Shaggy Dog Breeds

When adopting a new pet, their coat might be an important factor to consider. Some pet parents love shaggy dog breeds because of their long, fluffy, soft coats. Meanwhile, others prefer low-maintenance dogs that don't require regular grooming. Shaggy dog breeds are soft, cute, and cuddly, but they require regular grooming, so before you become a pet parent to a shaggy dog, consider how you'll take proper care of them. 

If you're excited to be able to brush your dog's coat and are considering a shaggy dog, there are many breeds to choose from. Shaggy dogs are known to be affectionate, making them ideal for families and children. As social, loving, and playful dogs, they make a great addition to any household. Here are some of the most popular shaggy dog breeds. 

• Small Shaggy Dog Breeds
• Medium Shaggy Dog Breeds
• Large Shaggy Dog Breeds
• Shaggy Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Notes

Small Shaggy Dog Breeds

Affenpinscher

Weight: 7-10 pounds

Height: 9-11.5 inches

Affenpinschers are small shaggy dogs that are loyal and curious. They're often called "monkey dogs" because of their shaggy fur and mustache. These little shaggy dogs are less than a foot tall and are similar to terriers with neat shaggy coats. Affenpinschers are strong-willed, so they should receive obedience training as soon as possible. However, they're affectionate and entertaining. Their medium-length coat should be brushed twice a week with regular grooming to keep their fur out of their eyes. 

Havanese

Weight: 7-13 pounds

Height 8.5-11.5 inches

Havanese dogs are incredibly affectionate and great with other dogs and young children, making them an ideal family pet. These dogs are native to Cuba and are sociable with a beautiful, long, and silky coat. Havanese thrive in cities because they're friendly and extroverted. Their long silky coat should be combed daily to prevent tangles. You'll also need to clip their coat often to prevent it from dragging on the ground. 

Maltese

Weight: Under 7 pounds

Height 7-9 inches

Malteses are known for their long, straight coat. However, while many people adore them for their beauty, they're also affectionate with their pet parents and great with children. Maltese are tiny, but what they lack in size, they make up for with friendliness. Their coat is long and white, requiring gentle brushing every day to prevent tangles. To keep their fur looking its best, consider using coat conditioner regularly. 

Yorkshire Terrier

Weight: 7 pounds

Height: 7-8 inches

Yorkies are known for their beautiful, long brown and black coats. You can choose to let their coat grow long, but it requires daily brushing, and the hair on their face should be trimmed and kept out of their eyes. They're incredibly affectionate and great with children. Some Yorkies do well with other dogs, and some don't. Yorkies can be stubborn, so it's best to start training and socializing as early as possible. 

Medium Shaggy Dog Breeds

Schapendoes

Weight: 26-28 pounds

Height: 16-20 inches

Schapendoes are medium-sized white and gray dogs that are very friendly and loving towards humans and other dogs. They require weekly grooming and regular bathing to keep their long fur healthy and tons of exercise to prevent behavioral issues by expending energy. 

Spanish Water Dog

Weight: 31-49 pounds

Height: 15.75-19.75 inches

Spanish Water Dogs' heights vary depending on their sex since females are often much smaller than mails. These dogs are playful and active. They're easy to train and eager to learn basic dog commands and can be trained easily when they're young. Spanish Water Dogs are affectionate but should be trained and socialized early on to get comfortable with other dogs. Unlike the other dogs on this list, the Spanish Water Dog's coat shouldn't be brushed. 

Barbet 

Weight: 35-65 pounds

Height: 19-24.5 inches

Barbets are sweet-natured dogs with long black, gray, or brown coats. They're agile and athletic, making them great hunters. Barbets must be groomed regularly to brush out their shaggy fur. They look best with their fur trimmed up to five inches from their bodies. Since they have natural curls, they should be air-dried rather than blow-dried. 

Lagotto Romagnolo 

Weight: 24-35 pounds

Height: 16-19 inches

Lagotto Romagnolo is a super affectionate breed that's great with other dogs and does well with small children. They don't shed much, but they should be groomed every few weeks. These dogs have thick curls that cover most of the body and can become matted easily. 

Portuguese Water Dog

Weight: 30-60 pounds

Height: 17-23 inches

The Portuguese Water Dog is a working breed with tight curls.These dogs are built for water and enjoy exercise. They're also smart and easy to train. While their coat is considered hypoallergenic, it requires regular grooming every week. They should also have an occasional bath to keep their curls shiny and healthy. 

Puli

Weight: 25-35 pounds

Height: 16-17 inches

Pulis are herders covered with cords throughout their fur. These dogs are good with children and incredibly independent, making some harder to train than others. They have high energy and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Pulis can be kept corded or brushed. If you choose, they can also have a clipped coat. The cords in their fur do not need to be combed or brushed. Instead, they must be bathed regularly to remove dirt that has built up within them. 

Portuguese Sheepdog

Weight: 37.5-59 pounds

Height: 16.5-21.5 inches

The Portuguese Sheepdog is known for being energetic and intelligent. They are herders that make great companions and sporting dogs. They have a long, wavy coat that should be groomed weekly. If they spend a lot of time outdoors, they should also be bathed regularly. 

Large Shaggy Dog Breeds

Old English Sheepdog

Weight: 60-100 pounds

Height: 21-22+ inches

Old English Sheepdogs are another affectionate shaggy dog breed that's great with children. However, they're not the most friendly with other dogs, so it's best to start socialization as soon as possible. THey're another herder breed that enjoys work and requires exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Old English Sheepdogs have double coats that must be groomed weekly. 

Komondor

Weight:80-100 pounds 

Height: 25.5-27.5 inches

Komondors are a large shaggy dog breed that is affectionate with their pet parents. However, they're not always friendly with other dogs, so it's best to introduce them to other pets slowly. You should also be careful around young children because these dogs don't know their size. Komondors have a white, long corded coat that shouldn't be brushed. Instead, they will need regular bathing to keep the cords clean. 

Irish Water Spaniel

Weight:45-68 pounds

Height: 21-24 inches

The Irish Water Spaniel is another loving and friendly shaggy dog breed. They are considered hypoallergenic because they don't shed as much as other dogs. However, Irish Water Spaniels are playful, so they'll need training as soon as possible. Luckily, they're fairly easy to train since they're smart. Irish Water Spaniels require weekly brushing and trimming at least every two months. 

Briard

Weight: 55-100 pounds

Height: 22-27 inches

The Briard is another hypoallergenic shaggy dog breed. They have a long wavy double coat with a beard and eyebrows. Briards require regular grooming, so it's best to start the process early on to get your dog used to their coat being cared for. They need to be brushed several times per week to reduce shedding. 

Bouvier Des Flandres

Weight: 70-100 pounds

Height: 23.5-27.5 inches

THe Bouvier Des Flandres is a burly dog with a tousle coat. These working dogs are smart and loyal. Since they're herding dogs, they have tons of energy and a fantastic work ethic, so they'll need tons of physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep them occupied throughout the day. Bouvier's coat should be brushed at least once a week. 

Shaggy Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions

What breed of dog is shaggy?

There are many types of shaggy dogs, including small and large shaggy dog breeds. When choosing a dog that's right for you, consider how large you want your dog to be. Depending on how much space you have available, you may only have the option of choosing between small shaggy dog breeds or medium shaggy dog breeds, as big shaggy dog breeds need tons of space. 

What is the biggest fluffy dog breed?

The largest shaggy dog breed is the Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. These dogs can grow up to weigh around 160 pounds, but they don't let their size stop them from being affectionate and loving. Pyrenees are guardian breeds, making them loyal companions and watchdogs.¹ They're naturally calm and tolerant of other pets. Even though these dogs are independent, they're easy to train because of their calm nature.¹

What are small shaggy dogs?

Small shaggy dog breeds are any type of dog that weighs up to 22 pounds. There are many types of small shaggy dogs, including:

• Affenpinscher 
• Bichon Frise
• Papillon
• Havanese
• Pekingese
• Pomeranian
• Yorkshire terrier

Are shaggy dogs hypoallergenic?

Some shaggy dogs are hypoallergenic, but not all of them. Of course, no dog is truly hypoallergenic because all dogs shed and produce some dander. However, some dogs shed less than others. For example, the Briard doesn't shed as often as other dogs. Since shaggy dog breeds require regular bathing and some don't shed frequently, they may be considered more hypoallergenic than other types of breeds. 

Final Notes

If you love the idea of brushing your dog's coat and bonding with them over regular grooming, consider getting a shaggy dog breed. Shaggy dogs make great pets because many of them are affectionate and good with children and other pets. However, always do your research before bringing a new dog home. And remember, all dogs are different, so be prepared to start training and socializing them immediately. 

When choosing a shaggy dog breed as your next, consider the breed's temperament and common health conditions associated with the breed. Bringing home a new dog can be stressful; that's why we're here to help with your shaggy pet. Dutch offers telemedicine for pets from the comfort of your home to help you become the best pet parent you can be.