Top 8 Shaggy Dog Breeds

Households prepping for a new pet are likely to consider many different factors about a breed before deciding which one to bring home. When it comes to dogs, things like whether or not the breed gets along with people, kids and other pets tends to top the list of questions, but another factor often follows closely behind - coat care. While some people love nothing more than a shaggy pup to brush and wash and care for, others might steer clear of a dog whose coat requires quite a lot of attention.

1. Old English Sheepdog

This breed, which originated in England as a herding dog, is known for its profuse coat that acts as insulation. The Old English Sheepdog is energetic, enthusiastic and strong. These dogs are athletic, needing regular exercise and a job to do. While the breed is affectionate with family members, it may try herding both people and objects because of its strong herding instincts.

2. Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a herding dog from Poland. The breed has a long, thick, shaggy, double coat with a protective coat covering its forehead, cheeks and chin. Born workers, these active dogs need regular exercise and activity.

3. Briard

Originally used to herd flocks and guard property in France, the Briard has a long, protective, shaggy coat. Briards are independent thinkers and are very sensitive to their families’ feelings. They need a good deal of exercise, preferably in a fenced yard where they can run freely.

4. Pyrenean Shepherd

Sheepherders from Southern France, the Pyrenean Shepherd is cheerful and especially sensitive to their owner’s mood. The breed has stamina and needs activity to be happy, and the rough-faced coat of the Pyrenean Shepherd can be long and wavy.

5. Berger Picard

The Berger Picard is an active, athletic herding dog from France. Its weatherproof coat - which consists of a shaggy, wiry topcoat and short, dense undercoat - protects it from the elements while working. The Berger Picard has stamina and drive for a long day’s work, so these dogs need daily exercise and a job to do to be happy.

6. Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie originated in Scotland as a sheepdog that worked in cold, wet climates and rocky terrain of the country. The breed is protected from the elements by a harsh, shaggy, flat double coat. The Bearded Collie is known for its bouncy, carefree attitude. It’s a very affectionate, outgoing dog and its active nature requires daily exercise.

7. Spanish Water Dog

A versatile herder and water retriever from Spain, the Spanish Water Dog has a distinctive curly coat that hangs in natural curls all over the body. The breed thrives on human attention and tends to become attached to a specific person. The Spanish Water Dog does best with active families, as the breed has a ton of energy and needs a great deal of exercise.

8. Otterhound

Originally bred to hunt otters in England, the Otterhound has a rough double coat that is water resistant, which helped the breed during its early days hunting in the water. These dogs are friendly, sociable and have a sense of humor. They have a high activity level and need daily exercise, such as jogging and running in a fenced-in yard.