Fall 2021 Children's Sneak Previews

15 Wire-Haired Dog Breeds To Make Part Of Your Family

Wire-haired dogs account for some of the world's most popular dog breeds. And while we love their crinkly coats and distinctive features, such as bushy eyebrows, beards and mustaches, these working dogs weren't bred for beauty contests—most of them were used for hunting rodents or larger prey. In fact, their wiry coats made them more resistant to the thorns and branches they encountered when chasing their quarry through the underbrush, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

To take a look at some of the most popular wire-haired dogs, plus a few you may be less familiar with, we spoke to Laura Giangreco, salon curriculum project manager with PetSmart, and veterinarians Rebecca Tremble, DVM, and Lisa Neuman, DVM. From energetic wire fox terriers to kid-friendly otterhounds, there's a wire-haired pup waiting for you. (And remember, when it's time to add a new wire-haired pet to your family, don't forget to check your local animal shelters or breed-specific rescue groups for a pup waiting to be adopted.)

Get Reader's Digest's Read Up newsletter for more pet insights, cleaning, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.

About the experts

Laura Giangreco is the salon quality and education manager with PetSmart.

Lisa Neuman, DVM, earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She began practicing in 1997 and founded Bayshore Animal Hospital in North Fort Myers, Florida, in 2006.

Rebecca Tremble, DVM, is a veterinarian and the U.S. Director of professional partnerships and strategy at Hill's Pet Nutrition. After nearly a decade of private veterinary practice, she now serves as a nutrition educator with Hill's.

ⓘ

1. Wire fox terrier

slowmotiongli/Getty Images

The more common breed of fox terrier (the other is the smooth fox terrier), wires were bred to be tireless hunters, and they remain an energetic, feisty breed. Like most terriers, they're intelligent, curious and bore easily if they're not kept engaged. According to veterinarian Lisa Neuman, DVM, they are very energetic and fun family pets, for whom regular walks, games of fetch and other play activities are essential. Because of their strong prey instinct, you need to keep them out of run-ins with rodents, cats and the family gerbil. With that in mind, wire fox terriers are great pets for kids—playful and full of energy just like they are. Plus, their rough coat requires minimal grooming, says Dr. Neuman, and brushing about once a week should be plenty for these low-shedders.

Breed overview Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 15 to 18 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years 2. German wire-haired pointer

Zoonar RF/Getty Images

Their expressive facial hair and playful nature make these pups among the most popular German dog breeds. These bird dogs were bred for hunting and have a rough, wiry waterproof coat that made them perfect for chasing game into ponds or dense, thorny bushes. "I love this breed!" says Dr. Neuman. "They need a lot of activity, but they are loyal and funny pups."

They're still very capable hunting dogs, she adds, but this energetic breed also makes great family dogs, especially when active kids or adults are around. And if outdoor activities like hiking are among your hobbies, your German wire-haired pointer will be an avid companion on the trail. Just don't leave them alone for too long or let them get bored, or all of their energy might be channeled into destroying the lawn—or the couch. And good news about grooming: German wire-haired pointers are modest shedders and have no special grooming needs—a weekly brushing should do it.

Breed overview Height:  22 to 26 inches Weight: 50 to 70 pounds Life expectancy: 14 to 16 years 3. Jack Russell terrier

Iuliia Bondar/Getty Images

Surprisingly, this popular breed is not registered with the AKC, though its close cousins, the Russell terrier and the Parson Russell terrier, are. Jack Russells developed in England in the early 1800s as the perfect fox-hunting dog—swift, smart, fearless and small enough and fast enough to chase a fox out of its den. The coat can be smooth, rough or broken. The rough coat has wiry hair a couple of inches long, and the broken coat has a wiry short coat that's in between smooth and rough. Neither needs much grooming except for being stripped or plucked to stay tidy.

If you're looking for a dog that just might outsmart you, look no further. These friendly, happy, willful dogs need lots of attention and time devoted to them, or else they can turn into a really destructive handful. According to the Jack Russell Club of America, owners must be the dominant member of the household, because if not, your pup will happily and stubbornly assume the role of pack leader.

