Shaggy dogs are extremely adorable with their often long, rough, and unkempt-looking coats. While their fur can often require a bit more maintenance and grooming than other dog breeds, most owners agree they’re well worth the extra work! So, here are the most popular shaggy dog breeds, and what you’ll want to know about them.
Picardy Shepherd
The Picardy Shepherd is an intelligent herding dog that was developed in France. They are easy to train but require plenty of exercise. Still, it’s possible for a Picardy Shepherd to enjoy life in the city, provided they receive regular walks. Sadly, after World War I and World War II, the breed nearly faced extinction.
While some efforts have been made to bring it back, it is extremely rare. In fact, it’s estimated that there are only around 400 Picardy Shepherds in the United States and Canada!
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Like many other shaggy-haired dog breeds, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a rough, yet attractive coat. This medium-sized dog is incredibly active, and needs a large, fenced-in backyard, as well as regular walks, in order to stay happy and healthy. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are very affectionate, but they’re also known to be a bit clingy. This breed does best in a family where they are sure to get lots of attention.
Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie has a beautiful, medium-length coat that is silky soft. While they are known to shed quite a bit, and also require more grooming than the average dog, that gorgeous coat is well worth the extra work!
Bearded Collies are far more than just their looks, though. These herding dogs are famous for their hard-working nature and extreme intelligence. They’re eager to please, which means they are highly obedient and easy to train.
Briard
The Briard is an ancient French herding dog that was revered for its ability to both guard and herd flocks of sheep. This dog is quite wary of strangers, so early socialization is important. Once they get to know you, though, the Briard is a fiercely protective and affectionate dog. While their intelligence means they are quick to learn, they require an owner with strong leadership skills.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of the most popular shaggy terrier breeds. This dog has an irresistibly fluffy coat that makes them resemble a teddy bear!
Their history dates back to Ireland, where they were kept by poor farmers who weren’t legally allowed to own dogs like Beagles, hounds, or spaniels. As a result, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier became famous for its versatility in farm work, including ratting, guarding, and hunting.
Bergamasco
The Bergamasco is a large Italian breed that was bred over 2,000 years ago to both herd and guard flocks of sheep. They’re one of the most intelligent herding breeds, because they can learn to herd without commands or cues, and are even able to solve complex problems on their own.
The Bergamasco is also unusual in comparison to other herding dogs, because they are known for being incredibly affectionate and loving towards their owners. It is one of the few breeds in the world that has a coat that naturally forms dreadlocks.
Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a large, powerful dog that was bred to hunt deer in Scotland. This is a courageous and athletic breed that requires large amounts of exercise, as well as a big, fenced-in backyard to stretch its long legs. Although loving and affectionate, the Scottish Deerhound requires an experienced owner who can keep up with its high activity level.
Irish Wolfhound
Similar to the Scottish Deerhound, this is one of the huge shaggy dog breeds. In fact, the Irish Wolfhound is so large that it is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world! This dog was originally bred to hunt game, as well as guard against wolves. Today, however, their extreme intelligence and athletic ability make the Irish Wolfhound a popular choice for competing in obedience training and agility courses.
Pyrenean Shepherd
The Pyrenean Shepherd, like other herding dogs, is known for its intelligence. However, this breed also has a mischievous side that can get it into trouble sometimes.
This breed does best with an owner who has a good sense of humor that can appreciate all of their silly antics. Pyrenean Shepherds descended from herding dogs in the Pyrenees Mountains, so their long, shaggy coat is perfect for protecting them against the cold.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized breed with a long, shaggy coat. While their extreme intelligence makes them perfect for herding and guarding, they have a bit of a stubborn side, and do best with an owner who has experience raising dogs, as well as strong leadership skills. While they’re wonderful with children, they require early socialization, as they can be wary of strangers.
Otterhound
True to its name, the Otterhound is one of the shaggy dog breeds that was bred to hunt otter. It even has webbed feet to help it swim! They are known for their deep, powerful bark that can almost sound like music. Despite its size, this is a gentle and affectionate breed that does particularly well with children as well as other dogs.
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a classic shaggy dog with a long, rough coat that often covers its eyes! In fact in the well-known 1959 Disney film The Shaggy Dog, this was the breed that was used for the main role (in the 2006 remake of the movie however a Tibetan Terrier was used).
This is a mellow dog that is exceptionally good in a family setting, particularly when children are involved. While gentle most of the time, this dog becomes fiercely protective if it senses that its beloved family is in danger. This breed is also a famously good watchdog.
Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is one of the medium-sized shaggy dog breeds. This is an ancient breed with a gorgeously long, silky coat. It is a sensitive yet intelligent breed that was once used to guard ancient Buddhist monasteries. While they make great watchdogs, they are also amazing companion pets who are highly affectionate towards their family.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Black And White Dog Breeds
Dogs’ coats can be many different colors; however black and white coats are always one of the most popular. The contrast created by these two opposite colors can really make for an eye-catching canine. So here are some of the top black and white dog breeds you’ll want...
Austrian Dog Breeds
People all over the world have bred dogs to do a variety of different tasks, such as herding, guarding, hunting, and even just laying on someone's lap! As a result, there are hundreds of breeds that hail from countless different countries. Austria has created several...
Dogs That Look Like A Carpet
The best part about dogs is that there's a breed out there for every kind of person. If you're searching for dogs that look like a carpet, you'll be surprised to find that there are quite a few breeds that fit the bill. So here are nine different carpet-looking dogs!...
Hungarian Dog Breeds
When looking to adopt a dog, you might be overwhelmed by all of the choices. After all, there are hundreds of different breeds to choose one, and each is just as adorable as the next! Not only do dogs come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, but each dog also...
Dogs That Look Like Dingoes
Black Panther Looking Dogs
One of the many wonderful things about dogs is that they come in all kinds of colors, sizes, and personalities. If you want a dog that looks a certain way, you have hundreds of breeds to choose from! If you are searching for a dog that looks as sleek and powerful as a...
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Dogs are the most popular pets in the entire world, with an estimated 33% of the earth's population owning at least one adorable pooch. Unfortunately, no matter how much you love dogs, there is one thing that can get in the way of you enjoying a canine of your own;...
American Dog Breeds
While dogs, as we know them today, are all ancestors of the wolf, different countries have carefully selected certain traits to create numerous different breeds. Just because some breeds were created in the same country, however, does not necessarily mean they will...
Tricolor Dogs
Part of what makes dogs so charming is that no two dogs look exactly alike! They come in so many different sizes, shapes, and of course, colors. One popular trait that many owners adore is tricolor dogs. Tricolor dogs have a coat that comes in three colors. The dog's...
Dogs That Look Like A Mop
With so many breeds on the planet, it’s no surprise that canines come in a wide variety of different coat types. However, seeing a dog that looks like a mop isn’t an everyday occurrence. So for those who love dogs with coats that are totally unique, here are the top...
Dogs That Look Like Wolves
Humans have been breeding dogs for centuries. With such adorable breeds as pugs and Pomeranians, it can be easy to forget where all of these dogs are descended from. Many modern dog breeds don't look anything like their ancient ancestors; wolves. However, there are...
Fox Looking Dogs
There are so many dog breeds in the world today that it can be overwhelming to choose one to take home with you. Different breeds come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors, but those differences don't make any one breed less adorable than the other! Of...
Dogs That Look Like Lions
The lion is considered to be the king of the jungle. Yet while they may appear regal, lions are at the same time powerful and fearsome predators. Having a lion at home isn’t an option however there are many lion-like dogs that make fantastic pets. Therefore, lion fans...
Chinese Dog Breeds
All dogs are descended from the same breed: Canis lupus familiaris. However, over time, humans were able to domesticate dogs to have different physical features and temperaments. Today, there are around 360 officially recognized dog breeds, which come from all over...
African Dog Breeds
Dogs are undoubtedly the most popular pets in the entire world. With over 360 recognized breeds today, it's no wonder different breeds have origins from every country imaginable. The continent of Africa has contributed many different dog breeds, as well. So here are...
The Cleanest Dog Breeds
Are you considering getting a dog, but don't want to deal with too much mess? Then you've come to the right place! Dogs make wonderful pets because no matter what you want in a furry companion, you're sure to find a breed that works for you. Today, we're going to take...
Dogs That Look Like Bears
When it comes to comparing canines to other animals, most people automatically think of examples such as wolves, and foxes. However, there are actually many dogs that look like bears. From those that look similar to black bears, grizzlies, polar bears, and even teddy...
Dogs That Look Like Polar Bears
Many dog breeds look similar to other types of animals. For example, there are breeds that remind us of lions, foxes, wolves, and even bears. And a few special canines closely resemble polar bears. So here are the top dogs that look like polar bears and what you’ll...
Dogs With Purple Tongues
Most canines have pink tongues. Amazingly, however, there are actually a few different types of dogs with purple tongues. This is a highly unusual trait. So here are the only dog breeds with purple tongues on the planet, along with what you’ll want to know about them....
Dogs With Pointy Ears
Let’s face it, there’s something special about the look of pointy-eared dogs. Luckily there are many breeds that have this appealing physical characteristic. So here are some of the best dogs with pointy ears and what to know about them. Corgi Both types of Corgi, the...