Wire-haired dog breeds are well worth considering if you’re looking for an active canine companion with a real go get ‘em personality. Most are highly intelligent with bucket loads of energy and enthusiasm that make them an utter joy to have in the home.
Vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan says: “Wire-haired dog breeds have short coats that are coarse or rough to the touch. Their bristly fur gives them a charming ‘rough and ready’ look.
“This tough coat gives hard-working breeds extra protection against the weather and things like brambles and thorns. Wire-haired dogs often have beards, mustaches, and eyebrows which gives them even more character!”
While there are no truly hypoallergenic dog breeds, wiry dog breeds hardly shed compared to some of our other furry friends and so they’re less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
Many dogs with wiry hair are terrier breeds or high-energy dog breeds that require a great deal of exercise each day to ensure they don’t become bored and destructive. With that in mind, they are best suited to pet parents who live an active lifestyle who will ensure they have plenty of opportunities each day to walk, run and play.
Wire-haired dog breeds
1. Schnauzer
With their trademark bushy eyebrows and beard, the bold and bewhiskered standard schnauzer is a medium-sized dog that weighs between 35–45lbs. Originally bred as ratters, herders, guardians and hunters, the schnauzer is one of the smartest dog breeds that learns quickly and is flexible and adaptable, allowing them to fit in easily with their human family.
Spirited and fearless, their black or salt and pepper wiry coat is tight fitting and covers their robust, square frame. The standard schnauzer is super energetic, requiring lots of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Protective of their loved ones and good with children, this breed makes for an enthusiastic and sociable companion.
2. Airedale Terrier
Known as the ‘King of terriers’ thanks to being the largest of all the terrier breeds, the Airedale has a reputation for possessing bucket loads of character and has a clever, friendly and courageous nature that has won many a heart. Standing at about 23 inches, their tan wiry coat is dense with black markings and they have a long head that sports a beard and mustache.
Independent and energetic, Airedale Terriers are ever alert and always willing participants in any activity. Loyal and playful with those they hold most dear, the Airedale does have a tendency to be more reserved and aloof around strangers. This is a strong-willed breed with a high prey drive, so diligent training is a must, but with a firm hand they are a docile and patient dog that will blend in beautifully with the family.
3. Border Terrier
The tough, no-frills Border Terrier is an energetic and upbeat little dog that’s full of character. A Scottish dog breed, their wire coat can be grizzle and tan, blue and tan, wheaten or red, and they have a unique head shape and longer legs than other small terriers.
Plucky, happy, and affectionate, the Border Terrier has bags of character and they love nothing more than having fun in the great outdoors with their owners. Brilliant with children, this breed adapts well to both city and country life and are good tempered and highly trainable.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
Alert, lively and inquisitive, the ever-popular jack russell terrier was bred in England for use in foxhunts. A jaunty and eager little dog with a tireless work ethic, the Jack Russell may be small but he has the energy and stamina to rival working dogs like the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie.
A hardy dog that could easily live to be 18 years of age, the Jack Russell has a compact and rectangular body with dark, almond shaped eyes that wear an intelligent and alert expression. Confident and active, they’re affectionate with those they love and get on well with other dogs.
5. Irish Wolfhound
One of the tallest dog breeds in the world, the majestic and dignified Irish Wolfhound has a calm and kindly manner that makes them true gentle giants in every sense of the world. Serene in nature with the patience of a saint, this breed has a rough, hard coat that comes in a variety of colors and males can stand as tall as three feet and weigh 180 pounds.
With a reputation for being loyal and affectionate, the Irish Wolfhound does great in homes with children, although their size means they must be supervised among small humans who could easily find themselves accidentally bowled over. They also have a strong prey drive, so if you have a cat or toy dog breed, an Irish Wolfhound is probably not the canine companion for you.
6. German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer has a harsh wire coat that is there to protect them from the thorny under bushes that they so love diving into. They were developed deliberately for their wiry coat, which repels water and is highly insulating because they are often used for hunting expeditions that see them having to brave cold water and harsh weather.
A dog that does not tire easily, the German Wirehaired Pointer has seemingly endless energy and stamina, so if you take this breed on, an active lifestyle is a must. Eager to please, fun-loving and affectionate, this eager and enthusiastic dog is an ideal fit for anyone who loves adventures in the great outdoors and is looking for a dog that can keep pace.
7. Wirehaired Dachshund
Although they’re often known for being a smooth-coated breed, the dachshund also comes in two other coat types: long haired and wire haired. Clever and sometimes fiery, the wirehaired dachshund may look pint-sized but they have big personalities and tend to be friendly and outgoing.
