20 Shaggy Dog Breeds With Some Seriously Big Hair

Dogs are marvelous creatures that come in all shapes and sizes.

There really is a breed for everyone and some future owners just want a dog that is soft and cozy to cuddle with.

Some dogs are much more suited for this, as some dogs have long haired fur coats which makes them very fluffy and cuddly.

However, those long haired coats require a lot of extra maintenance so on the other hand, a lot of dog owners may choose to avoid long haired dogs because they want to keep their homes as hair-free as possible while still having a loving pooch around.

So – let’s take a look at some dog breeds that sport long shaggy coats so you can find the right breed for you (or avoid them entirely, it’s up to you!).

We are going to take a look at their coats and personalities so you can get a clear idea what these fluffy pooches have to offer other than just an awesome shaggy coat.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

One of the most iconic and well known shaggy dog breeds is the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

This dog breed was bred for both herding livestock and guarding them, making it a great working dog breed found frequently on farms. They are quick learners and very obedient, plus they are very sweet and friendly.

Over the years, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have found a home in more and more houses, becoming an important part of families instead of us part of a farm’s workforce.

They guard their owners with the same fearless devotion as their ancestors did their sheep, making them an ideal companion for those in need of a fluffy yet protective companion.

Their dense coats do not require a huge amount of grooming, but a detangling comb is ideal to keep these long hairs from matting.

Despite this, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is adorable and fluffy, and are commonly found with coats ranging from white to black.

We would recommend you brush and comb your Polish Lowland Sheepdog at least twice a week and always detangle before bathing.

Height: 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 35 to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Personality: Intelligent, Hardworking, Brave

Bearded Collie

This dog breed is affectionately known as ‘Beardie’ but the Bearded Collie is definitely one dog to respect.

In the past, they were bred to herd livestock in Scotland but now they are very versatile and can be easily found working as show dogs, sheepdogs, or just as a loyal family companion.

Bearded Collies are very intelligent and energetic, making them ideal for dog shows and sports.

They are well known for their bright and bubbly personalities but are also very hardworking and dependable, which is why they can also be just as easily found on farms.

They are also very loving and loyal and fit right into families of all shapes and sizes.

Their long coats shed annually and require weekly brushing to stay clean and detangled.

Due to their Scottish origin, their coats have grown to be doubled and very thick to protect them from harsh Scottish weather and temperatures – and this makes them the ultimate shaggy dog!

Height: 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Personality: Smart, Confident, Hardworking

Barbet

Barbet originated in France as retrievers for waterfowl, making them strong swimmers and agile dogs.

Now, they are fierce competition in agility contests as well as one of the shaggiest dog breeds out there!

What makes the Barbet so lovable is their wool, wavy coat that comes in a range of colors including brown, fawn, red and white.

While this coat sheds very little and is great for those who suffer from allergies, it also acts like Velcro and is sure to pick up lots of little bits of debris during every walk – twigs, leaves, dirt, you name it!

This means that Barbets often require grooming every day after walking but there is no denying that they are soft and cuddly creatures.

Because of this, Barbets are beloved all over the world. They are a breed that have stood the test of time for their versatility and dependability, making them some of the most loved dog breeds in history.

Height: 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 37 to 62 pounds
Life Expectancy:
Personality: Intelligent, Energetic, Friendly

Long Haired Dachshund

It has been said that great things come in small packages and this has never been more true than with the Long Haired Dachshund.

Dachshunds are some of the most iconic dog breeds in the world but while they are very small, they are also excellent hunters.

In the past, they were used to track down tunneling animals like rabbits and foxes with their sharp scent and ability to fit down tiny holes.

Now, there are two main groups of Dachshunds. There is the popular smooth variety, and the Long Haired breed that is famous for its shaggy coat.

Long Haired Dachshunds vary from their Smooth coat cousins in more ways than just one. They are generally more calm and quiet, but are also very friendly and make for excellent companions.

However, when it comes to training, Long Haired Dachshunds are notorious for being stubborn and refusing to listen so they require a firm trainer to break them into obedience.

