Small Wirehaired Dog Breeds

Wire-haired dog breeds have a rough coat with a wiry feel to it. Dogs with wiry hair need to have regular grooming to ensure that tangles and mats do not form. There are a number of dog breeds -- small, medium and large -- that have a wired coat. Some breeds have a smooth coat variety and a wire coat, but others only have a wire-haired coat.

  1. Dachshund

    • Dachshunds come in two popular varieties: standard and miniature. Both varieties can be found with a short-hair, long-hair and wire-hair. The standard dachshund will range from 16 to 30 pounds, whereas the miniature dachshund caps at 12 pounds. The breed is a part of the hound group, and they're known to be fierce badger hunters. The wire-haired dachshund is not as popular as the other coat types, but they are just as outgoing, loving and playful.

    Miniature Schnauzer

    • The miniature schnauzer is a small, sturdy dog. Their wiry hair needs to be combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush to prevent matting. The breed typically weighs between 10 and 15 pounds. The miniature schnauzer is part of the terrier dog group; it's been a great ratter throughout history, but tends to be a better companion dog. The breed is very energetic, affectionate, intelligent and happy.

    Scottish Terrier

    • The Scottish terrier, also known as the Aberdeen terrier, has very coarse, wiry hair that is typically a bit longer than the schnauzer's. A Scottie may weigh upwards of 25 pounds; males are generally larger than females. Like most terriers, the Scottish terrier is in the terrier dog group and has a history of vermin hunting. The breed is quite rugged, determined and ready for action, but a Scottie is also devoted to his family, independent and a little sensitive.

    Cairn Terrier

    • The cairn terrier has a thick, double coat that is composed of a soft undercoat and wiry outer coat. The breed should average about 15 pounds. The cairn terrier is in the terrier group and has a history of rat, fox and otter hunting. The breed was actually developed by an otter enthusiast, hence the water-resistant coat. The cairn terrier tends to excel in obedience, agility, terrier and tracking competitions. The breed is quite independent, intelligent and known to test its owner's limits, but no two are the same.

    Fox Terrier

    • The fox terrier has two varieties: smooth coat and wire coat. A wire-haired fox terrier should be clipped at least monthly to keep the hair growth under control, but it should be brushed or combed daily to reduce matting. Individuals in the breed tend to weigh around 15 to 20 pounds. The fox terrier was developed in England by fox hunters, but in the 1930s, the breed started to become a popular companion pet. The breed is in the terrier group, and it's known for its energy and intelligence. The fox terrier needs to be entertained and exercised regularly to reduce boredom.