Wirehaired dog breeds may not have that soft, fluffy, and silky coat. But one thing’s for certain – a wiry coat is low-shedding and better for folks with allergies. Now, that’s great news for people who have always wanted to own a pup but their allergies just prevented them from doing so!
The German Wirehaired Pointer has that rustic vibe with its rough, yet water-repellent coat. Other wirehaired pups with all-weather coats are the Wire Fox Terrier and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. These are excellent hunting companions because of their low-maintenance coats, high energy, and impeccable skill in tracking down a prey.
So, if you prefer a low-shedding pooch, one that you can easily take outdoors, and easy to maintain, wirehaired dog breeds are for you. These 39 pups are among your best options, so let’s get started.
39. Otterhound
Bred originally for otter hunting in medieval England, the Otterhound is a scent hound with an impeccable sense of smell. But most of all, it is well known for its rough and wiry coat in shades of brown, tan, and cream.
Unfortunately, this breed has become less popular ever since the sport was banned in 1978. At present, there are only about 600 Otterhounds left and the numbers continue to decline.
38. Sealyham Terrier
The Sealyham Terrier is another wirehaired dog breed known for its weather resistant, rough coat. These pups usually have solid white coats while others may have come badger-like markings on the ears and head.
Although their bodies have medium-length coats, the muzzle and face areas have longer hairs. They also have soft undercoats while the topcoat is rough and coarse, giving them better protection from harsh climates.
37. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are giant pups with an abundance of rough, wiry coats. They may be gargantuan in size, but these canines are well-mannered and gentle. In fact, they can get along quite well with children and other dogs in the household.
There is one caveat, though. While they may be mellow and placid, they do have a strong prey drive. So, it is best to keep your smaller pets out of sight whenever your Irish Wolfhound is around.
36. Slovak Rough-Haired Pointer
Most Slovak Rough-Haired Pointers are non-shedders. There are, however, two kinds of coat types such as the wiry and soft. Either way, their coats are always on the rough side.
These pups are intelligent and alert. They make an amazing hunting buddy or watch dog because of their keen nature.
35. Spinone Italiano
Blanketed with a thick wiry coat, the Spinone Italiano is a calm and easy-going pooch. Their coats are often in shades of brown or orange with white. Some can be just solid white all around.
If you have kids at home, this pooch should never have any problem getting along with them. They are bred for hunting, which makes them curious fellows but hardly ever aggressive.
34. Pudelpointer
A medium-sized wirehaired dog breed, the Pudelpointer is an athletic and passionate pooch. Their coats are rich, chocolate brown and quite dense and wiry. There are those, however, with smoother and shorter coats.
Other hallmarks of this breed include a wiry beard and long, hanging ears. Their eyes are usually dark-colored and almond-shaped, often with a curious expression.
33. English Pointer
Standing at about 28 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 75 lbs, the English Pointer is a large pooch. They have a long muzzle and well-balanced head while the ears tend to hang low.
These canines have wiry coats in shades of orange, black, lemon, or liver. They may also be tricolor while others have solid coat colors. English Pointers make amazing family pets, as well as hunting companions.
32. Wirehaired Vizsla
Unlike the other Vizsla variety, wirehaired ones have longer, rough coats. They still come in the same shade, which is liver or fawn, often in solid colors.
Wirehaired Vizslas are loyal and loving creatures. They need plenty of exercise, which can help curb boredom. Early training is also a must for these dogs to develop better habits and behaviors.
31. Jack Russell Terrier
Although there are some smooth-coated Jack Russell Terriers, we can find those with medium-length wiry hairs. Their coat colors vary in different shades including white and brown or fawn.
They may be small dogs with stumpy legs but they are hardy creatures. In fact, they can spend hours exploring and romping around. Jack Russells are also vocal dogs, which is another one of their endearing features.
30. Miniature Dachshund
Another small but powerful pooch is the Miniature Dachshund. These dogs hang low and long, with their oval-shaped bodies and short legs. As for their coat, it is often wiry and dense. Their coats are in various colors such as brown, black, cream, tan, and liver.
