Pawscessories is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Learn more.
There’s something special about a small dog with wiry hair. Maybe it’s their independent spirit or their adorable facial expressions. Whatever it is, these little dogs are sure to bring a smile to your face.
In this post, we’ll take a look at 13 different small dogs with wiry coats. We’ll learn about their history and see some pictures of their adorable fur!
Table of Contents
13 Different Small Wire-Haired Dog Breeds
1) Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is a small, compact dog with a wiry coat. Originally bred in Scotland for hunting small game, the Scottish Terrier is now a popular companion dog. Despite its small size, the Scottish Terrier is a brave and tenacious breed known for its independent spirit.
The origins of the Scottish Terrier are unclear, but it is thought to be the foundation of many of the Terrier breeds we know today. The breed was developed in the highlands of Scotland, where it was used for hunting foxes, badgers, and other small game. In 1883, the first Scottish Terrier was imported to America, and the breed quickly gained popularity.
Today, the Scottish Terrier is still prized for its independent nature and fearless personality. While they make excellent companion dogs, they can also be stubborn and strong-willed. They require regular exercise and grooming, but their loyal and loving nature makes them ideal pets for many families.
2) Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a small, wiry-coated terrier of the type found in the United Kingdom. Although most terriers were used for hunting purposes, the Border Terrier’s job was to keep the fox population under control on the borders of England and Scotland.
Because of their quick speed and agility, they were able to keep up with the foxes and kill them before they could do any damage. Consequently, Border Terriers became one of the most popular pet dogs in the UK.
In recent years, they have also become popular pets in the United States and other countries. Thanks to their friendly disposition and ease of training, Border Terriers make excellent companion animals.
And while they may not be as fast or agile as they once were, they still retain their high prey drive and love of the chase. As a result, they are still one of the best dog breeds for hunting purposes.
3) Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a German dog breed. Miniature Schnauzers are the smallest of the three variations of Schnauzer, the other two being the Standard and Giant Schnauzers.
It’s thought that Miniature Schnauzers were developed from crossing the Standard Schnauzer with Affenpinschers, Miniature Pinschers, Pomeranians, and/or Poodles. They first appeared in Germany in the late 19th century.
They were initially bred as ratters and were later used as guard dogs and watchdogs. The German Kennel Club recognized the Miniature Schnauzer in 1899.
In 1926, The American Kennel Club recognized the Miniature Schnauzer as an official breed. Later, the Canadian Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club, and the Australian National Kennel Council also recognized the breed.
They’re small dogs that weigh between 11 and 20 pounds and are 14 to 18 inches tall, measured to their shoulders.
Miniature Schnauzers have wiry-haired coats that are either salt-and-pepper, black or silver in color. They shed very little hair and are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs. The wiry coat of the Miniature Schnauzer requires regular grooming.
The breed is known for its high intelligence, loyal and affectionate nature, and playful demeanor. They make good watchdogs and are excellent family pets.
With its wiry coat and distinct eyebrows, the Miniature Schnauzer is a unique and recognizable breed.
4) West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is a small breed of dog with a long and detailed history. Originally from Scotland, the Westie was bred to hunt foxes and other small animals.
They were also used as “Ratters” on ships to control the rat population. The Westie’s wiry-haired coat was specifically adapted to withstand the harsh Scottish weather, and their compact size made them agile and quick.
Today, the Westie is still a popular breed, known for their friendly and outgoing personality. They make excellent companion dogs and are just as enthusiastic about taking a walk in the park as they are about playing catch in the backyard.
5) Airedale
The Airedale is a wiry-haired terrier bred originally in the valley of River Aire in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England.
They’re commonly referred to as the “king of terriers” because they are the largest of the terrier breeds. Airedales were developed in the 19th century from a cross between the Old English Black and Tan Terrier and the Otterhound.
Its primary purpose was to hunt otters in and around the River Aire, but it was also used for hunting vermin and badgers. Over time, the breed has been used as a working dog in many different roles, including a police dog and a messenger dog in World War I.
The Airedale is a strong, intelligent, and determined breed with a reputation for being tenacious and fearless. It is an affectionate and loyal companion dog but can also be headstrong and stubborn.
Today, the Airedale is still used as a working dog in many different roles, but it is also popular as a family pet. Thanks to its friendly nature and high energy levels, it is well-suited to life with active families.
6) Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a small, wiry-haired dog that originated in Belgium. The breed is believed to date back to the late 1800s when it was developed by crossing the Affenpinscher with the Pug and the Ruby King Charles Spaniel.
