20 Shaggy Dog Breeds With Some Seriously Big Hair

You may want to consider making a small or big shaggy dog breed your next companion.

20 Shaggy Dog Breeds That Are Big on Cuddling

For those who always wanted a dog with hair more luscious than their own, a long-haired shaggy dog breed may be the answer. There are shaggy dogs out there in every size and variety, whether you prefer a herding breed, a terrier, a toy breed or a more scarce, unique breed.

Each one may require a little extra maintenance (to their coat and perhaps your couch!), but they’re sure to make up for it with sweet, intelligent and loyal personalities to match their impressive locks. For that reason, you may want to consider making a small or big shaggy dog your next companion.

Old English Sheepdog

Conjure a mental image of “super shaggy dog” and more likely than not you’re thinking of an Old English Sheepdog. Fairly large and herding type dogs, these friendly, personable canines are known for having a bulky stature, made even larger looking by their dense, fluffy, ultra-shaggy coats.

Most Old English Sheepdog owners are drawn to the breed for their characteristic coat, but it does add an extra layer of care, and these fluffy friends will need full brush-downs several times per week.

Try a double-sided grooming rake to safely remove mats when they inevitably occur.

Old English Sheepdog Summary

Temperament: Adaptable, Gentle, Smart

Height: 22 inches & up (male), 21 inches & up (female)

Weight: 60-100 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Bearded Collie

Slightly reminiscent in appearance to the Old English Sheepdog, but in a smaller size and stature, Bearded Collies have a super unique (and totally adorable) look.

The long, shaggy fringe adds a certain character to their features, and considering they’re known for smarts and energy, they definitely add a lot of personality to life. Like many collies, they can be a handful, but they’re also affectionate and funny and might just make your next perfect companion.

With such long, flowing fur, a brush with rounded pins can help keep tangles under control.

Bearded Collie Summary

Temperament: Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic

Height: 21-22 inches (male), 20-21 inches (female)

Weight: 45-55 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

A bit more compact, with that characteristic shaggy look, this popular Polish-originating breed is spunky, smart and, at times, a bit of a handful.

Still, they make for excellent companions and, like most shaggy breeds, require plenty of coat maintenance, including regular brushings and haircuts.

Detangling sprays can make brushing more comfortable for your pet if they haven't been brushed in a while, preferably one made with natural ingredients.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Summary

Temperament: Confident, Clever, Lively

Height: 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female)

Weight: 30-50 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Pyrenean Shepherd

A more unique-looking shaggy breed, this smaller shepherd can not only have coats in a range of colors and patterns, but they also come in two coat styles: rough-faced and smooth-faced.

Rough-faced Pyreneans have a “windswept” look in their coat above the eyes, whereas smooth-faced variations have shorter facial hair and pointier muzzles. No matter what the fur type, these dogs tend to be sweet, mischievous and incredibly smart.

Their fur isn't as long as some other breeds, so a handheld silicone brush may be enough to remove loose fur during shedding season. The soft, rubbery bristles feel like a massage!

Pyrenean Shepherd Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Active, Enthusiastic

Height: 15.5-18.5 inches (male rough-faced), 15-18 inches (female rough-faced), 15.5-21 inches (male smooth-faced), 15.5-20.5 inches (female smooth-faced)

Weight: 15-30 pounds

Life Expectancy: Late teens

Affenpinscher

A whole lot of confidence and bravery packed into a teeny body, topped with a signature long shag — is there anything more sprightly than this breed?

Whether you think their amusing look is closer to a Star Wars character, a little monkey or a tiny mustached alien, you’re sure to be delighted by its antics.

Smaller breeds are a little less intimidating to groom on your own, and there are tons of how-to guides to learn how. It's infinitely cheaper than monthly visits to the groomer, and it's an opportunity to bond with your pet. Grab a kit that comes with all the grooming essentials to test the waters.

Affenpinscher Summary

Temperament: Confident, Famously Funny, Fearless

Height: 9-11.5 inches

Weight: 7-10 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Barbet

A larger and highly athletic sporting and hunting breed, Barbets aren’t the easiest to find but are a wonderful companion to choose if you’re so inclined to seek one out.

Not only do they have athletic abilities and generally excellent temperaments, but their long blended curly-shaggy coats are also gorgeous and totally striking.

Slicker brushes are a favorite among long-haired dog breed owners because of how well they collect loose, shedding fur. Try one that self-cleans to make it even easier.

Barbet Summary

This Barbet's shaggy coat keeps it warm in winter

Temperament: Friendly, Bright, Sweet-Natured

Height: 19-24.5 inches

Weight: 35-65 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

This (literally) petite little hound breed is both adorable and unique. With sweet personalities and great knacks for tracking, they were originally bred for hunting but now make for great outgoing pets.

Their thick, wiry coats can require extra maintenance, even for a shaggy breed, so be prepared to take care of it regularly. And while Petit Basset Griffons are already adorable, you can up the cute factor even more with a tiny bowtie collar. We can't even!

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Summary

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, a small shaggy dog breed

Temperament: Alert, Happy, Vivacious

Height: 13-15 inches

Weight: 25-40 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Brussels Griffon

Another shaggy breed with a unique appearance, this mini canine companion has a stern, amusing-looking expression at all times, but with a loyal, inquisitive personality that will make you fall in love.

Their shaggy hair isn’t at the level of a Sheepdog but instead is a bit more of the scruffy, mohawk-esque look, adding lots of character and a little extra grooming responsibility.

If you're starting from scratch with pet supplies, this slicker brush comes with nail clippers for under $10!

Brussels Griffon Summary

Temperament: Loyal, Alert, Curious

Height: 7-10 inches

Weight: 8-10 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog

One of the bigger shaggy dog breeds on this list, this stunning and hard-to-find breed has some features reminiscent of other sheepdogs and terrier breeds but with a size and stature all its own.

They’re highly beloved for their protectiveness, skills and loyalty, and make great companions as well as farm dogs.

Since they're so large and active, this breed may need more frequent bathing than smaller breeds. To soothe their skin and relieve dryness, pick up a paraben-free conditioning spray.

Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog Summary

Temperament: Loyal, Independent, Confident Guardian

Height: 27-29 inches (males), 22.5-28 inches (females)

Weight: 100-130 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Irish Wolfhound

These intimidatingly enormous hounds are actually well-known to be gentle giants, with one of the most notably calm, gentle, serene demeanors out there. Their wiry coat can lean toward shaggy and isn’t known for softness.

But they make for some of the better dog companions because they are patient with kids, are attention-attracting based on their size and dignified airs, and are truly lovable pets.

That said, enormous dogs can be enormously smelly. When you start to notice your dog smelling a little too "doggy," try an easy to use deodorizing spray.

Irish Wolfhound Summary

Temperament: Courageous, Dignified, Calm

Height: 32 inches minimum (male), 30 inches minimum (female)

Weight: 120 pounds (male), 105 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 6-8 years

Berger Picard

Lanky in stature and kind-hearted in temperament, these lesser-known herding dogs are striking to look at, with their shaggy curly coats and pointed ears.

They can have a bit of a bullheaded streak, but their high intelligence levels mean they’ll also be eager to learn, and training can have great results.

If their fur gets particularly tangled and you don't want to cut it, a dog comb can be used to carefully remove knots. Just go slowly to avoid painful tugging.

Berger Picard Summary

Temperament: Loyal, Good-Natured, Observant

Height: 23.5-25.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)

Weight: 50-70 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-13 years

Puli

A specialty breed you may never have heard of or seen, but aren’t likely to forget once you have, Puli dog breeds are notable for their coat, which essentially mimics dreadlocks.

The long, shaggy, corded, wooly coat is hard not to be delighted by, but it does take a lot of upkeep. So, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it for that sweet face and signature look.

Since they have such long fur covering their ears, it's helpful to gently clean the inside of their ears periodically. Don't ever insert Q-tips into your dog's ears, though; instead, try some cleansing pet wipes.

Puli Summary

Temperament: Loyal, Smart, Home-Loving

Height: 17 inches (male), 16 inches (female)

Weight: 25-35 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

Long-Haired Dachshund

At first thought, the classic “weiner dog” might not be one you’d include on a shaggy dog breeds list.

But the long-haired variation of the breed is actually rather shaggy indeed, with a long, plush coat that requires plenty of maintenance and almost resembles the coats of sheepdogs and other shaggy breeds.

To pamper them, don't forget to add a dog conditioner to your grooming arsenal.

Long-Haired Dachshund Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Spunky

Height: 8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature)

Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds & under (miniature)

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

Shetland Sheepdog

A very recognizable breed, these perky pals ( commonly nicknamed Shelties) have a more dense, fluffy shag, usually in the signature brown and white color pattern. They’re cousins to the Collie and look fairly similar, but are much smaller.

Happy, spunky and friendly, they make good companions for families and active individuals.

Their soft fur is naturally gorgeous, but a silky, shine-boosting detangling spray can max out the luster.

Shetland Sheepdog Summary

Temperament: Playful, Energetic, Bright

Height: 13-16 inches

Weight: 15-25 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Otterhound

Another hard-to-come-by breed, these larger hound dogs are athletic, trainable and have plenty of energy to go around. They also have a gorgeous shorter shaggy coat, with signature fluffy floppy ears and engaged expressions.

They’re particularly adept at swimming and smelling, so they may be great contenders to train for hunting or sports.

To help remove mats from their signature shaggy fur, the FURminator has more than 25,000 amazing reviews.

Otterhound Summary

Temperament: Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous

Height: 27 inches (male), 24 inches (female)

Weight: 115 pounds (male), 80 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-13 years

Collie

An ultra-recognizable breed thanks to the fame of Lassie, Collies are the much larger cousins to the Shelties earlier in this list, with a coat just as majestic and shaggy, but on a larger stature.

Their coats are usually what draw the most attention and praise, but this breed is also known for being athletic and eager to learn.

And while their coats may be majestic, they're also a ton of work. When you give them a bath, their fur can take hours to dry. A brush and a regular blow dryer can help, but it's awkward and tiring to hold both at one time. A high-powered pet hair dryer can make the job much easier.

Collie Summary

Temperament: Devoted, Graceful, Proud

Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)

Weight: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Komondor

Another of the wildest coats on the list, and among the rarest dog breeds, Komondors have fascinating “mop-like” ringlet curls hanging down near the ground, if properly groomed.

It does take plenty of work and effort to keep them looking well-kept rather than ragged and matted, but the result is a companion that will get tons of attention everywhere you go and be endlessly loyal to you.

The Komondor's long cords take some effort to maintain, and grooming is a little different than with other dogs. When bathing the rug-like pup, shampoo needs to be massaged through each cord, rinsed, then allowed to dry fully. That takes a lot of shampoo, so you might as well stock up.

Komondor Summary

Komondor, one of the shaggiest dog breeds

Temperament: Loyal, Dignified, Brave

Height: 27.5 minimum inches (male), 25.5 minimum inches (female)

Weight: 100 pounds or more (male), 80 pounds or more (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Pekingese

Holding themselves with an air of royalty, these well-known toy breeds are also among the shaggiest of the mini breed group.

Their long fluffy locks are impressive and can also become hard to manage, so they require plenty of attention, apart from the dogs themselves needing plenty of your love and care. After all, this is a breed that originated by keeping kings and queens company.

After a nice warm bath and blow-dry, use an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic finishing spray to keep your dog's coat looking lush for longer.

Pekingese Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner

Height: 6-9 inches

Weight: Up to 14 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Briard

Absolutely maximizing on the shaggy features, Briards are wavy-coated herding breeds with a blend of features that makes them appear to take after a variety of other breeds.

Their luscious coats can come in shades of gray, black and tawny, with an impressive little mohawk topping it all off and giving just a peek of their inquisitive expressions.

Like we mentioned, pet hair dryers can cut down on grooming time. Expensive models are more powerful, but budget options can still get the job done faster than just a brush without breaking the bank.

Briard Summary

Temperament: Confident, Smart, Faithful

Height: 23-27 inches (male), 22-25.5 inches (female)

Weight: 55-100 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12 years

Portuguese Water Dog

Loved for their athleticism, sweet personalities and impressive curly long coats, Portuguese Water Dogs have seemingly been increasing in popularity in recent years.

And there’s no doubt they could be an excellent next companion, especially if you love training, outdoor activity and plenty of affection, and don’t mind regular grooming appointments.

Pro tip: Even with diligent trips to the groomer, your floors and furniture will inevitably accumulate some fluff. Vacuuming does most of the heavy lifting, but a furniture brush made for pet hair can get the stubborn remnants off the carpet.

Portuguese Water Dog Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic

Height: 20-23 inches (male), 17-21 inches (female)

Weight: 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 11-13 years