Miniature Dachshunds are sturdy fellows. They can chase their prey for hours without tiring. And with their body shape and size, they can easily go through burrows to catch small game.
29. Standard Schnauzer
Famous for their thick beard and eyebrows, Standard Schnauzers are expert vermin hunters and guard dogs. They are keen and alert, which allows them to quickly catch their prey. These dogs were originally bred for farm work.
When not out and about to chase small game, the Standard Schnauzer enjoys snuggling up with their owner. They are great for folks with allergies because their wiry coats are low-shedding and easy to maintain.
28. Bolognese Dog
These tiny Bolognese dogs are packed with energy and stamina – always ready to explore and spend time outdoors. They have curly, wiry coats, often in solid white color.
Bolognese dogs are great companion pups. When you need someone to take with you on adventures or road trips, these canines will never pass such opportunities for fun and excitement.
27. Smooth Fox Terrier
As the name implies, the Smooth Fox Terrier has smooth, wiry coats. Their coats are also quite dense, yet they do not shed much. One way to describe this pup’s coat texture is a coconut’s hair-like exterior – twisted and crinkly.
Because of their terrier heritage, these canines have a very high prey drive. Their idea of a fun time is chasing small animals and catching them. Better hide the other small pets in the house for this curious guy!
26. Silky Terrier
Another one of the most common wirehaired dog breeds is the Silky Terrier. While the name suggests that their hair is smooth and silky, there are those with wiry, rougher coats. Whether silky or wiry, however, this dog breed is considered as hypoallergenic as they don’t shed much.
Silky Terriers are energetic creatures. They love to romp around and get their daily exercise. Be sure to take them out for walks or play with them regularly to eliminate negative behaviors
25. Český Fousek
At first glance, the Český Fousek is quite like a spitting image of the German Wirehaired Pointer with its mustache, beard, and the signature wirehaired coat in different colors. But beyond the appearance, these canines are versatile and athletic creatures.
Training these canines is easy because of their inherent intelligence and obedience. Even first-time owners should find it a breeze to teach them tricks and basic commands – another perk of having this breed as a pet.
24. Cesky Terrier
Cesky Terriers are another one of the many wirehaired dog breeds that’s an excellent hunting companion. These pups have soft coats that are often dark gray or black as newborns but eventually turn silvery or bluish gray as they get older.
Most Cesky Terriers have long tails instead of docked or clipped. These tails perfectly match their long ears that droop naturally. Overall, they are affectionate creatures that you would love to have in your home.
23. Lhasa Apso
They may have thick, wiry coats but the Lhasa Apso is actually a decent choice for allergy sufferers. These canines have low-shedding fur, so you don’t have to worry about any triggers to your allergies.
Even if you live in cold weather, it should not be an issue with a Lhasa Apso. With their double coat, they can stand the frigid temps. But it may be a bit tough living in a warm environment for these dogs!
22. Irish Terrier
Covered in a dense amount of hair, the Irish Terrier is ready for the wild outdoors. Their wiry hair offers protection from the prickly bushes when they are out hunting with their favorite human.
An interesting thing about their coat is it’s short but effective enough as a protective cover. For folks with allergies, this is actually a good thing because that means this pup does not shed as much… Or at all.
21. Havanese
Sporting a long body, droopy ears, and curled tail, the Havanese dog is one jolly pup. They may either have straight and silky coats or wavy and wiry. As for the colors, these can vary from silver, chocolate, gold, blue, or black. Some are also tricolor.
Because Havanese dogs are small and compact, it should not be a problem to keep them in a modest-sized apartment. Just be sure to give them ample exercise or take them out for walks to keep the boredom at bay.
20. Maltese Dog
These single-coated dogs may have long and silky hair or wiry but smooth. Maltese dogs have long hair on their head that is often kept on a topknot. Want to keep the style simple? You can also leave it hanging!
