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19 Popular Wirehaired Dog Breeds: From Terriers to Pointers

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wire-haired dog being pet by several people — Note: While the breeds in this collection tend to be wirehaired, individual pets will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.

21 Dog Breeds

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Side view of an Irish Wolfhound dog breed against a white background

Irish Wolfhound

Looking for a gentle giant whose heart is as big as their body? You’ve found them in the Irish Wolfhound. Their friendly, graceful disposition allows them to get along with just about anyone. They love to be around their humans and will crave quality time with their loved ones. They enjoy being around other dogs (though, it should be known that some other breeds may be intimidated by their size). As puppies, Wolfhounds can be overly energetic, and boisterous, and require a lot of metaphorical hand-holding. However, it’s absolutely worth it when they reward you with their devoted love and companionship in return. 

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Italian Spinone dog breed seen from the side looking up with tail extended out on white background

Italian Spinone

Eager to please, the Italian Spinone dog is an affectionate breed that gets along well with pets, children, and other dogs. They are calm and easygoing, and have a grandfatherly way about them that matches their looks. They can get playful and become energetic. 

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Front view of brown Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breed sitting in front of a white background

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breed is a wonderful dog that could be described as a workaholic. They need to be kept busy and will not enjoy lazing around. They need a purpose and love to be active, such as swimming, running, or hiking. They are independent-minded but much more emotionally complex than the average retriever. This can make them more reserved with strangers. They are protective and polite with their owners.Once Chesapeake Bay Retrievers set their minds on something there is no changing it, making them excellent for search-and-rescue and bomb-detection dogs. Their sensitive souls make them ideal therapy dogs, too. 

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German Wirehaired Pointer dog breed sitting with head tilted against a white background

German Wirehaired Pointer

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a rugged sporting dog and a friendly companion. These pups have the energy to spare and need their daily dose of adventure to keep from turning your house into their playground. While they’re usually pretty responsive, some German Wirehaired Pointer dogs might have a bit of a stubborn streak. They’ve retained their guarding instincts so that they might be a little aloof or protective around strangers and unfamiliar dogs. 

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Airedale Terrier dog breed laying down sideway looking at the camera against a white background

Airedale Terrier

Confident and bold Airedale Terriers share the common terrier traits of loyalty, friendliness, and boundless curiosity. Their playful spirit and seemingly endless energy make them enthusiastic companions, always eager for adventure. Airedales are fiercely devoted to their family and possess a strong protective streak. However, while generally friendly, they can be reserved with strangers and may not take kindly to unknown dogs. 

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Otterhound

Otterhounds are amiable, easygoing, and affectionate dogs. They can be exuberant and have a great sense of humor. The Otterhound dog breed gets along well with their family and other dogs as they were developed to work in packs. Like most hounds, they are a loyal breed who are stubborn and might have selective hearing once on a scent. At home, they are quiet and loving and enjoy being around people. 

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Close up of a Wirehaired Vizsla dog breed panting against a white background looking right

Wirehaired Vizsla

A larger-than-life character, the Wirehaired Vizsla dog breed makes a fun, lively, loving companion for those who can give him the time and attention he needs. They enjoy being active, learning new things, and adore training, provided it is fun and rewarding. They are sensitive and can be naturally protective of their family. They bond closely with their beloved owners and hate to be left alone. 

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Fox Terrier Wire Coat dog breed standing tall with tail up against a white background

Wire Fox Terrier

Independent and quick, the Wire Fox Terrier dog is a fun and fun-loving companion. They have seemingly endless energy and are bold and brave—more of an “ask for forgiveness” than an “ask for permission” kind of dog. They can make good companions if sufficiently mentally and physically stimulated. A bored Wire Fox Terrier can become noisy.

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Border Terrier dog breed sitting with head cocked against a white background

Border Terrier

Affectionate and plucky, Border Terriers have garnered a reputation for being one of the more easily manageable terriers. Although easy-going, they have an independent streak and like to hone it when they get the chance. They’re known for forming strong bonds with their humans, even those of the toddler type.

