Think of a dog who has a bad hair day every day and yet rocks it like it’s the latest fashion trend – Welcome to the world of wire-haired canines. Imagine Mick Jagger in his prime but with four legs, more fur and less eyeliner – you’re almost there.
These dogs have a coarse, short coat that feels harsh and bristly. These coats were developed for more insulation and protection from cold for dogs working in harsh and cold terrains.
These dogs come in all sizes, shapes and personalities. Whether you’re looking for a faithful detective, a heroic companion, or just a dog that looks like it’s ready to hit the runway of a quirky fashion show, there’s a wire-haired breed out there for you.
Here are the most popular ones out there – (1)
Wire Fox Terrier
Wire Fox Terriers come in both, a smooth and wire-haired coat. Just like other terriers, they are highly energetic and fun-loving. They come with a high prey drive and are often seen to be independent.
Border Terrier
Border Terriers are highly intelligent dogs from Scotland. Even these come with loads of energy and love to spend time outdoors with the family. Some of them are known to be stubborn and vocal though.
Dachshund
The ‘sausage’ dog breed, Dachshund, comes in 3 coat varieties - wire-haired, long-haired, and smooth and 2 sizes – standard and mini. With short legs and a long body, these dogs are protective, smart and sometimes noisy.
Irish Wolfhound
The tallest dog breeds out there, Irish Wolfhounds, are the gentle giants of the canine world. Their rough coat comes with loyalty, affection and patience. They may sometimes go for the small furries in the house as they retain strong prey drive.
Scottish Terrier
The iconic dog breed that prides itself on its beard, the Scottish Terrier is an independent and strong-willed dog but with lots of affection for the family. Their wire-haired breed with a distinctive silhouette is what makes them popular in the states.
Other wire-haired breeds that you can look at are –
Wirehaired Vizsla
Schnauzer
Otterhound
Affenpinscher
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Do Wire-Haired Dogs Shed Less?
Generally, dogs with wired hair do not shed as much as other dogs. There are some exceptions like the Jack Russell Terrier, though, that tend to shed more than usual.
No dog breed is truly hypoallergenic. But, if your family has someone with allergies, you can go for one of these good boys or girls as the shedding here will be minimal.
Here are some grooming tips for wired-hair dogs – (1)
Do not aim to change the fact that the coat of such a dog won’t look as smooth as others. It is meant to be that way. ‘Bad hair day every day’ remember?
The best way to remove dead hair from their coats is to pull them out with your hands. Grab the hairs as close to the roots and gently pull them out.
If stripping the entire coat looks like a big task, you can go for one section at a time.
Use a pin brush to remove the excess hair from the dog’s coat. A medium-toothed brush for tangled hair followed by a fine-toothed comb can help.
Do not bathe them regularly as these coats are naturally dirt and moisture repellent.
Or just simply go to a professional groomer if your budget allows.
What Breed is a Scruffy Dog?
We guess what you mean by ‘scruffy’ here is a breed with short, bristly hairs as a result of not having been shaved for a while. All the breeds we mentioned above can pass for this requirement of yours.
What Kind of Dog Has Bushy Eyebrows?
The eyes may be ‘the windows to the soul’ but it’s the eyebrows that bring out that soulful look in the eyes. Before getting to the breeds with bushy eyebrows, you may want to know that dogs do not really have eyebrows anatomically. Some breeds have sort of a brow ridge that looks like eyebrows to us. These come in the form of colored spots, long-growing fur, and wrinkly furrows right above their eyes.
Here are some popular breeds with bushy eyebrows as you asked – (2)
Scottish Terrier
Wirehaired Vizsla
Cesky Terrier
Schnauzer
Wire fox terrier
Kerry blue terrier
Irish Terrier, etc.
Did you notice one thing here – All these breeds have wire-haired coats!
More About Spot Pet Insurance
You can take your little ball of wiry fur to a professional groomer to get the perfect style whenever you want because we will take care of all the treatment costs that it needs when they get sick or injured. With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of the vet expenses and much more.
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!
I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!
Johnstone, G. (2024, May 13). 17 Wire-Haired dog breeds that make great companions. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/wirehaired-dog-breeds-4843990