Despite this, they are very loving dogs who are low maintenance and wonderfully cuddly.

Height: 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 16 to 32 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Personality: Stubborn, Friendly, Calm

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs are the superstars in the world of dog sports due to their high intelligence and agility performance.

For years, they were used as a dog to protect sheep and a farmer’s produce, but now they have become one of the most desirable dog breeds for many reasons.

Not only are they energetic, but they are protective and playful.

This makes them a great addition to any family, but there is one feature that makes the Shetland Sheepdog stand out against all the other breeds – their gorgeous, long, shaggy coat.

The coat of a Shetland Sheepdog is stunning and loved due to its softness. Their hairs grow very long and densely, meaning that they require constant maintenance.

They also shed very heavily and this means that many Shetland Sheepdogs end up in rescue centers because owners were not prepared to deal with all that hair!

So, if you are thinking of getting a Shetland Sheepdog, remember that while they are beautiful and gentle animals, their shaggy coats also require a lot of maintenance and care!

Height: 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder.
Weight: 20 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Personality: Intelligent, Energetic, Protective

Old English Sheepdog

When you think of ‘shaggy’ dogs, your mind may instantly imagine an Old English Sheepdog.

This breed of dog is renowned for its shaggy coat, making it easily one of the most recognizable dog breeds out there!

Their fur comically falls over their eyes, hiding them in a sea of white, so all you can see is an adorable nose and a friendly pink tongue poking out from its mouth.

But Old English Sheepdogs are more than just one shaggy coat of hair! They are very durable dogs with a good and playful nature.

They are the clown of the dog breeds who love being surrounded by company.

They are also very well known for being great with children, but you should always be wary when leaving your kids around any kind of dog.

Despite this, Old English Sheepdogs are loveable and affectionate, making them an ideal family pet.

However, their coats are definitely a challenge to groom and they require constant combing to prevent matting.

They also are frequent shedders so don’t be surprised if your home quickly becomes swamped in dog hair.

These dogs really are one big ball of hair but that is why they are so dearly loved.

Height: 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 80 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Personality: Affectionate, Durable, Energetic

Pyrenean Shepherd

This breed of dog may be short but boy, is it fast! The Pyrenean Shepherd is one of the most lean, energetic dogs out there that are capable of running an agility course in no time.

Their long coat hides a lot of muscle that is perfect for herding and lots of walks.

The Pyrenean Shepherd is also a very intelligent breed of dog capable of learning all kinds of tricks.

They also make amazing companions as they can be very affectionate and they love playtime, so make sure you give your Pyrenean Shepherd a lot of care and attention.

As for its coat, the Pyrenean Shepherd comes in two different varieties called rough-faced and smooth-faced.

Rough-faced Pyrenean Shepherds are far more shaggy with long or medium length hairs that can be wavy and feature a harsh texture.

This hair can be difficult to manage and groom, giving the Pyrenean Shepherd a ‘windblown’ look that is super adorable!

Height: 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 25 to 30 pounds
Life Expectancy: 15 to 17 years
Personality: Energetic, Hardworking, Intelligent

Afghan Hound

For those who want a shaggy dog that comes with more elegance and grace, then the Afghan Hound is a great choice.

They are a breed of dog with a history as long as their hair, ranging from their origin as hunting hounds in Afghanistan to their surge in popularity in the 1970s after the popular children’s doll Barbie was given her own pet Afghan Hound, Beauty.

Afghan Hounds are like the supermodel of the dog world. They have a long, thin body with a silky coat that closely resembles human hair.

They are not the most affectionate dogs due to the fact that when they get older, an Afghan Hound becomes more independent and will only come to you when they want affection and not the other way around.

They are also renowned for their mischievous ways, using their intelligence to steal objects and cause trouble.

This can be very amusing and frustrating at the same time, but you can’t say that this breed doesn’t have a ton of personality!

Most Afghan Hound owners take their pooch to a professional groomer as its coat requires a lot of care and maintenance.

It is very similar to human hair so it requires daily brushing and combing as well as lots of baths to keep it in great condition.

This makes the Afghan Hound a breed for experienced dog owners as their shaggy coat alone is a lot to handle.

Height: 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Personality: Aloof, Mischievous, Energetic.

Briard

Loyal and intelligent, Briard dogs are well known for their strong personalities and gorgeous shaggy coats.

They have deep French roots and are even mentioned in a 14th century legend that claims that a courtier of a French king once built a cathedral in memory of a Briard dog that had saved their son’s life.

This tale may have some truth as Briard dogs are known for being very affectionate and loving with close members of their family, even if they are not always keen on strangers.

This makes them very protective and loyal dogs that thrive in a large family.

Sometimes they can be very stubborn and aloof (especially with strangers) but the right amount of training and socialization will have them behaving properly.

They can become very skittish and nervous dogs if not properly socialized when young so it’s important to keep your Briard busy so they grow into a well-rounded dog.

Briard dogs have both an outer coat and undercoat, both of which are long. While the overcoat is more coarse and shaggy, the undercoat is very fine and soft.

They require a lot of brushing and combing (perhaps daily) and a thorough bath every six weeks.

Their coats can get dirty easily, so it’s important to clean your Briard every day to prevent infection.

Height: 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 70 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Personality: Loyal, Protective, Intelligent

Puli

If you want a dog that makes a statement with its shaggy coat, then the Puli is definitely one for you to consider.

This dog is instantly recognizable due to its log coat that resembles dreadlocks, making it stand out against the rest of its canine cousins.

Puli dogs are very hardworking as they were originally herding dogs from Hungary. This makes them very intelligent and confident dogs who also have a strong protective nature of those they love.

This makes them great therapy dogs as they can be very sensitive around others, knowing when they need to apply some affection to lift moods and make their owner smile.

They are also very strong-willed and stubborn but Puli dogs form very strong bonds with their family, hence why they are now more often used as family companions rather than working dogs.

When it comes to caring for a Puli dog, the coat is definitely a big concern for a lot of first-time owners. This shaggy, corded coat is never brushed but still requires very special washes.

The coat needs to be dampened in water and soaked, making it easy to separate the cords, and then dried appropriately. This washing process can take a lot of time but it is necessary for keeping your Puli happy and healthy.

Height: 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 25 to 35 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
Personality: Loyal, Protective, Sensitive

Spanish Water Dog

This breed of dog is super cute thanks to their curly, shaggy fur.

The Spanish Water Dog was bred with the purpose of retrieving waterfowl during hunting and for herding livestock, making them one of the most versatile yet energetic dogs out there.

While they are very lively, they are also very playful and make for some very joyful companions who are always ready for a bit of rough and tumble.

They adore attention, adore their owners, and adore any kind of activity that keeps them on their toes.

They feature a naturally curly coat that is wooly and shaggy, meaning that it can never be properly brushed.

This makes it very low maintenance but will require haircuts so your precious Spanish Water Dog can see where they are going!

Height: 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 31 to 49 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Personality: Playful, Hardworking, Energetic

Otterhound

Otterhounds were originally bred for hunting purposes in England, making them very strong dogs that have a sharp nose and a lot of energy to keep them going for longer.

While they are definitely very energetic, they are also very playful and friendly, making them ideal companions.

Their friendly nature extends from just their owners to children and other dogs, meaning that they are a great breed to choose if you want to add another dog to your pack or introduce to a family with lots of kids.

Their high energy levels does mean that they need a lot of space to romp and roam in, so apartment owners will have a tough time keeping their Otterhounds occupied.

However, they are silly and clownish which is why they are absolutely adored by all.

The Otterhound’s coat is very shaggy. It often sheds and needs weekly brushing to avoid matting, especially because it is very thick and oily underneath.

This helps keep the Otterhound weather-resistant and allows them to jump in and out of water without absorbing much.

