Dog breeds with wiry coats
A wiry coat is harsh and bristly to the touch, and it needs different care from a soft coat. These are the breeds in our data with a wiry coat type.
18 of 162 breeds in our database
Affenpinscher
Toy, 7–10 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 3 of 5
- Coat
- Short, wiry
- Nature
- Confident, Famously funny, Fearless
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
Airedale Terrier
Large, 50–70 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 1 of 5
- Coat
- Short, wiry
- Nature
- Courageous, Friendly, Clever
- Lifespan
- 11–14 years
Border Terrier
Small, 12–16 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 2 of 5
- Coat
- Short, wiry
- Nature
- Affectionate, Happy, Plucky
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
Brussels Griffon
Toy, 8–10 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 3 of 5
- Coat
- Short, wiry
- Nature
- Alert, Curious, Loyal
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
Cairn Terrier
Small, 12–15 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 2 of 5
- Coat
- Medium, wiry
- Nature
- Alert, Cheerful, Busy
- Lifespan
- 13–15 years
German Wirehaired Pointer
Large, 50–70 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 2 of 5
- Coat
- Medium, wiry
- Nature
- Affectionate, Eager, Enthusiastic
- Lifespan
- 14–16 years
Giant Schnauzer
Large, 55–95 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 2 of 5
- Coat
- Medium, wiry
- Nature
- Alert, Loyal, Trainable
- Lifespan
- 10–13 years
Irish Wolfhound
Giant, 105–155 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 3 of 5
- Coat
- Medium, wiry
- Nature
- Dignified, Courageous, Calm
- Lifespan
- 6–8 years
Miniature Schnauzer
Small, 11–20 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 3 of 5
- Coat
- Medium, wiry
- Nature
- Friendly, Smart, Obedient
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
Norfolk Terrier
Toy, 11–12 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 3 of 5
- Coat
- Short, wiry
- Nature
- Alert, Fearless, Fun-loving
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
Norwich Terrier
Toy, 11–13 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 3 of 5
- Coat
- Short, wiry
- Nature
- Alert, Curious, Loyal
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
Scottish Terrier
Small, 18–22 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 2 of 5
- Coat
- Medium, wiry
- Nature
- Independent, Confident, Spirited
- Lifespan
- 11–13 years
Spinone Italiano
Large, 62–86 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 3 of 5
- Coat
- Medium, wiry
- Nature
- Sociable, Patient, Docile
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
Standard Schnauzer
Medium, 30–50 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 1 of 5
- Coat
- Medium, wiry
- Nature
- Fearless, Smart, Spirited
- Lifespan
- 13–16 years
Welsh Terrier
Small, 16–22 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 2 of 5
- Coat
- Medium, wiry
- Nature
- Intelligent, Friendly, Spirited
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
Wire Fox Terrier
Small, 15–20 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 2 of 5
- Coat
- Medium, wiry
- Nature
- Alert, Confident, Gregarious
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Large, 35–70 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 3 of 5
- Coat
- Medium, wiry
- Nature
- Friendly, Devoted, Trainable
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
Wirehaired Vizsla
Large, 45–65 lb
Wiry coat: Shedding 3 of 5
- Coat
- Short, wiry
- Nature
- Loyal, Gentle, Trainable
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
Good to know
Wiry coats are most common in terriers and wirehaired gundogs. Of the 18 breeds above, the most common AKC groups are Terrier (9), Sporting (4), Toy (2).
AKC shedding ratings for these breeds run from 1 to 3 out of 5, and grooming ratings from 1 to 4. 4 of them are on the AKC list of breeds that tend to suit people with allergies.
Sources
Breed traits come from AKC breed standards and trait ratings. Individual dogs, and especially mixes, can differ from their breed.