Most of these dogs have solid white coats. Others may come in shades of lemon or light tan, but these are not exactly AKC standards for this breed. Still just as cute, anyway.
19. West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terriers are double-coated medium-sized pups famous for their hunting skills. They have a coarse and wiry outer coat for protection from harsh elements. As for their undercoat, it is short, fluffy, and soft.
Because of their impeccable sense of smell and agility, Westies are great vermin hunters. They can fit in narrow spaces, which allows them to catch rodents easily.
18. Norwich Terrier
Another wirehaired dog breed is the Norwich Terrier. This pooch has an all-weather type of outer coat that’s rough, wiry, and harsh to the touch. It also helps to insulate its body from extreme temperatures.
If you decide to bring home this breed, hand-stripping is the best technique to keep it well-groomed. This maintains the rich color and shine of its coat while at the same time keeping it at a desirable texture.
17. Miniature Schnauzer
A tinier version of the mighty, bearded Schnauzer, the Miniature Schnauzer is famous for its regal appearance and intelligence. Just like the Standard variety, these pups have a wiry coat in shades of gray and white. And best of all, they don’t have a strong doggy odor, nor do they shed!
Excellent in guarding and ratting, the mini Schnauzer is a hardworking pooch. They are also versatile and can do well in apartments or farms without any problem.
16. Basenji
Basenjis are slender pups with wrinkled foreheads, as though they are in a constant state of worry. They usually have short coats while others have medium-length coats with a wiry texture.
When it comes to hygiene, these dogs rule. They are, in fact, fastidious like cats! Thus, these dogs don’t smell and are easier to maintain because of their low-shedding coats..
15. Bedlington Terrier
Covered in a blanket of curly, wiry coats on the outside and softer on the inside, Bedlington Terriers are non-shedding pups. Their top coats tend to be harsh and coarse, but great for allergy sufferers who prefer dogs that hardly ever shed.
It is, however, worth noting that their hair grows quite fast. So, it is best to clip the coat every couple of months to keep it well-maintained and free from mats.
14. Bichon Frise
The adorable Bichon Frise is a cheery, social pup. They are double-coated dogs with a coarse and wiry overcoat and softer undercoat. The way the coat sticks out also gives this pup a powder-puff look.
Bichons are friendly dogs. They love to be around people and other pets, so you should not have any problem at all if you have a big household or have kids in the home.
13. Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are another one of those wirehaired breeds that are easy to groom and maintain. Their coats are shaggy and rough while the undercoat has a softer and fluffier texture.
Aussies come in different coat colors such as blue and tan, red, and sand. The hairs of their head and chest are also longer than the rest of their body, which adds to their unique looks.
12. Affenpinscher
Bred to hunt and catch rodents, the Affenpinscher is a small and agile pup. They are fondly called “Monkey Dogs” because they do look a little like primates with their large eyes and shorter muzzles.
These dogs have wiry coats that protect it from harsh environments. When not out hunting, these dogs love to cuddle and play with their favorite humans. They make outstanding house pets and can get along well with kids.
11. Welsh Terrier
A sturdy and compact pooch, the Welsh Terrier is a wirehaired, rugged dog with a medium build. They have tan-colored underbody, head and legs while the rest of their body is black or grizzle. Some Welsh Terriers have docked tails while others are kept long and standing upright.
These pups are great hunters of rodents, badgers, and foxes. But they are also amazing companion dogs because of their friendly and cheery personality.
10. Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers look scruffy and rough, but they are actually one of the most low-maintenance wirehaired dog breeds there are. These little cuties have a wiry top coat and fluffy undercoat. Because of their coarse coats, periodic bathing and a weekly brushing should suffice to keep them clean.
These adorable canines come in a variety of colors, as well. Some of the most common colors include gray, sand, brindle, red, and black. They are also low-shedding, which makes them suitable for allergy-sufferers.
