Shaggy dogs make great cuddle buddies, but their long fur needs a little bit of extra care. However, if you’re willing to put in the extra time these pups need, you’ll be left with a beautiful companion. While many shaggy dogs were bred to be lap dogs, they come in all shapes and sizes. From the Yorkshire Terrier to the Giant Schnauzer, there is a shaggy dog for just about everyone.
In this article, we’ll examine some of the most popular and shaggiest dogs. Sometimes, what counts as shaggy can be a bit complicated. The Komondor is probably the shaggiest dog. However, the Spinone can be pretty shaggy as well, even though their fur isn’t quite as long.
The Top 12 Shaggy Dog Breeds
1. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest Terriers. While they look like lap dogs, it is essential to point out that they are true Terriers. They’re incredibly energetic, which usually means that they don’t spend much time in anyone’s lap. They are well suited for city living if you’re looking for a more energetic dog that will keep you entertained.
Their coat is similar to human hair and does not shed much but grows very long. Their coat usually takes a few years to reach its final color, and the puppies usually appear darker than they will be when they are older.
2. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is also known as the “Monkey Terrier,” as their face resembles that of a monkey. They are a toy breed classified as a Terrier, but they don’t act like typical Terriers.
They are pretty active, but they are also known for being affectionate. They can be a little protective, so they need socialization early to ensure that they are accepting of strangers. They are quiet dogs that prefer homes without children.
3. Havanese
This dog hails from Cuba and was developed in Havana, hence their name. Their fur grows quite long and can be somewhat shaggy. Their coat is known for being extremely soft, similar to silk. Many people describe their coats as cool to the touch. Their fur needs to be brushed out, though some owners decide to cord it. Cording does not lower the amount of work the coat requires, however.
4. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is an interesting dog that may or may not be considered shaggy. However, their mustache alone helped them land on this list. They are very sturdy toy dogs, unlike some other small dogs. They come in two coat varieties, and the rough coat is the shaggiest. Brussels Griffons are known for being snuggly and affectionate. They are lapdogs, though they have less hair than most lap dogs. They can be a bit sensitive and need to be socialized at a young age.
They can be “one-person dogs” and bond almost exclusively with only one owner. For this reason, they do best in smaller families.
5. Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a larger dog that was created in the USSR as a working breed, and they are rarer than many of the other breeds on this list. They are not true Terriers, but they have a double coat that is fluffy and shaggy. It needs to be trimmed regularly but the Black Russian Terrier doesn’t shed much. These dogs are typically confident, calm, and friendly. As an intelligent breed, they are easy to train and require mental stimulation regularly. They’re well-known for their work ethic and thrive when given a job.
6. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is much larger than other types of Schnauzer, but they aren’t nearly as massive as some other “giant” dogs, like the Great Dane. They may not be as shaggy as other hairy dogs, but their hair is rough and moderately long.
They are not particularly friendly with strangers and can be protective of their family. They are reserved and prefer to avoid people that they don’t know. They should be socialized at a young age to prevent aggression, but they are incredibly intelligent and can become bored easily. For this reason, they need regular mental stimulation.
7. Komondor
The Komondor is the shaggy dog. They are called “mop dogs” because that’s exactly what they look like. They were bred to be livestock guardian dogs, though they were sometimes used to defend property as well. Their coat is heavy and matted.
They are calm and steady dogs, which makes them great companions. However, they do need socialization to become accepting of strangers. They are very patient with children and protective of their families. Due to their energetic nature, they are not good in apartments.
8. Bergamasco
This rare dog also has a corded coat. They are rarer than other canines on this list, but they are also one of the shaggiest. The Bergamasco was bred to guard livestock, and they have the same calm and collected personality as other guarding dogs.
9. Briard Dog
The Briard hails from France. While they don’t have a corded coat, their coat is exceptionally long and often covers their eyes. They are burly and rugged dogs but are probably nimbler than you imagine. As a herding dog, they possess traits similar to those of other herding breeds. They are protective of their family and require some socialization.
However, they are typically not aggressive. They are large dogs that can handle vast flocks of sheep, are very alert, and will work tirelessly if necessary.
10. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is the poster dog for a shaggy dog. They have long coats that cover their faces and eyes. They shed very little but require regular brushing to remove excess fur. Old English Sheepdogs are very calm and rarely become aggressive. They are couch potatoes that are good with children, and although they will herd children like other herding breeds, they do it gently, unlike the Border Collie. They are also socialable dogs, unlike most other herding breeds.
11. Spinone Italiano
This Italian hunting dog is surprisingly shaggy. They aren’t necessarily as shaggy as a Sheepdog, but their hair is long and can be curly in a few areas. Their hair tends to feather, which gives them a fairly shaggy appearance. The Spinone Italiano comes in many colors, including white and roan.
12. Terriers
Nearly every terrier can be considered “shaggy.” If you pick out a random Terrier from a list, they will probably have a scruffy hairstyle. There are very few that aren’t shaggy. For this reason, we decided to list the whole group on this list. The AKC lists 30 types of terriers, which would be far too many to discuss individually. If you want a small, shaggy dog, consider a Terrier.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a shaggy dog, any of the breeds on this list would be a good choice. If you live in an apartment, try a smaller breed, such as a Terrier. If you have more space, try a larger breed, such as an Old English Sheepdog or Komondor. Remember that shaggy dogs require more grooming, so make sure you can keep up with their grooming needs before getting one.
See also:
- 9 Hungarian Dog Breeds that Originated in Hungary (with Pictures)
- 10 Fastest Dog Breeds (with Pictures & Info)
- 3 Alaskan Dog Breeds That Originated in Alaska (with Pictures)
- 11 Best Puppy Foods for Small Breeds
Featured Image Credit: Dorottya Mathe, Shutterstock