Breed overview Height: 10 to 12 inches Weight: 9 to 15 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years 4. Schnauzer

vyasphoto/Getty Images

Schnauzers come in three different sizes—miniature, standard and giant. While they're actually three different breeds, they have a lot in common, especially their dense, wiry coats. Those wiry hairs need to be hand-stripped a few times a year. If you trim instead of hand-strip a Schnauzer, its coat will soften but shed more. Dr. Neuman calls Schnauzers fantastic, loyal and smart. These intelligent, sometimes hard-headed pups need early socialization with kids and other pets and could do with some obedience training. Breed experts say that Schnauzers sense weakness like a shark can smell blood—so they might not be the best breed for novice first time dog owners.

Breed overview Height: 12 to 27.5 inches Weight: 11 to 85 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years 5. Wire-haired dachshund

VKarlov/Getty Images

Their smooth-coated kin is more popular in the United States, but wire-haired dachshunds have that same big doxy personality tucked into a small, elongated package—complete with short legs. Wire-haired varieties have short, thick, double coats with a soft undercoat and a wiry topcoat that needs to be hand-stripped a few times a year to retain its color and luster. These low-riders, a favorite long-nosed breed, were bred to hunt badgers and still have a strong "kill" instinct, so watch them around pet birds or other small animals. Friendly, playful and sweet-natured, dachshunds do well in apartments and need a moderate amount of exercise. The Dachshund Club of America cautions that all varieties are ravenous eaters, so they shouldn't be free-fed, especially since excess weight can lead to back trouble for this unique breed.

Breed overview Height:  8 to 9 inches Weight: 16 to 32 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years 6. Border terrier

Zuzule/Getty Images

With their squarish heads, relatively flat faces and alert expressions, border terriers are cute, playful canine companions. Bred in the Scottish borderlands, they are one of the most popular breeds in the UK today and still have a strong drive to chase small animals. Plus, they aren't afraid of much, even when they should be. The UK-based Border Terrier Club cautions prospective owners that unless well-trained or kept on a leash when out on walks, these prey-driven pups will pursue anything small, including the neighbor's cat. Their wiry topcoats need to be hand-stripped about twice a year in order to reduce shedding. Border terriers are great companion dogs that are anxious to please, and their petite size makes them easy lapdogs. Members of this extra-cute dog breed are easily trained, happy to accompany you on walks and love nothing more than a big, open field to run around in.

Breed overview Height: 11 to 16 inches Weight: 11.5 to 15.5 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years 7. Airedale terrier

atomadog/Getty Images

All dogs require a commitment of time, love and care from their owners—Airedale terriers more than most. This smart, sensitive breed may stare at you incessantly until you agree to throw its ball, pretend to not hear you when you call or give it orders, or bolt like a deer when it sees something worth chasing—a trait that makes it a great guard dog. The AKC says that while Airedales will bond with their humans and are easy to train, that doesn't mean you can get lazy with training. They require consistent obedience training and varied agility tasks and challenges to keep them engaged and out of trouble.

Their wiry topcoats and soft undercoats don't do too much shedding, though this curly-haired dog breed can start looking rather scruffy without regular trimming and stripping a few times a year. And aside from needing mental stimulation, Dr. Neuman says that Airedales also need regular exercise, as they are prone to obesity without it.

Breed overview Height:  23 inches Weight: 50 to 70 pounds Life expectancy: 11 to 14 years 8. Irish wolfhound

BiancaGrueneberg/Getty Images

The tallest dog breed, these graceful giants can usually rest their paws on the shoulders of their human companions and look them right in the eye. Known in ancient history as fierce hunters and war dogs, today's Irish wolfhounds don't inspire fear so much as they do wonder—they're simply spectacular-looking dogs with long, lean good looks and warm, friendly expressions.