9. Mexican Hairless Dog
Although there are some hairless varieties of this breed, there are also some with wiry coats. In the case of coated Xoloitcuintlis, they come in different colors including bronze, liver, red, gray-black or solid black.
Xolos are sweet and affectionate pups. They are also surprisingly strong and rugged, even if their body may appear graceful and delicate.
8. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are a combination of good looks and charming personality. They are double-coated canines with the top being wiry while the undercoat is soft and dense. Their dense top coats protect them from harsh temperatures and sharp brushes when hunting for foxes and rodents.
These pooches have a characteristic square body and short legs. But despite the lack of length, they are actually swift and agile, making them one of the finest hunting companions.
7. Airedale Terrier
The mighty Airedale is the largest Terrier breed. They are covered in an abundance of rough and wiry fur, which offers them protection from extreme climates.
Airedale Terriers are energetic fellows. They also have a strong prey drive, so be sure to keep small pets in the house out of their sight. Otherwise, they will not resist chasing and hunting them down.
6. Brussels Griffon
A Brussels Griffon looks like a tiny ewok, with its profuse beards and human-like face. They also have wiry, coarse coats in shades of tan, black, and sand. Their ears are folded down, and they have that characteristic frown, making them appear grumpy.
Despite their signature frown, however, these dogs are actually sweet and mellow. They are mild-tempered and can get along well with kids and pets.
5. Border Terrier
They may be tiny but Border Terriers packed with a punch! These pups are energetic creatures that long for hours of adventure and exploration. With their wiry coats protecting them from the changing temps and rough bushes, they can romp around worry-free.
But after a day-long of frolicking, Border Terriers are cuddlebugs. They love curling up like a tiny ball on your lap and give you lots of love and affection.
4. Dachshund
You may be familiar with Dachshunds with short and sheer coats. But there are also long-haired varieties with a wired and coarse texture. Despite their long hair, however, they are still easy to maintain because of the quality of their coat.
Weiner dogs are badger-hunting champs. They can easily drive out their prey out of their hiding spots because of their long and sturdy bodies. But when not out hunting, they enjoy being a sweet lap dog that they are.
3. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
These compact gundogs are just what you need as a hunting companion. Griffs have bristly, wiry coats, giving them that unkempt and all-natural appearance. They also have their signature eyebrows and mustache, as well as round eyes with a curious expression.
Griffs are strong and hardworking creatures. They are rugged through and through, which makes them easy to maintain and groom.
2. Wire Fox Terrier
Bred for hunting foxes, the Wire Fox Terrier is absolutely built for the job. They have a wiry coat, which allows them to squeeze through thick bushes to chase away and capture foxes. Their coat serves as a protective feature when rooting out burrows and dens.
As for their personality, these pups are actually quite mild and gentle. They may have high energy levels but they are always easy-going and eager to please their owners.
1. German Wirehaired Pointer
The active German Wirehaired Pointer is similar to the short-haired variety with the exception of the former’s wiry, bristly coat. GWPs have water-repellent coats, which makes them excellent hunting partners when the weather is harsh.
Because of their immense stamina, GWPs are better off with folks who love exercise and activity. Otherwise, your pooch can suffer from boredom, which results in problem behaviors.
Related Questions
What Does Broken Coat Mean On A Dog? A broken coat simply means wiry or rough coats. Dogs such as the German Wirehaired Pointer, Wire Fox Terrier, and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, to name a few, all have broken or bristly coats that are rough to the touch.
Do Wirehaired Dogs Shed A Lot? No, wirehaired dogs do not shed, or if they do, it is only very minimally. Thus, these dogs are suitable pets for people with allergies because of their low-shedding furs.
What Happens To The Coats Of Terriers When They Are Clipped Instead Of Stripped? When you clip a Terrier’s coat instead of stripping it, the undercoat takes over. This means that they lose their weatherproof coats and minimize their ability to handle harsh temperatures. This is why wirehaired dogs, especially Terriers, need to be hand-stripped instead of clipped when grooming them.