Height: 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight:
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Personality: Clownish, Energetic, Affectionate

Collie

Collies are another shaggy dog that originated as a herding breed in Scotland, but now they are often found as family companions.

Loving and affectionate, Collies are very sensitive to other’s emotions and this makes them great additions to any family.

They are sweet yet smart, with a level of intelligence that makes them easy to train and very friendly with strangers.

Their high levels of energy also make them very playful but their good nature and sweet temperament ensures that they never take their play too far.

However, they can be very clingy dogs and hate being alone, so they need constant attention and supervision.

Their coats come in two variants called rough and smooth. The Rough Collie has the shaggier coat that is dense and full, making them very soft and fluffy.

This also means that they require at least two brushing sessions a week to keep their coats clean and tidy, but this is still rather low maintenance compared to other shaggy dogs.

Height: 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Personality: Affectionate, Intelligent, Energetic

Irish Wolfhound

If it’s a large shaggy dog you are after, then the Irish Wolfhound definitely brings all the rustic charm and appeal that classic shaggy dogs do but with twice the amount of muscle.

This breed of dog was originally bred to drag men from the battlefield of war, while also they were used to hunt large animals like deer and boars.

However, these days of hunting and danger are behind them as most Irish Wolfhounds are now family companions.

They are like the grandfathers of the dog world with gentle nature, twinkly eyes hidden beneath a set of very shaggy eyebrows.

They really are gentle giants that get along with pretty much anyone – other dogs, children, even cats!

Despite their active past, most Irish Wolfhounds today are quite happy to lounge around and make friends with anyone passing by.

Coat wise, the Irish Wolfhound is not the shaggiest dog on our list but they do feature some amazing facial hair that makes them appear very windswept.

Some have longer coats than others, but overall they only need a weekly brush to keep a healthy coat. They don’t even need frequent bathing – only once or twice a year unless they decide to roll around in the mud!

Overall, this giant dog is the most gentle shaggy dog available and is a great addition to any family.

Height: 32 to 35 inches tall at the the shoulder
Weight: 115 to 180 pounds
Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years
Personality: Gentle, Lazy, Friendly

Berger Picard

This breed of shaggy dog is also known as the Picardy Shepherd and is one of the oldest breeds of French sheepdogs out there.

Their shaggy coats make them appear very scruffy and rough around the edges, but they are very energetic and intelligent dogs that have cemented their place as one of the most loved dog breeds out there.

These lively dogs are well known for their roles in many films, but are also some of the most friendly (and most vocal) dogs out there.

They are great playmates for kids and other dogs, plus they usually respond well to training.

However, their history of herding has persisted and these dogs need a lot of exercise to keep their minds happy, otherwise they can grow depressed and destructive with boredom.

Their coats are very low maintenance as Berger Picard are very weather resilient dogs. Their coat is harsh to touch and shaggy to the eye, but they only need monthly brushing and the odd wipe down after a walk.

This makes them a great choice for those who love shaggy dogs but not the maintenance that often comes with them!

Height: 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 14 years
Personality: Energetic, Intelligent, Playful

Pekingese

Pekingese are an odd dog to look at but they are a breed of dog that is cherished all around the world, especially in China. They are also very fancy show dogs thanks to their long coats.

Graceful and vocal, the Pekingese dog is a very finicky dog.

Their intelligence gives them a stubborn streak that makes training difficult but once they grow to love you, they can be very affectionate companions.

However, their protectiveness can make them aloof to others. This means that they are not a great choice for those with kids or other dogs as Pekingese usually choose one or two people to devote themselves to.

Their coats are what make this odd dog confident and very sought out after. It is very long and straight, resembling a mane that completely surrounds the dog’s body.

As most Pekingese are used as show dogs, they are frequently groomed but if your Pekingese is not a show dog, then you can get away with a weekly comb.

Height: 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Personality: Aloof, Protective, Intelligent

Tibetan Terrier

Born to be a friend, the Tibetan Terrier is a dog breed that loves people and companions, making them one of the friendliest dog breeds out there.