Their wiry coats shed a fair amount and need weekly brushing and the occasional trimming and stripping. These wire-haired dogs also need a lot of space, both in a home and outdoors, as well as frequent walks and a fenced-in area to run. Irish wolfhounds require early socialization in order to learn to be around smaller dogs and cats. Dr. Tremble says that giant breeds, like Irish wolfhounds, "should be fed large-breed diets. These puppies have unique nutritional needs due to their rapidly growing bones and must be fed an appropriate large-breed puppy food."

Breed overview Height: 32 to 34 inches Weight: 105 to 120 pounds Life expectancy: 6 to 10 years 9. Otterhound

LourdesPhotography/Getty Images

The otterhound's fortunes started to wane after otter-hunting was outlawed in England in the 1970s. Today, there are fewer than 1,000 otterhounds around the world, with most of them still in the UK. Their long, wiry topcoat and thick undercoat create a naturally disheveled look, and this breed doesn't require much more than regular brushing. If you're looking for a big, goofy, kid-friendly dog with lots of energy, this rare breed might be the one for you—the AKC says they're great family dogs that love praise and treats. Because they're rare, you may have to search for an occasional litter, but the parent club will be glad to help. When you buy a rare breed you help save it from extinction.

Breed overview Height: 24 to 27 inches Weight: 80 to 115 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 13 years 10. Wire-haired Vizsla

Foto Para Ti/Getty Images

A distinct breed from their short-haired brethren, the wire-haired Vizslas were bred in Hungary as hunting dogs. Today, they are just as happy accompanying you on long walks or for movie night on the couch. This is a sweet family medium dog breed, but it may be a little too bouncy for houses with very young children. Their wiry coat will shed twice a year, during which time you'll want to hand-strip and brush more frequently. Otherwise, a weekly brushing will do the trick. Keep these smart, loyal dogs active, and don't leave them on their own for too much time, lest they get anxious and destructive.

Breed overview Height:  21.5 to 25 inches Weight: 45 to 65 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years

Ilona Didkovska/Getty Images

This comical toy dog breed has a lot of nicknames, including "monkey dog," "ape terrier" and even "Ewok." But Affenpinschers apparently take all this derision in stride and happily entertain their owners with their antics and almost human-like personalities. These German wire-haired dogs have been around since at least the 1600s and were originally used as ratters before working their way into peoples' hearts and laps.

Their wiry coat, usually black, is thick and dense, and while they don't shed much, they do need to be brushed a couple of times a week. Their dimensions make them great for apartment living, but they need a couple of brisk walks and some play time every day. The Affenpinscher Club of America cautions that feisty, fearless Affens may be too confident for their own good, calling them "Rottweiler wannabes!"

Breed overview Height:  9 to 11.5 inches Weight: 7 to 10 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years 12. Brussels Griffon

Eudyptula/Getty Images

These sporty little chaps, which Dr. Neuman calls "fun and portable house pets," are known for their black masks and distinctive beards, as well as their big personalities. Brussels Griffons have led dual lives in their native Belgium, both as stable dogs and pets of the noble class. But their fortunes took a turn for the worse during both World Wars, when the breed nearly vanished. They were mixed with pugs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels to attain their pug-like faces and stout yet petite builds. The wire-haired varieties don't shed, but in order to keep their short coat and gentlemanly beard, they need regular trips to the groomer.

Breed overview Height: 7 to 10 inches Weight: 8 to 10 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years 13. Chesapeake Bay retriever

Wirestock/Getty Images

The Chessie's hair isn't really the same kind of wiry coat as the other dogs in this list. Notice that unlike the other dogs, the Chessie has a smooth face and legs. But it's still a harsh crinkly coat, so the Chessie gets to be an honorary wire-haired dog here. Water slides right off a Chessie like it does a duck's back. In fact, the breed is famous for its uniquely wavy, wiry coat, which contains enough oil to make it practically impermeable.

These legendary duck hunters will jump into just about any kind of water to retrieve their fowl, and they will even use their large chests to break through ice to get to a bird. Their yellow eyes (a by-product of their liver pigment) and tendency to "smile" with bared teeth when happy are two more distinctive breed calling cards. If you adopt a Chessie and don't plan to take it hunting, experts say you need to find other ways to keep it busy and engaged—these smart, energetic pups take well to agility and obedience training.

Breed overview Height: 21 to 26 inches Weight: 55 to 80 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 13 years 14. Portuguese podengo pequeno

Holly Hildreth/Getty Images

Portuguese podengo pequeno—say that three times fast!—is pronounced pee-KAY-no. With its wiry coat and lanky build, this funny-looking dog with a funny name looks a little like a mixed-breed mutt. But in reality, the podengo, an ancient breed, was once a much sought-after hunting breed known for its relentless pursuit of large and small game. Today, these wire-haired dogs come in three sizes—small (pequeno), medium (medio) and large (grande), each a separate breed. The pequeno is the only one currently fully AKC-recognized. They are medium-shedders, and the wiry type, especially, need to be brushed every couple of weeks to clear out dead hair, which they'll lose in sections.

Breed overview Height: 8 to 12 inches Weight: 9 to 13 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years 15. Spinone Italiano

CaptureLight/Getty Images

Beloved by Italian hunters for its ability to give chase to wild boar, Italian Spinoni (that's the plural of Spinone) are also sweet, calm dogs happy to curl up at your feet and relax. These wire-haired dogs have dense and wiry coats, and while they don't need too much in the way of grooming, they should be hand-stripped from time to time to get rid of dead hair. The Spinone Club of America warns of "the dreaded Spinone slime"—the accumulated water, food, dirt and gunk that can collect in the breed's ample beards. But slimy or not, in a Spinone, you'll find a loyal and chilled-out Italian dog breed who will take its cues from you: Go for a walk, and they're in. Sit by the fireplace on a chilly night, and they'll be splayed out nearby.

Breed overview Height: 22 to 27 inches Weight: 62 to 86 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years FAQs Do wire-haired dogs shed a lot?

"Wire-haired breeds typically shed less than their smooth or long-haired counterparts," says Giangreco. "The wiry texture of their coat traps loose hair, which reduces the amount of hair that falls out."

Are wire-coat dogs hypoallergenic?

While they may not be 100% allergy-proof for allergy sufferers, many wire-haired breeds are considered hypoallergenic. However, the jury is still out. They are generally low-shedders and don't give off much dander, but they'll still require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free.

How do you know if a wire-haired breed is right for you?

Because most of these breeds were originally developed to chase after prey, a high amount of energy seems to be coded into their DNA. Unless you adopt an older dog, you should expect that your wire-haired pup is going to need to burn off that energy with daily walks, games of fetch or other activities that exercise its body and mind. Energy levels, effort involved to train and potential to wreak havoc if not well-trained vary from breed to breed, but broadly speaking, if you want a lazy dog breed, it might be better to look elsewhere.

How do you groom wire-haired dogs

Giangreco offers the following grooming tips for wire-haired breeds.

Brush regularly. "Wire-haired breeds typically have a coarse and wiry coat that benefits from regular brushing," says Giangreco. "I recommend using a slicker brush and a comb to prevent matting."

Use a hand-stripping technique. "Some wire-haired breeds can benefit from hand-stripping, a grooming technique that removes dead hair by plucking it out. While this helps to maintain the proper texture of the coat, hand-stripping does require more frequent grooming, so I'd recommend pet parents consult a professional pet stylist to learn more and to see if it's the right fit for their pet."

Give regular baths. "It's essential to regularly bathe pets with products that are specifically tailored for their needs to keep their skin and coat both clean and healthy," says Giangreco.

Trim their coat to keep it healthy. A wire-haired dogs should have neatly trimmed coats to maintain a well-groomed appearance. "Don't forget to trim around the face, ears and paws," adds Giangreco.