The resulting breed was dubbed the Griffon Bruxellois, or Brussels Griffon. Initially, the Brussels Griffon was used as a ratting dog in Belgian stables and shops.
However, the breed quickly gained popularity among the city’s upper class, who admired its compact size and playful disposition. In 1897, the first Brussels Griffon was exhibited at a dog show, and the breed soon became a fixture of European dog shows.
Today, the Brussels Griffon remains a popular companion animal known for its affectionate nature and goofy personality.
7) Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier was the most popular Terrier in the United Kingdom for over 40 years and was common as a pet in middle-class households during that time.
They are descendants of the rough-coated black, and tan terriers brought to England from Ireland in the early 1800s. These dogs were bred with similar terriers and used in hunting to drive foxes from their dens and to scare them out from cover.
Although Wire Fox Terriers are now less common than they once were, they remain popular dogs and are still used for hunting in some parts of the world. They are also commonly seen in conformation shows and obedience trials and make good companion animals.
8) Wire-Haired Dachshund
The Wire-Haired Dachshund is a relatively new breed, having been developed in Germany less than 200 years ago.
Initially, the breed was created by crossing the Standard Dachshund with various terrier breeds, resulting in a dog with a strong hunting instinct and a dense, wiry coat.
Today, the Wire-Haired Dachshund is still prized for its hunting ability, and it is also a popular companion dog, thanks to its affectionate nature. The wire-haired coat requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles, but many owners find that the effort is well worth it for the beauty and character of this unique breed.
Thanks to their outgoing personalities and distinctive appearance, Wire-Haired Dachshunds are sure to remain one of the world’s most popular breeds for generations to come.
9) Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a small wire-haired dog that originated in Ireland. The Kerry Blue Terrier was initially bred to hunt small game and later became a popular companion dog.
The breed gets its name from the county of Kerry in Ireland, where it was first developed. The Kerry Blue Terrier is thought to be descended from the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and shares many similarities with that breed.
However, the Kerry Blue Terrier is slightly smaller and has a coat that is blue in color instead of wheaten. The Kerry Blue Terrier is an intelligent and active breed and makes an excellent companion for an active owner.
The breed is also known for being very loyal and forming strong bonds with their families. Kerry Blue Terriers are still relatively rare but are steadily gaining in popularity.
10) Wire-Haired Jack Russell
The Wire-Haired Jack Russell is a relatively new breed, having only been developed in the late 19th century. However, the breed has its roots in the working terriers of England.
These terriers were bred for their hunting and ratting abilities and were often used as working dogs on farms. The Wire-Haired Jack Russell was developed by crossing these working terriers with other breeds, including the Fox Terrier and the Welsh Terrier.
The result was a breed that was well-suited for hunting and farm work that also had a wire coat that protected them from the elements.
Today, the Wire-Haired Jack Russell is still a popular hunting and working dog, but they have also become popular companions thanks to their friendly dispositions.
11) Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, originating in Ireland in the 19th century. The breed was developed from a mix of different terrier types, including the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and the black and tan Terrier.
The Irish Terrier was initially bred as a working dog, used for hunting small game, vermin control, and as a guard dog.
The breed quickly gained popularity in Ireland and soon began to spread to other parts of Europe. Then, in the early 20th century, the Irish Terrier became a popular companion dog in the United States and remains a popular pet today.
The Irish Terrier is known for its loyalty, courage, and friendly nature. It is an energetic breed that requires regular exercise and attention. The Irish Terrier is an excellent family pet and can also be trained for obedience or agility competitions.
12) Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a small, wired-haired dog initially bred in Germany. The name “Affenpinscher” means “monkey-like terrier,” and it is thought that this breed was developed by crossing the Griffon and the Poodle.
The Affenpinscher is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of toy dogs, and it is thought to be the descendent of both the Brussels Griffon and the Miniature Schnauzer. The breed became popular in Germany during the 17th century and was often used as a rat catcher in homes and stables.
The Affenpinscher eventually made its way to France, where it was further refined. In 1936, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club, and it has become a popular companion dog in the United States. The Affenpinscher is a loyal and affectionate dog that makes a great companion for families with children.
Final Thoughts
There are many different small dogs with wiry coats, and each has its own unique history and personality. These breeds make excellent companion animals and are loyal, affectionate, and intelligent.
If you are looking for a small dog with a wiry coat, then any of the breeds on this list would be a great family companion.
Other posts you might find interesting:
13 Small Black And White Dogs (With Pictures!)
11 Breeds Of Black Dogs With Pointy Ears (With Pictures)
13 Small Fluffy Black Dogs (With Pictures)
Sources:
