wirehaired terrier
Noun: A breed of terrier dog characterized by having a coarse, stiff, and wiry outer coat. This type of hair is a defining feature of the breed, providing protection from weather and rough terrain.
The term "wirehaired terrier" is used to specifically identify terriers that possess this distinctive coat type. It is a compound noun that functions as a single unit to name the breed category. - They decided to adopt a wirehaired terrier because of its energetic personality and low-shedding coat. - The wirehaired terrier excelled in the earthdog trial, its tough coat protecting it from brambles.
The term is primarily a standard breed descriptor. In specialized contexts like dog shows or breeding, the specific breed name (e.g., Wire Fox Terrier, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon) is typically used, with "wirehaired terrier" serving as a general category.
- Wire-haired (adjective): Describing the texture of the coat itself.
- The puppy has a typical wire-haired coat.
- Breeds: Specific breeds that are wirehaired terriers include the Wire Fox Terrier, the Border Terrier (to an extent), and the Wirehaired Dachshund (though not a terrier, it shares the coat type). The compound term itself is not typically hyphenated in modern usage when naming the breed type.
- Hard-coated terrier: A less common synonym emphasizing the coat's texture.
- Rough-coated terrier: A broader term that may include wirehaired varieties.
- Broken coat: A term used in dog showing to describe the proper, harsh texture of a wirehaired coat.
- Stripping / Hand-stripping: The grooming technique used to maintain the proper texture of a wirehaired coat by plucking dead hair.
- a terrier with wiry hair