Click to Skip Ahead
Not every dog in existence has a soft, luscious coat of hair or fur. Some have wiry hair that is rough to the touch. However, wire-haired dogs are no less loving and cuddly. Just because their coats are a little rough around the edges doesn’t mean their personalities and hearts are. In this article, we’ll examine 16 wire-haired dog breeds to help you determine if one is ideal for your home.
How Are Wire-Haired Dog Breeds Classified?
Dogs are classified into seven different groups by the American Kennel Club that represent their purpose:
- Sporting—These dogs are typically bred as hunters and retrievers. They are built to run and swim, and their thick coats repel water and resist harsh weather conditions.
- Hound—All hound dogs, regardless of size, were originally bred to hunt quarry. They have long legs, great eyesight, and impressive speed. They rely on scent to get the job done.
- Working — These dogs are considered the blue-collar group, as they were developed to pull sleds, guard flocks of livestock, and protect families. Many dogs in this group have been around since ancient times.
- Terrier — These dogs are usually feisty and proud. They were developed to hunt vermin and rodents, though many were also created for bullbaiting, an inhumane practice that has luckily fallen to the wayside in most parts of the world.
- Toy—As the name suggests, this group includes dogs that are bred to be small, if not tiny. They were developed to sit on laps and curl up by your feet. They can also be good ratters.
Wire hair dog breeds can belong to any of these groups, and their coat type does not affect their ability to perform tasks.
The 16 Wire-Haired Dog Breeds
1. Wire-Haired Fox Terrier
| Origin: | 17th century in England |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Height: | 13–16 inches |
This Wire-Haired Fox Terrier was specifically bred to hunt foxes. They would run through brush and thickets to chase their prey. Their thick, wiry hair protects their bodies from damage. Today, many owners keep their hair trimmed so it is easier to maintain as time goes on.
2. Scottish Terrier
| Origin: | Scotland |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Height: | 10–11 inches |
The typical Scottish Terrier is noble, independent, and quite intelligent. They have double coats of wiry hair that serve as a protective barrier from the exterior elements. The wiry hair on their chins gives them a sophisticated look, even though they’re anything but.
3. Dachshund
| Origin: | Germany in the 17th century |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Height: | 8–9 inches |
The Dachshund was initially developed to burrow into badger holes and dig out the badgers, which is why their bodies are shaped like sausages. Dachshunds can have long or smooth hair, but either variety looks wiry.
4. Schnauzer
| Origin: | Sometime between the 14th and 16th centuries in Germany |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Height: | 12–14 inches |
The Schnauzer is available in three sizes: miniature, standard, and giant. The smaller versions are the most common household pets. The larger breed was bred to guard the homestead and keep rats at bay.
5. Airedale Terrier
| Origin: | England, specifically the Aire River region |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Height: | 22–24 inches |
Airedales are renowned as the “King of Terriers” because they’re the largest breed in the Terrier family. While friendly with people they know, they can be protective of their family members at home and in social situations. This is a high-energy breed with a high prey drive.
6. Kerry Blue Terrier
| Origin: | The Kerry mountains of Ireland |
| Lifespan: | 13–15 years |
| Height: | 17–20 inches |
The impressive blue coat on the Kerry Blue Terrier shows off an agile, lean body when properly maintained. This multi-talented dog breed can hunt vermin, herd livestock, and guard the farm all in one day.
7. Border Terrier
| Origin: | United Kingdom |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Height: | 11–16 inches |
Although they’re small, the Border Terrier’s personality is enormous. They love to run and play and enjoy the company of kids. Their wiry hair gives them a “shaggy” look, but their amiable temperament makes them seem like a cuddly teddy bear. They also enjoy a lazy evening on the couch after a day of fun and exercise.
8. Wire-Haired Vizsla
| Origin: | Hungary during the 1930s |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Height: | 21–25 inches |
This Hungarian breed has a warm, rough coat of wiry hair and long, agile legs. Wire-Haired Vizslas are still popular hunting dogs today, just as they were when they were originally bred. This loyal breed loves nothing more than to please their human companions.
9. Jack Russell Terrier
| Origin: | North Devon, United Kingdom |
| Lifespan: | 13–16 years |
| Height: | 12–15 inches |
Not all Jack Russell Terriers have wiry coats and hardy builds. Some have smooth hair, but the wiry ones are more common. No matter the coat type, wiry and smooth-haired Jack Russell Terriers are the same breed. They are known for their excessive barking.
10. German Wire-Haired Pointer
| Origin: | Germany during the late 1800s |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Height: | 22–25 inches |
The German Wire-Haired Pointer is similar to other German pointer breeds, but their insulating and water-repelling wiry coat is what sets them apart. This makes them ideal companions for waterfowl hunters and those who enjoy being outdoors in harsh weather.
11. Brussels Griffon
| Origin: | Brussels, Belgium |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Height: | 7–10 inches |
While small in stature, the Brussels Griffon thinks they are the largest dog on the planet. These skilled ratters have medium-length wiry hair and don’t shy away from meeting new people. They enjoy playing with children of all ages.
12. Irish Wolfhound
| Origin: | Ireland |
| Lifespan: | 6–10 years |
| Height: | 30–32 inches |
The amazing Irish Wolfhound stands up to 32 inches at the shoulder and has a thick coat of wiry hair that looks shaggy and doesn’t need to be brushed regularly. This well-mannered, quiet breed gets along well in social settings. They have a high prey drive and are known to chase after anything that runs.
13. Affenpinscher
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Height: | 9–11.5 inches |
This small, wiry-haired breed resembles a typical Terrier and was bred to keep farm kitchens and granaries free of unwanted rats, mice, and other pests. These are not shy dogs, and they’ll happily greet strangers at home and in public settings. They are also nice and calm when spending time in the house.
14. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
| Origin: | Northumberland, England |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Height: | 8-11 inches |
These long-eared pups are lovable, loyal, and eager to please. Dandie Dinmont Terriers have long ears, bright round eyes, and long, tubular bodies reminiscent of Dachshunds, which are also wire-haired dogs. The hair on their heads is wavy, thick, and wiry.
15. Otterhound
| Origin: | The medieval period in England |
| Lifespan: | 10–13 years |
| Height: | 24–27 inches |
The Otterhound was first developed to hunt otters, as their name suggests. However, the sport was banned in England, and since then, the breed has dropped in popularity among sportsmen. There are only about 600 Otterhounds registered with the British Kennel Club today.
16. West Highland White Terrier
| Origin: | Scotland |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Height: | 9–12 inches |
West Highland Terriers are full of fun and energy, but their small size and tendency to relax in their homes make them suitable for apartment living. They have a double coat, with a soft undercoat and a wiry and protective outer coat.
Conclusion
Each of the 16 wire-haired dog breeds highlighted here has one thing in common: their coat type. Otherwise, they all have unique personalities, temperaments, and characteristics. They all deserve a spotlight in front of dog lovers around the world.
Featured Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock
