Shaggy Dog Breeds [20 amazing dogs you want to see – pictures]

We all love dogs with shaggy and fluffy coats. Luckily, there are many different types of shaggy dogs that range in size and appearance.

Shaggy dog breeds have a large variety of coat colors and types. Each dog breed also has a unique history and fascinating appearance. From little teddy bear-looking dogs to large mop dogs, there are many different lovable dogs with a shaggy appearance.

In this article, we will be listing and describing some of our favorite dogs with shaggy coats which will include large, medium-sized, and even small fluffy dog breeds.

biggest fluffy dog breeds — **Biggest** Fluffy Dog Breeds

Keep reading to find the right shaggy dog breed for you!

Big Shaggy Dog Breeds

There are many different big fluffy dogs to choose from, which is lucky for those who love to be around large shaggy dogs.

Here are some of our favorite large dog breeds with fluffy and shaggy coats.

Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is a dog originating in the British Isles from the late 18th century.

The Old English Sheepdog is a part of the herding group according to the American Kennel Club, and they are known to be wonderful pets.

Although Old English Sheepdogs do require regular exercise, they do not tend to have as much energy as some of the other d o g breeds on our list.

The most high-maintenance aspect of this breed is its grooming needs.

Old English Sheepdogs require at least a weekly brushing that is thorough and goes all the way through their thick double coats.

The Old English Sheepdog is a large dog breed that is relatively healthy.

However, they can be prone to medical conditions that commonly affect large dog breeds such as hip dysplasia.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

Sometimes described as being the shaggiest dog in the world, the Bergamasco Sheepdog definitely has a unique appearance.

The Bergamasco Sheepdog’s coat consists of flat flocks that appear almost wool-like.

This thick, wooly coat is designed to keep the Bergamasco warm and protect them from predators.

The Bergamasco Sheepdog’s rough coat requires very little grooming, which makes it one of the most low-maintenance dog breeds on our list grooming-wise.

As for exercise, the Bergamasco requires a moderate amount of daily exercise in order to be both healthy and happy.

Bergamasco Sheepdogs tend to do fairly well around children and other pets when properly socialized from a young age.

Black Russian Terrier

As the story goes, back in the 1930s, Soviet Russia wanted to create a super dog for military use.

It is said that Russian scientists utilized over 15 breeds of dogs to produce the Black Russian Terrier which was ultimately put in service guarding their national borders.

The Black Russian Terrier is a fairly large-sized dog weighing between 75 and 125 pounds and standing 25 to 30 inches tall.

These dogs are big and burly as well as having shaggy coats! They are bred to be guard dogs and have the powerful, muscular build to do it!

The Black Russian Terrier is also an athletic dog that is very agile which makes it an excellent choice as a protector dog.

Their thick double coat will require regular grooming or it will easily mat. This terrier will also require some trimming around the face on a regular basis.

As with most larger breeds the Black Russian Terrier is susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia so keep your eye out for symptoms.

Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is a large dog that weighs between 60 and 100 pounds and stands 25 to 35 inches tall.

This amazon dog, with a shaggy coat, was bred to herd cattle in regions of France and Belgium. It is said the dog got its name from being a “cow herder from Flanders”.

The Bouvier des Flandres was used extensively during World War I as a messenger dog and to help rescue humans in need.

They are still in service today as guide dogs and watch over the herds.

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow dog is maybe not one breed that first comes to your mind when thinking of shaggy dogs.

BUT think again because the Chow Chow could easily be put on our list of Shaggy, Fluffy dog breeds so we did!

There are two types of coats a Chow Chow has, rough and smooth. Sure, the rough coat could more resemble a shaggy coat but the smooth coat is also plenty fluffy!

Did you know the Chow Chow hails from China and is recognized as one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world!

It is said the name Chow Chow was given to this dog by the British! Go figure, the formal Brits coming up with such a cool name for a dog!

Because of their fluffy coat, the Chow Chow will need regular brushing and they do shed a lot so be forewarned.

The Chow Chow is a medium-sized dog weighing between 40 and 70 pounds and standing around 16 to 20 inches tall.

They are not known for being good with children but that relationship can work with proper training and socialization at an early age.

These dogs are very loyal to family members!

Rough Collie

Rough Collies are famous for their stunning good looks, and this includes their beautiful shaggy coats.

Collies originate from Scotland and were originally used to herd farm animals like sheep.

There are two types of Collies, rough Collies with long coats and Smooth Collies with short coats.

Rough Collies require regular grooming in order to prevent matting and tangles in their fur. Collies are also very active dogs, and they need a decent amount of daily exercise.

Collies are famous for being great pets for families, and they are also known to do fairly well with other dogs when properly socialized with them from a young age.

Collies can be prone to health problems, so finding a reputable breeder that conducts both health testing and genetic testing is important when getting a Rough Collie puppy.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain dogs are large dogs that hail from Berne, and they have historically been used as a cattle herder, wagon pullers, flock guardian, and companion.

Often referred to as gentle giants, Bernese Mountain dogs are incredibly affectionate dogs that have been growing in popularity within the United States.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a working breed, which means they need at least a moderate amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Berners have a fluffy coat that is soft to the touch. This thick double coat does require weekly brushing to keep it in good condition.

Wooly Alaskan Malamute

Sure, we have all heard about the amazing Alaskan Malamute but have you ever seen a Wooly Alaskan Malamute? I think not!

These dogs have what is called a recessive gene that causes them to have long ‘wooly’ coats which could for sure be thought of as shaggy and fluffy.

The Wooly Alaskan Malamute will have an extra dense coat that requires daily grooming to keep it in good shape. This is actually considered a negative by some.

Even experts say you can’t really tell if an Alaskan Malamute puppy will have the ‘wooly’ longer hair as it is not noticeable until they are fully grown.

Medium-Sized Shaggy Dog Breeds

Medium-sized dog breeds are a great choice for those who do not want a large dog but are not looking for a tiny dog either.

There are many medium-sized, shaggy dog breeds to choose from!

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a dog that is somewhat similar in appearance to the Old English Sheepdog.

This dog breed is also a member of the herding group, and they have an incredibly old history dating back to the 1500s in Poland.

It is believed that Polish Lowland Sheepdogs were used to create other shaggy dog breeds such as the Bearded Collie.

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are known to be a high-energy breed, and they need a lot of exercise on a regular basis.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog would do best in an active household.

Similarly, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs also require a lot of daily grooming and brushing to keep their coats looking good.

Due to their gentle nature, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs tend to make great family dogs.

There are few health issues for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, but they can occasionally suffer from hip and eye problems.

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are a medium-sized dog breed that ranges from 30 to 50 pounds in size.

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog is a small herding dog from Scotland that almost appears to be a miniature Rough Collie.

Like many other herding breeds, Shetland Sheepdogs are known to be incredibly intelligent herding dogs that are also athletic.

Shetland Sheepdogs’ long coats look their best when brushed on a weekly basis.

However, you may need to brush a Sheltie more often during its shedding seasons.

Shelties are active dogs, and they thrive when given around 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day.

Shetland Sheepdogs are known to be good family dogs, and they do well with children and the elderly.

In addition to this, Shelties also tend to do well around other pets, including other dogs.

Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized dog with beautiful curly hair.

Spanish Water Dogs have an incredibly long history in the Iberian Peninsula, and they were originally bred to be both waterfowl retrievers and herding dogs.

The Spanish Water Dog is a moderately active dog breed, and they need about an hour of exercise each day.

When it comes to their grooming requirements, Spanish Water Dogs are actually somewhat unique in that you shouldn’t actually brush this dog.

You will need to occasionally clip their coat with scissors to make it even though.

Bearded Collie

Having a Similar appearance to the Old English Sheepdog, the Bearded Collie is a herding dog that is believed to be descended from the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

Beardies are famous for their long shaggy coats and their playful nature.

The Bearded Collie needs regular brushing in order to prevent matting and tangles. Beardies also require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.

When socialized from an early age Bearded Collies do extremely well around other dogs and small children.

Beardies are also known to be intelligent dogs that are fairly easy to train.

Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier is a smaller, medium-sized dog that looks fairly similar to the Lhasa Apso.

Tibetan Terriers were originally seen in Buddhist monasteries and were mainly used as watchdogs and companions.