They are very cuddly and affectionate and the go-to dog for a lot of families.

Tibetan Terriers are also very adaptable dogs. They are capable of living happily in apartments and houses, with or without yards, and with families of all shapes and sizes.

However, they are very active and energetic dogs so even if you don’t have a yard, you will have to keep your Tibetan Terrier active with lots of walks.

Their affectionate nature also means that they hate being alone so they also need a lot of attention too.

Their shaggy coats are very soft and wooly, meaning that they often require daily brushing in order to keep this dense coat free of matting or tangles.

The older a Tibetan Terrier gets, the less you have to groom it but you will always have to groom them at least three times a week.

Clearly, this breed of shaggy dog requires a lot of care and attention but it’s all worth it as the Tibetan Terrier is never short on any love to give.

Height: 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 20 to 24 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Personality: Affectionate, Energetic, Adaptable

Shih Tzu

Another great shaggy companion dog is the loveable Shih Tzu. These dogs are also very iconic and easily recognizable due to their thick, long coats of hair and their happy-go-lucky attitude to life.

Their name translates to ‘little lion’ but Shih Tzus are some of the most affectionate, outgoing dogs that are very docile and easy to handle.

This means that they are cropping up in more and more dog sports, including obedience and agility. They love kids and love playing, making them a great addition to any household.

As for their shaggy coats, they require a lot of work and attention in order to look as gorgeous as they do on show.

Daily brushing and combing is a must, and so is a weekly bath to keep those thick coats in good condition.

After this, their coats are adorably soft which makes them great to cuddle up to – and a Shih Tzu will be more than willing to receive your affection for hours on end!

Height: 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 16 years
Personality: Affectionate, Docile, Playful

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers may be small in stature but they are sure big when it comes to personality!

They are feisty little dogs known for their yapping and, but they are very loving to their owners and are strongly protective of those they hold dear.

Their long, shaggy coats are easy to maintain and style, making them some of the most glamorous toy dogs in the world.

This is what probably feeds into their ego and confidence, hence why you will often see a Yorkshire Terrier squaring up to a dog three times their size.

Their bravery knows no bounds and they will fight to the bitter end to protect their companions and home – even if the offender encroaching on their territory is just the mailman.

Yorkshire Terriers have long silky coats that can sometimes reach the floor. They shed very little but need frequent entanglement if you want your Yorkie to be as shaggy as possible.

This is why a lot of Yorkie owners trim their coats short – but a daily brush should be enough to prevent matting so you can enjoy a wonderfully shaggy Yorkshire Terrier companion!

Height: 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Personality: Aggressive, Loyal, Confident

Lowchen

Lowchens are a fun choice when it comes to shaggy toy dogs. They are great companions, smart, and agile so they are often spotted at competitions and sports.

Playful and gentle, it’s easy to see why many would choose a Lowchen for their family pet. They are great with adults and kids alike, although they can be timid with strangers.

However, they are definitely very affectionate but require a lot of attention and company to remain happy.

Although they are generally not very active, they are robust and agile little dogs that love to play the role of watchdog around their territory.

What makes a Lowchen so special is its coat. They are usually born with long, shaggy coats that are very dense and require regular grooming.

A lot of owners cut their Lowchens with a special trim that leaves their legs very bare but keeps their top half very fluffy, making them resemble lions.

Of course, this does not need to be done to all Lowchens – you can still enjoy their shaggy coat in full if that is what you desire!

Height: 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 9 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Personality: Intelligent, Timid, Lazy

Conclusion

So, it is clear that there are lots of different dog breeds that all share the common trait of a stunning, shaggy coat.

While these breeds may vary in size and personality, they all boast thick and long coats that are great to touch and cuddle.

Some shaggy coats are easier to maintain than others, so just take a moment to decide what you prefer in a dog and pick out the right shaggy dog breed for you!

There is plenty to choose from so you are sure to find the right companion.

Continue reading and check out our Dogs section and read interesting articles such as Dogs that can Fight Lions.