Boasting cute, shaggy appearances that warm the hearts of people all around the globe, wire-haired dogs are nothing short of special. If you're looking for a bristly companion to bring into your life, take a look at our list of the best wire-haired dog breeds.
Wire-haired dogs possess strong, robust coats which are a bit bristly to the touch. Aside from their unusual texture, these wire coats were mostly designed to protect them against the elements and kept them free from harm whilst running through the underbrush as the dense wire is much harder to penetrate than smoother coats.
If you want to bring one of these endearingly shaggy dog types into your life, you'll likely be wondering what wire-haired dog breeds are out there, which is why we've created this list to show you our favourites. Keep reading to discover everything from fearless terriers to lively hounds!
1. Wire Fox Terrier
This wire-haired terrier breed was originally bred to flush foxes out and their tough, intelligent coat meant they were less prone to injury whilst out hunting. Today, Wire Fox Terriers make great companions due to their brave and smart personalities but they'll need to be groomed regularly in order to keep their coat in tip top condition.
Boasting arched eyebrows and a moustache and beard, this wire-haired dog breed possesses an almost regal appearance and when paired with their intelligent personality, you'll soon see why they're so popular! Also, due to their stiff, wiry coats they tend to shed very little and don't smell too much.
3. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are very terrier-like in the way that they're excellent watchdogs and possess a powerful bark, despite their small stature. Created to hunt badgers and foxes, these are keen vermin hunters so prepare for lots of holes in your garden! This wire-haired terrier breed has two coats, a topcoat that's hard and wiry and an undercoat which is soft and dense. You'll need to carry out weekly grooming with this breed, but regular bathing isn't recommended as they're prone to dry skin.
4. Otterhound
Originating in England, the Otterhound is large and rough coated and generally quite rare today. Bred to hunt otter, their double coat with a thick and rough outer and woolly, slightly oily under was developed to keep them as dry as possible when swimming in rivers and lakes when in pursuit of their quarry. This wire-haired dog boasts a kind and loving nature and will require regular weekly brushing to prevent mats from forming.
5. Kerry Blue Terrier
From County Kerry in Ireland, the Kerry Blue Terrier was used for everything from hunting rodents to herding sheep and cattle. What truly makes this wire-haired terrier breed stand out is its striking blue/grey coloured coat. In fact, the colouring of the coat coupled with their hunting prowess earned them the nickname 'blue devil'. Their coat is very high maintenance and many owners opt for a professional groomer to keep them regularly groomed, trimmed and bathed.
6. German Wire-Haired Pointer
The German Wire-Haired Pointer was created as a versatile hunting dog.
Their coats are water repellent to a degree and are double layered, getting very thick in the winter and shedding for the summer months, so expect loads of hair around the house!
7. Wire-Haired Dachshund
There's lots of variety when it comes to the Dachshund. Ranging in size from miniature to standard and with a variety of coat types including short, long, smooth and wire-haired. They were originally bred for hunting small prey such as rabbits and badgers and those with the wired coat type had additional protection whilst carrying out their hunting tasks. Today, they're prized companions thanks to their lively personalities and adorable looks.
8. Wire-Haired Vizsla
Despite what you may believe, the Wire-Haired Vizsla isn't just a variant of the Vizsla, but a separate breed entirely. They were originally developed because breeders wanted the same drive present in the Vizsla, but with a much sturdier body and denser coat to protect them from injuries and colder temperatures. With sensitive temperaments and a fierce loyalty to family members, they make wonderful pets.
9. Jack Russell
Hailing from England, this wire-haired terrier breed was used to hunt foxes and today they're popular with those living in the country and as farm dogs. Jack Russells (also referred to as the Parson Russell Terrier) come in two different coat types, smooth and wiry, also called broken. They require little maintenance, weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove dead hair.
That's our list of top 9 wire-haired dog breeds! Looking for more of a cuddly coat from your four-legged friend? Take a look at our list of 8 big fluffy dog breeds, next.
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