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.
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