fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy, hip and elbow dysplasia, and liver shunt are some of the common health conditions among Irish wolfhounds. They have a shorter lifespan than other wirehaired dog breeds. They only have 6-8 years to live on average.
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*photo by Laborec425 – depositphotos
