Wire-Haired Dogs: 17 Breeds That Make Great Companions

Wire Fox Terrier

The fox terrier comes in a smooth or wire-haired variety. More commonly found with a coarse coat and beard, they can sometimes be confused with the Lakeland terrier or the larger Airedale. This spunky, fun-loving breed has a lot of typical terrier traits. You can expect them to have a high prey drive, and they tend to be energetic and independent. The wire fox terrier is a bold and loyal companion for a person who is patient, active, and not looking for a lapdog.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The wirehaired pointing griffon is known for their signature wiry coat and bearded face. They are excellent hunting dogs, both on land and in water, and non-hunters also love the breed for their affectionate companionship. They are generally easygoing dogs but need a family who can fulfill their high exercise requirements and keep them mentally stimulated as well.

They get very attached to their family members and may suffer some separation anxiety, so they are most well-suited for homes where their people will be home more often than not. They will become your shadow and want to spend every moment with their people.

Airedale Terrier

Often referred to as the "King of Terriers," Airedales are the largest terrier breed, and they always have a wiry coat. Airedales are known for being smart, independent, energetic, versatile, and full of character. They're often loyal and playful with their family but can be aloof with strangers. They tend to be strong-willed and have a high prey drive, so you might also need to spend a little extra time working on their recall skills.

German Wirehaired Pointer

Recognized as a separate breed from their relative, the German shorthaired pointer, the German wirehaired pointer was explicitly developed for their wiry coat, which is water-repellant, insulating, and protective. Their coat is perfect for hunting in cold water, harsh weather, and deep undergrowth.

This breed has unlimited energy and stamina and won't be suited to a home that leads a sedentary lifestyle. They need plenty of exercise and enrichment to prevent problem behaviors from surfacing as a result of boredom. Providing they get plenty of activity, the loyal German wirehaired pointer can make a great family pet. They tend to be eager to please, affectionate, and fun-loving.

Border Terrier

These spunky, affectionate, and intelligent small wire-haired terriers originate from Scotland. They have lots of energy and bags of character. Border terriers are up for lots of fun in the great outdoors with their family. Borders aren't without their challenges, however. Like many terriers, they can be stubborn, vocal, and prolific diggers.

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels griffon comes in a wire and smooth-coated variety. The coarse-coated version stands out for their rather profuse beard. Although originally bred as ratters in their native Belgium, their unique appearance, loyalty, and confident personalities quickly caught the attention of the aristocracy.

Despite being fun-loving and curious, griffs aren't always known for being remarkably tolerant of young kids. If introducing this breed to a family home, they are best suited to homes with older, respectful children.

Dachshund

The enduringly popular dachshund comes in wire-haired, long-haired, and smooth-coated varieties. These low-slung dogs were originally developed in Germany to hunt badgers, often digging them out from their sets. These days, they come in a standard and mini variety, and they're popular worldwide.

Loyal, protective, smart, and snuggly, you're guaranteed a dog with heaps of personality if you get a doxie. They can also be noisy barkers, often have a high prey drive, and aren't always the most tolerant of young kids or strange dogs.

Jack Russell Terrier

Most commonly found in a smooth-coated variety, Jack Russells are also often seen with a broken coat. JRTs are small, but they are anything but typical lapdogs. These dogs are known for their incredible smarts, energy, stamina, and determination. They are hardy dogs that can live to a ripe old age. They would suit an active home. Be prepared to work on their high prey drive and propensity for barking.

Irish Wolfhound

The tallest of all the AKC-recognized dog breeds, the rough-coated Irish wolfhound is often referred to as a gentle giant. Known for being loyal and affectionate, they are usually very patient and good-natured with children, despite their size.

This giant breed does need more space than your average dog. You'll need to budget for a big food bill each month. They've also retained a strong prey drive and may not be suited to a home with small furries.

Scottish Terrier

This iconic wire-haired breed, with a distinctive silhouette and dignified beard, is now more popular in the United States than in their U.K. homeland. Scotties form strong attachments with their family, but they are still independent and strong-willed dogs. You're not going to be getting a lapdog in this little breed.

Some Scotties can be social with other dogs, but they don't always get along. Early and ongoing socialization is important. A typical terrier, this breed has retained a strong prey drive and may not be able to live alongside other small pets.

Wirehaired Vizsla

The wirehaired Vizsla was developed in 20th-century Hungary to produce a warmer and more weatherproof coat than their smooth-haired relative. The breed continues to be popular in hunting communities, but Vizslas also make loyal, eager-to-please, affectionate pets.

Vizslas have boundless energy and enthusiasm, and they need an active home that can give them the exercise they need. Known for being chewers if they are bored, they can become destructive around the house and are best suited to a home where they will have company for most of the day since they can be prone to separation anxiety.

Schnauzer

The bushy eyebrows and beard of the standard schnauzer are the breed’s trademark. These stately canines possess the intelligence and friendly nature that make them such outstanding companions. They were bred as ratters, herders, guardians, and hunters on farms in Germany. The breed also comes in a miniature and giant variety.

This intelligent breed learns quickly and adapts to their human's needs. Also, this is a highly active dog that needs an outlet for their energy, and they're content when adequately exercised and engaged.

Otterhound

A large English dog breed, the Otterhound was bred to hunt in packs. These dogs have distinctive shaggy fur. They are also known for getting along with just about everyone, from strangers and kids to dogs and other pets. They make wonderful companions for families that are active, but need to be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in yard to prevent them from picking up a scent that they want to track.

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is from Germany, and this “monkey-like” dog has a wiry coat, a short nose, and shaggier fur that makes them look like they have a mane. They’re described as amusing and feisty, with plenty of personality and love. They can be a bit challenging when it comes to training because they could be strong-willed, and because they like to hunt and have a prey drive, they may go after smaller animals like rodents.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay retriever, or Chessie, is an athletic medium-large dog that originated in the United States. These dogs have boundless energy and never seem to get tired. They need to be with a family that will keep them busy with a variety of physical activities. Also, proper training and socialization is necessary for these dogs, as they can be stubborn and independent. They learn quickly, and are protective and devoted.

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an ancient breed from southern Europe that can have short and smooth or long and wiry fur. These are very active little dogs that were bred to hunt rabbits. They prefer being in a pack, so they make great family pets and can get along well with other animals as well. They do like to dig, and when they’re outside, they might feel inclined to chase small wildlife.

Spinone Italiano

Although the exact origin of the Spinone Italiano is unknown, the breed is from Italy. This is a hunting dog with a strong sense of smell, and they can work in a variety of conditions, with their thick, wiry coat providing some protection.

This is a fairly uncommon breed, known for being sociable, high-energy, and sweet, but with a stubborn streak. They also need to be with an active family that will give them plenty of attention and the chance to get enough exercise every day.