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Jack Russel Terrier dog breed laying down with head up tilted against a white background

Jack Russell Terrier

A firecracker of a dog, the Jack Russell Terrier’s personality is bigger than its body. They don’t know they’re as small as they are and are ready to take on each day with enthusiasm. Jack Russells are friendly towards people, have a sense of humor, and have boundless energy thanks to their working dog past life. They are fast moving and fast thinking dogs that often lack impulse control, something that can be worked on with training. They like humans and other dogs they are raised with but don’t do well with cats. 

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Parson Russell Terrier dog breed puppy standing with tail straight up and head tilted

Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier is like an action hero brought to life in a dog—they are ready to dive into any situation headfirst and with gusto. They have energy for days and love nothing more than to chase, dig, and generally wander around a yard. Playful and smart, they get along well with almost everyone, including children and strangers. Like most terriers, they are prone to barking and digging, but an active owner with a good sense of humor about their antics will find these characteristics endearing. 

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Close up of a Brussels Griffon dog breed sitting against a black background

Brussels Griffon

Spunky with a confidence that is bigger than their bodies, Brussels Griffon dogs lead a life full of zest and gusto. They are bold, playful, funny, and clever dogs that get along well with others. They bark and are known to climb. Families that want a funny and entertaining companion dog in a compact size will fall in love with the Brussels Griffon breed.

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standing affenpinscher dog breed facing forward against a white background

Affenpinscher

Self-confident, strong-willed, and fearless, the Affenpinscher has eyes that sparkle and an irresistible whiskered face that is endearing. They are loving and loyal to their owners but remain wary of strangers. The Affenpinscher dog sometimes reverts to terrier instincts to dig, shred, or tug, so proper training is needed. 

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Dachshund Wire Haired dog breed laying with paws forward against a white background

Wire-Haired Dachshund

This bearded little buddy is a bold, courageous dog with a lively personality. Bred as rugged workers, Wire-Haired Dachshunds retain the independent and sometimes seemingly obstinate nature of the breed while loyal and good-tempered. They love nose work, so don’t be surprised if one takes off without you, ignoring commands until they find the source. Affectionate and enthusiastic, they also make good house dogs. There’s no need to hire a security system—these vigilant watchdogs like to make everyone aware of imminent threats through barking, but their endearing nature more than makes up for the noise. 

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Young Cairn Terrier dog breed standing in front of a white background

Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier embodies the true spirit of a terrier: plucky, bold, inquisitive, and full of life. Their intelligence is matched by their stubborn streak, ensuring they can be both charming and mischievous. Despite their independence, Cairn Terriers are surprisingly sensitive and responsive to their family's wishes.  

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Close up of a Portuguese Podengo dog breed laying on the grass looking right

Portuguese Podengo

Inherently independent thinkers, Portuguese Podengo dogs are quick learners. Their high energy and playful nature mean their enthusiasm can feel like that of a puppy past actual puppyhood. More reserved with strangers, they still love to shower their people and families with affection.

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Side view of a laying Kerry Blue Terrier dog breed looking at the camera against a white background

Kerry Blue Terrier

Adaptable, fun, and alert, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a good mix of no-nonsense farm dog and engaging and loyal companion dogs. They love to run and chase and explore but can be well-mannered and calm indoors. They are protective of their people and suspicious of strangers. They’ll greet those they know, however, with endless enthusiasm. Smart and savvy, they tend to bark.

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Standard Schnauzer dog lying down against a shite background.

Standard Schnauzer

Fun-loving and smart, the Standard Schnauzer dog is a bold one. They are whip-smart but can also be stubborn. If their needs aren’t met, they can be mischievous, making their own fun. Patience, structure, and a gentle hand with lots of positive reinforcement are what a Standard Schnauzer needs to be successful at training. Devoted to their families, they do best with older children as they have high stimulation needs. 

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Black and white Miniature Schnauzer dog breed standing looking up with tongue out

Miniature Schnauzer

Mini Schnauzers are playful, inquisitive, alert, and spunky—just like your most confident and charming friend! They are well-mannered and love being part of family life. Compared to their larger Schnauzer cousins, they are less bossy and more friendly than other terrier breeds. These little geniuses can be stubborn, but they are usually obedient. Mini Schnauzers adore the company of children, even if some of them might be a bit chatty. They’re the life of the party, always ready to entertain and be entertained!

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