Why trust us

At Reader's Digest, we're committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Elizabeth Heath tapped her experience writing about dog breeds, and then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

8 Lovable Dogs With Short Legs

8 Short-Legged Dogs — Adorable Dogs with Short Legs

Skip to main content

Cute pups come in small packages

You know dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but there's something especially "aww"-worthy about short-legged dogs. Sure, they may not rank as the fastest dog breeds, but the way they waddle across the room to get some snuggles from you, and the way their entire torsos wiggle back and forth when they greet you at the door, is irresistible.

Here's the science stuff: The same mutation causes short legs, or chondroplasia, in all dogs from short-legged breeds. This mutation results in abnormally short legs but normal-size bodies. These dwarf dogs, as they're called, are not the same as small dogs, whose bodies are in proportion to their legs.

Whether you're in the market to adopt a new pup or you simply want to learn about cute canines, we've put together a handy guide on the most popular dog breeds with short legs.

Get Reader's Digest's Read Up newsletter for more cleaning, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.

ⓘ Ирина Мещерякова/Getty Images 1. Pembroke Welsh corgi

Beloved by Queen Elizabeth, the smart and lovable Pembroke Welsh corgi is among the world's most popular herding dogs. Although the Pembroke's legs are small, its muscular thighs and strong chest make for one powerful pooch. This corgi breed is also notably easy to train and is known for being hardworking and full of energy.

These qualities, paired with its vigilance and independence, also make the Pembroke Welsh corgi a fine guard dog. Another perk about this breed is that it's relatively easy to groom: Their thick double coat comes in four different colors (with or without white) and only requires grooming every week.

Alexander Sorokopud/Getty Images 2. Cardigan Welsh corgi

Not to be confused with the Pembroke variety we detailed above, the slightly larger Cardigan Welsh corgi is smart, loyal and notably affectionate. Besides a difference in size, compared with the Pembroke, this breed's ears are larger and more rounded; its front feet point out more; it comes in more colors; and it has a distinct, long, foxlike tail. In addition to its adorable appearance, the Cardigan Welsh corgi is good with kids and has a very approachable and affectionate demeanor.

This breed needs plenty of mental stimulation and is quite energetic, so make sure to pencil in plenty of playtime if you own one. They are also seasonal shedders that need to be brushed at least once a week to maintain a shiny and healthy appearance.

badmanproduction/Getty Images 3. Bulldog

Stout, gloriously wrinkled and ever loyal, the bulldog is another one of the most popular short-legged dogs. The bulldog's ancestors were bred to fight bulls, but bulldogs have since become gentler, more friendly companions and are known as one of the calmest dog breeds. These small muscular dogs can weigh up to 50 pounds and—though they may not look it—do need about an hour of moderate exercise every day.

Also note that their short snout can sometimes make breathing more difficult during warm, humid weather; the American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends keeping them indoors in the summertime, as they are extremely prone to overheating. Their smooth shiny coat is naturally clean, though it benefits from a proper wash every four weeks. Any deep wrinkles must be kept clean and dry so they don't harbor infections. A soft brushing at least once a week will also keep this dog dashingly handsome and happy.

4. Basset hound

Hear that? It's the familiar crooning of the basset hound, a larger-than-life pup with droopy features and short, thick crooked legs. Compared with other short-legged dogs, the basset hound is a larger medium breed, weighing in anywhere from 40 to 65 pounds. This recognizable breed is most well-known for its drooping face, sagging eyes and long floppy ears.

Like most hound dogs, basset hounds are pack dogs built for distance—not for speed. What they lack in miles per hour, though, they make up for in their incredible sniffing abilities! A basset's short, smooth hair needs to be brushed a few times a week to control shedding. They also require an occasional bath, and their deep wrinkles must be kept clean and dry to avoid infections.

5. Scottish terrier

Distinguished, charming and independent, the iconic Scottish terrier has an appearance that gives the impression of a formidable pup in a petite package. Their keen awareness combined with strong hunting instincts make Scotties exceptional watchdogs. Like other terrier breeds, Scottish terriers are known for their spunky energy and lively personalities—they need some playful exercise and benefit particularly from small bursts of action-packed play throughout the day.

