Ag- and Pd-loaded $SnO_2$ nanowire network sensors were prepared by the growth of $SnO_2$ nanowires via thermal evaporation, the coating of slurry containing $SnO_2$ nanowires, and dropping of a droplet containing Ag or Pd nanoparticles, and subsequent heat treatment. All the pristine, Pd-loaded and Ag-loaded $SnO_2$ nanowire networks showed the selective detection of $C_2H_5OH$ with low cross-responses to CO, $H_2$, $C_3H_8$, and $NH_3$. However, the relative gas responses and gas selectivity depended closely on the catalyst loading. The loading of Pd enhanced the responses($R_a/R_g$: $R_a$: resistance in air, $R_g$: resistance in gas) to CO and $H_2$ significantly, while it slightly deteriorated the response to $C_2H_5OH$. In contrast, a 3.1-fold enhancement was observed in the response to 100 ppm $C_2H_5OH$ by loading of Ag onto $SnO_2$ nanowire networks. The role of Ag catalysts in the highly sensitive and selective detection of $C_2H_5OH$ is discussed.