To this day, Tibetan Terriers are known to make great companions for people with a variety of lifestyles.

Like many other dog breeds with long hair, the Tibetan Terrier requires daily grooming to keep their coats in good condition.

There is some variability when it comes to exercise needs for Tibetan Terriers as some tend to be more energetic than others.

Every Tibetan Terrier will benefit from daily mental stimulation, though.

Pyrenean Shepherd

The Pyrenean Shepherd is a breed of dog that is a bit on the rarer side within the United States.

Historically Pyrenean Shepherds have been seen herding flocks in the Pyrenees mountains.

They often worked alongside the more popular Great Pyrenees, which is a flock guardian breed from that area.

The Pyrenean Shepherd has a long, rough coat that requires weekly maintenance.

Ensuring that your Pyrenean Shepherd gets enough daily mental stimulation and exercise is the best way to keep them healthy and happy.

The Pyrenean Shepherd’s playful nature can make them a great option for active families.

Berger Picard

The Berger Picard is a medium to large-sized dog that was popular among French farmers.

The Berger Picard has a wiry coat that needs only a moderate amount of grooming.

Picard owners will likely need to brush their dogs more often during their shedding season though.

The Berger Picard is a very active dog that needs plenty of exercise on a daily basis.

Berger Picards are also known to be fairly trainable and good with children when well-socialized.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are a classic dog breed that is also known to be a good choice for families with children and even other pets.

Cocker Spaniels have a long and silky double coat that gives them a shaggy appearance.

This silky coat requires regular maintenance to prevent tangles and matting.

The Cocker Spaniel is also a sporting breed that requires a moderate amount of exercise to keep a healthy frame.

Cocker Spaniels can be prone to some health issues, so it is crucial that you only purchase Cocker Spaniel puppies from reputable breeders.

Small Shaggy Dog Breeds

There are also many small fluffy dog breeds that have shaggy fur as well.

These small dog breeds include the popular Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier along with the rare Tibetan Terrier and Bichon Frise.

Here are our favorite small shaggy dog breeds!

American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo dogs come in a variety of sizes from very small teacup versions to almost a medium-sized dog weighing up to 30 pounds.

And yes, the American Eskimo Dog does have a beautiful fluffy white coat that some people might say is also a bit shaggy!

You will often see these beautiful animals parading at dog shows.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a little dog that originated from China, and the breed name means “lion dog” in Chinese.

In ancient China. Shih Tzus were bred from dogs that originated in Tibet, and their purpose was to be companions to the Chinese nobility.

The Shih Tzu has a luxurious coat that comes in a wide variety of coat colors. This long silky coat needs to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting.

When it comes to exercise, the Shih Tzu is pretty low maintenance, and they only require about 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Shih Tzus are known to do very well with family members of all ages, which makes them a great choice for many families.

Additionally, Shih Tzus also tend to do well around dogs and cats as well.

Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a very old, Asianic dog breed that was originally seen in palaces and Buddhist monasteries in Tibet.

Lhasa Apsos have been little, friendly companions since the time of ancient China and Tibet.

The Lhasa Apso has a long, silky coat that needs regular brushing. When grooming your Lhasa Apso you will likely need a comb, a pin brush, and a de-matting tool.

Despite their small size, Lhasa Apsos are actually pretty energetic, and they love playing and going for walks.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are very small dogs that originate from Yorkshire and Lancashire in the United Kingdom.

Even though most of us probably picture the Yorkshire Terrier as a lap dog, they were originally bred to eliminate vermin like rats and mice.

The Yorkie’s silky, glossy coat makes them an all-time favorite among shaggy dog lovers.

This luxurious long hair needs daily brushing in order to prevent tangles and matting.

The Yorkshire Terrier is very low maintenance exercise-wise, and they will do well with just a daily walk. Yorkies tend to also make wonderful pets for families.

Shaggy Dog Breeds Make Great Pets

There are many great shaggy dog breeds that come in a large variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.

Considering that these dogs have a variety of different temperaments and energy requirements, there is sure to be a dog breed for everybody on this list.

Shaggy Dog Breeds [20 amazing dogs you want to see – pictures]