The Scottish terrier's dual coat is one part wiry topcoat and one part soft undercoat. It benefits from regular grooming and should also be brushed two to three times a week to help manage shedding.

6. Dachshund

The Dachshund is a brave, strong-willed and curious German breed with an iconic, unmistakable appearance. Though we know them better as lounge-happy house pets, their short legs enable them to fit into tight underground burrows and to push through undergrowth when hunting. In fact, their name even translates from German to "badger dog" (one of their top prey). These traits also make Dachshunds notable watchdogs.

This tough breed is quick to let out a bark at strangers and packs a deceiving amount of energy—they require lots of activity throughout the day. Dachshunds come in standard and miniature sizes, and their coats can be longhaired, wiry or smooth. Their occasional shedding requires regular brushing.

Mindaugas Dulinskas/Getty Images 7. French bulldog

Like bulldogs, the French bulldog—referred to as a Frenchie—also has a square, wrinkled and flat face. This breed's most distinguishing feature, beyond its stout frame and short legs, is its set of large, wide ears that are stiff and pointed upward. The AKC describes French bulldogs as being playful and adaptable, meaning that they can get along with just about anyone, including other animals.

Because they're a lower-energy pup, French bulldogs only need a good short walk each day to remain healthy, which makes them excellent apartment dogs. Also note that their flat face can create some breathing difficulties with too much activity or hot weather. Weekly brushing paired with the occasional bath can help manage this breed's minimal shedding.

CaptureLight/Getty Images 8. Australian terrier

As a member of the terrier family, this Australian dog breed is a feisty and energetic dog packed in a petite frame. They love digging, chasing small critters and spending most of their time with their own humans. With a long and strong body, this breed is no stranger to hard work; owners may be hard-pressed to control this breed's urge to chase and hunt small vermin. That's a plus if you're in need of a pet to keep the field mice away, but it can turn into a nuisance if you're trying to maintain a manicured lawn.

These dogs with short legs have a long, weatherproof double coat around their neck and legs and much softer fur on their head. Their coat rarely sheds, and it only needs a good brushing once a week to maintain its appearance.

Why trust us

At Reader's Digest, we're committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Wendy Rose Gould tapped her experience covering pet care and behavior, and then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices.

We recommend our users to update the browser.

A Yummy Retirement Party For Matka, The Minnesota State Patrol's Explosives-sniffing Dog

At most retirement parties, the lucky worker gets cake.

At the retirement party for Matka, a copper-colored, short-haired Hungarian Vizsla who spent her working life keeping others safe, she enjoyed a huge pup cupcake.

For the past 8 1/2 years, Matka has worked with a Minnesota State Patrol trooper as an explosive-sniffing dog patrolling the marble halls at the State Capitol in St. Paul. She started her training as a youngster, around 14 months, and on Tuesday, she retires.

"She's been very dedicated," said Todd Winters, the trooper who has been her handler for the past two years.

"She's selflessly worked hard for us," he added. "I feel honored to have had her for that time, and the time has come where she just gets to be a dog now."

At her retirement party, Matka received a certificate acknowledging her years of service, a shadow box of memorabilia, a Hungarian passport (her country of origin), a collar and other patches from her training.

During her working years, Matka didn't uncover anything amiss, but Lt. Robert Zack says Matka has been a joy.

"The nice thing with her is that she's so good that she's been one of the most awarded dogs, you know, nationally certified," Zack said. "She passes certification with flying colors."

That's because Matka's training wasn't just at the beginning of her working life, but throughout her working life.

"To get her where she is now, I mean, there's literally thousands of hours to what you see right here. And it's constant. The training never ends," Winters said.

Outside of work, Matka loves to sleep and tries to steal food from her family. But on the job, she's dialed into the work, pulling on her leash and sniffing around the Capitol.

"She knows when it's time to work, and when it's time to relax at home," Winters said.

Matka's replacement is Maya, a German Shorthaired Pointer who will begin work in June. Matka, who turns 10 years old in a couple of months, will live with Winters and his family during her retirement years.

---