Coming in several colors, the wirehaired dachshund has the low frame you’d expect of this breed and their body is covered in a soft undercoat and a short and hard outer coat.
Bold, persistent, spunky and endearing, this dog loves the outdoors and will adapt well to most living situations – although they tend to do best with older children as opposed to younger ones. They’re loyal and snuggly, but they can be noisy barkers, so training is a must if you want to save your hearing!
8. Otterhound
The otterhound is one of those charmingly amiable dogs that’s just a joy to have around. Well known for being playful clowns who love to entertain and amuse, this breed is super friendly and affectionate and gets on beautifully with children and other dogs. Big and boisterous, they are also loving and even-tempered, making wonderful companions.
Bred in medieval England to hunt otters, they have a dense and shaggy coat that is rough and waterproof. They have an incredibly sensitive nose that once allowed them to track otters over vast distances and because they were built to work, their stamina is up there with the best of them. The Otterhound is a very uncommon breed, so if you want one of these pups, be prepared to join a waiting list.
9. Wirehaired Vizsla
Developed in Hungary in the 20th century, the Wirehaired Hungarian Vizsla was deliberately bred to have a warmer and more weatherproof coat than their smoother-haired relative. Calm and gentle when around the house, this breed loves nothing more than zooming around when outside, swimming, running and playing any game their owners will indulge them in.
With boundless energy and enthusiasm, the Wirehaired Vizsla has an endearing zest for life and their shaggy beard and eyebrows frame a bright and lively expression. They make for eager to please and affectionate pets and because of this, they’re best not left alone as they tend to suffer from separation anxiety when they’re not with their humans.
10. Brussels Griffon
The pint-sized Brussels Griffon comes in smooth and wire-coated varieties. While Griffon-type dogs have been around for hundreds of years, we see this particular ‘Griff’ come on the scene in the early 1800s and it is presumed that breeds such as the pug and possibly the Yorkshire Terrier went into the mix that produced this little dog.
They come in black and tan, black, red and a dark reddish brown. Their big, dark eyes have an almost human-like quality to them and they have a charming moustache and beard. Temperament-wise, the griff is alert, outgoing and easy to train, but they won’t appreciate roughhousing with a young family.
11. Wire Fox Terrier
This long-legged terrier was bred to assist foxhounds by going to ground and flushing foxes out. Like many wiry haired dog breeds, they have a smooth-coated counterpart.
Wire fox terriers are mostly white with black and brown patches. They have a long head with adorable upright and folded ears perched on the top. Known for being alert, energetic and inquisitive, a wire fox terrier is highly independent and can be tough to train – you’ll need to motivate them with the best dog treats and plenty of play! As a family member, though, you couldn’t hope for a sweeter pooch.
How to care for wire-haired dog breeds
Although wiry coats offer less shedding and more protection than many other coat types, they do have their own special grooming requirements (with help from the best dog brushes).
"Wire-haired dog breeds don’t shed like other dogs; they require hand-stripping," says Dr MacMillan. “This involves either you or your groomer plucking dead hairs out by hand or using a blunt stripping knife, following the direction of hair growth. These old hairs can be plucked out relatively easily, but like any grooming method, you should introduce it to your dog gradually and reward them throughout.
“This process can be time-consuming, so if your dog becomes impatient, it’s better to do a few shorter sessions instead of one long one. You can tell when your dog needs hand-stripping as their coat will start to look even scruffier than usual!”
That said, hand stripping alone is not enough to maintain your pup’s coat. “You should also still brush your dog regularly to keep tangles at bay,” advises Dr MacMillan. “A slicker or pin brush can be quite useful for grooming dogs with wiry hair, as well as a comb.” You can expect to find these grooming tools in the best dog grooming kits.
“Avoid clipping your wire-haired dog if you can,” continues Dr MacMillan. “Clipping doesn’t remove the dead hairs and causes the fur to become fine and fuzzy, losing its hardy waterproof properties.”
As with most dogs, wiry haired dog breeds don’t need bathing too frequently. “Using even the best dog shampoos too often will strip the coat of its natural oils, so save bath times for when they are particularly dirty or smelly!”
Want to look at more super-cute dogs? Here’s our favorite selection of dogs with beards!
Dr MacMillan is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. She works in the South West and loves complex medical cases.
Bethany is an experienced writer who has been writing across the pets and equestrian sector for eight years.
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on March 12, 2025 by Bethany Stone.
